Menstrual Hygiene

Menstrual hygiene:

Menstrual hygiene is vital for the good health, well-being, dignity, empowerment, and productivity of women. The impact of poor menstrual hygiene on girls is increased stress levels, fear, and embarrassment during menstruation. This can keep girls inactive during such periods leading to absenteeism from school.

1. Take bath and clean yourself regularly.
2. Clean and safe absorbable clothing materials, sanitary napkins, pads, tampons, and menstrual cups have been identified as materials used to manage menstruation.
3. Changing sanitary material 4-5 hours as per the requirement, provides comfort, cleanliness, and protection from infections. It also helps in enhancing the quality of life of women during this period.
4. Used sanitary napkins should be wrapped in paper and disposed. 
5. Used sanitary napkins should not be thrown in open areas or drain pipes of toilets. Flushing of sanitary napkins in the drain pipes causes choking of the drainage line leading to water pollution.
6. After handling the napkin wash your hands with soap.

Disposal of Napkins:

The ecofriendly way to dispose menstrual waste scientifically and hygienically is to destroy the sanitary napkins using incinerators. Measures are being taken to install incinerators and napkin vending machines in washrooms of schools, colleges, and public facilities.

Poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS):

PCOS is a complex endocrine system disorder that affects women in their reproductive years. Polycystic means ‘many cysts’. It refers to many partially formed follicles on the ovaries, which contain an egg each. But they do not grow to maturity or produce eggs that can be fertilized. Women with PCOS may experience irregular menstrual cycles, increased androgen levels, excessive facial or body hair growth (hirsutism), acne, obesity, reduced fertility, and increased risk of diabetes. Treatment for PCOS includes a healthy lifestyle, weight loss, and targeted hormone therapy.