Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025: From infections to prevention, here’s what every girl needs for healthy periods

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025: Menstruation is a natural process, yet many girls and women still lack the essential resources and knowledge to manage it safely. Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to serious infections, long-term health risks, and suffering. From inadequate products to unhygienic facilities, the lack of proper care can have lasting consequences.

"Menstrual hygiene is not only about products,” says Dr Mannan Gupta, Chairperson and HOD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi. “It includes safe, clean materials, private spaces to change, timely disposal, and, most importantly, the right knowledge to prevent infections and complications,” he says.

Dr Gupta shares some common complications caused by poor menstrual hygiene and also suggests steps to prevent them:

Also read | Menstrual hygiene is crucial for young girls, follow these practices for healthy body, mind

• Urinary and reproductive tract infections (UTIs and RTIs): 

Failure to change pads frequently or using unclean materials allows harmful bacteria to multiply, explains Dr Gupta. “This leads to infections that can affect the urinary and reproductive tract, and in some cases, may cause long-term reproductive issues,” he says.

• Skin irritation and fungal infections:

“Using inappropriate materials, like synthetic cloth or unclean rags, or wearing pads too long can cause rashes, irritation, and even fungal infections,” Dr Gupta cautions. The friction and moisture create an ideal environment for skin breakdown and infection.

• Increased vulnerability to HPV and cervical issues:

According to Dr Gupta, “Chronic inflammation from repeated infections weakens the natural defences of the cervix, potentially increasing the risk of HPV infections and other complications that may impact reproductive health.”

• Missed education and social withdrawal:

While not a direct medical condition, poor menstrual hygiene can lead to school absenteeism and social isolation, especially among adolescent girls. This indirectly affects their physical and mental well-being in the long run.

Also read | 12 things every girl should know about periods: Time to break the taboo

Simple strategies for maintaining good menstrual hygiene:

• Choose clean and comfortable products: Select a product that suits your body and flow, whether sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or reusable cloth pads. “Make sure they are clean and changed regularly,” advises Dr Gupta.
• Change every 4–6 hours: “Changing sanitary materials every four to six hours helps prevent bacterial growth and skin irritation,” says Dr Gupta. If the flow is heavy, changing more frequently is essential.
• Maintain genital hygiene gently: Use warm water to clean the area during each change. “Avoid harsh soaps or intimate washes, as they can disrupt the natural pH balance,” he adds.
• Dispose responsibly: Wrap used pads in paper before discarding. Reusable cloth pads should be washed thoroughly with soap and water and dried in direct sunlight to kill bacteria.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.