Period Talk - Why Menstrual Health is so Important
For many of us, menstrual hygiene is one of those things that we don’t give a huge amount of thought to. Periods happen, we deal with it, and then we think about it as little as possible until the next one. Unfortunately, this is not the case for all women globally and menstrual hygiene issues contribute to a lack of education, social stigma and countless deaths each year.
Women in developing countries often can’t afford proper sanitary products and have to resort to alternatives such as rags, newspaper, toilet paper and even plastic bags. Closer to home, research by Plan International UK found that 1 in 7 women and young girls have struggled to afford sanitary products, with 1 in 10 admitting that they have been unable to buy the products that they needed.
The consequences of so-called period poverty are far-reaching and, in some cases, catastrophic. It is estimated that over 500 million women globally do not have access to the products and facilities that they need to maintain good menstrual hygiene practices.
Not only is it uncomfortable and unreliable to use products that are not designed for the purpose, many will have no choice but to take time away from work or school and a lack of appropriate hygiene can result in infections, some of which can be life-threatening or lead to infertility.
In developing countries such as Uganda, almost half of girls will miss time from school each month because of their period. In the UK, the figure is similar, with 49% of girls saying that they have taken time off due to menstruation and 59% of those saying that they lied about why they were away from school to avoid embarrassment.
Photo credit: Vulvani, two tampons are hanging down by the tail against a red fabric background
What is menstrual hygiene?
Put simply, menstrual hygiene comes down to two things: using appropriate sanitary protection for the recommended amount of time and maintaining cleanliness by washing regularly with soap and water. By ensuring that appropriate menstrual hygiene is maintained, the risks of rashes, urinary tract infections, reproductive issues, bacterial infections and even cervical cancer can be reduced.
Using appropriate sanitary products is vital in reducing the risk of infection and it is always important to follow the guidance given by the manufacturer. Using sanitary towels or tampons for longer than the recommended time not only increases the risk of leaks and smells but also means that there is more potential for bacterial growth and the risk of potentially deadly infections such as Toxic Shock Syndrome.
If affordability is an issue, then it may be worth considering some of the reusable products which have recently come onto the market, with options such as reusable sanitary pads, period pants and menstrual cups. There is something for everyone and, as long as they are properly cleaned between each use, they are just as effective at maintaining hygiene as the disposable options.
It is also important to ensure that cleanliness is maintained during menstruation. Despite old wives’ tales which told women not to wash during menstruation, regularly cleaning the pubic area with soap and water will reduce the growth of potentially harmful bacteria as well as helping to avoid any unpleasant smells and rashes which can occur.
When cleaning, it is vital to remember to only use soap and water. During periods, the vagina is essentially a self-cleaning system and using harsh, heavily scented products or procedures such as vaginal douching should be avoided as they can cause more harm than good.
Where to find help
In the UK there has been a huge effort in recent years to raise awareness of period poverty and the impact this has on menstrual hygiene. After a very public campaign, the government removed a tax on sanitary products at the start of 2021, but there are still thousands of women who struggle to afford appropriate protection. Companies and charities have worked hard to provide for those who need help.
Hygiene Bank - with almost 800 locations around the country, The Hygiene Bank is a grassroots charity that aims to provide hygiene options for those most in need.
Body form - in 2017, Body Form reacted to the UK period poverty crisis by pledging to donate 100k sanitary towels to those in need every 3 months. In 2020, they doubled this pledge and currently supply 100k products per month in partnership with In Kind Direct.