“Hygiene is two-thirds of health.” This ancient proverb perfectly sums up why cleanliness is paramount for a positive period. It is key to feeling good, which is why we always stress it in our menstrual health trainings. This blog shares simple, effective tips to help you or those you support feel confident each month.
Handwashing
Regular hand washing is essential for everyone, regardless of whether they are menstruating or not. Our hands touch everything and can carry germs. Women and girls who menstruate need to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling their underwear or any menstrual product. We have included some helpful handwashing tips from the World Health Organization here.
Gentle Vulva Care
The vulva (the external part) covering the vagina requires minimal care. We recommend washing this area gently with clean water during a bath or shower. Remember, the vagina cleans itself naturally. So the phrase, “less is often more,” applies here: never use harsh soaps, douches, or fragranced cleansers in or around the vagina. These can upset its natural balance and cause irritation. Clean water is the safest and most effective choice. For more information, check out these tips from Healthline on how to properly clean your vagina and vulva here.
Wipe from Front to Back
This small habit makes a huge difference. Always wipe from front to back (vulva towards anus) after using the toilet or latrine. This stops harmful bacteria from moving to your vagina and urethra, greatly reducing your risk of infections.
Wear Clean, Dry, and Comfortable Pads and Underwear
Pads and your underwear come into contact with the skin; thus, cleanliness is a must. Wearing clean, dry, and comfortable products and underwear helps prevent discomfort and infections, as damp or soiled fabric can breed bacteria and cause irritation. Squeeze and pinch the fabric to make sure it is fully dry.
One of the reasons we manufacture underwear is based on our research, which shows that most options available on the market are not well-made. As a result, many women and girls struggle to find comfortable, well-fitting, and durable underwear at affordable prices. The AFRIpads underwear is designed with comfort, dignity, and accessibility in mind. Learn more about AFRIpads underwear here.
Regularly Change Menstrual Products
Changing menstrual products regularly is essential for maintaining good health and hygiene, regardless of whether your menstrual flow is light or heavy. Most manufacturers recommend changing menstrual products every 4 to 6 hours, and not exceeding 8 hours.
This is because prolonged use can lead to rapid bacterial growth. It can also lead to the increased risk of odor, discomfort, rashes, and infections. Practicing proper hygiene, such as timely changing and thorough cleaning of pads, helps ensure both comfort and safety during menstruation
Don’t Share Menstrual Products
Sharing menstrual products is highly discouraged, especially when it comes to reusable sanitary pads, menstrual cups, and underwear. This practice is sometimes seen among women and girls who cannot afford to purchase these products repeatedly. However, menstrual products are personal items designed for use by one individual only.
Sharing them increases the risk of infections, including skin irritations. Used pads, cups, or underwear can carry bacteria and fungi, which may lead to serious infections in the vaginal area. For health and hygiene, menstrual products mustn’t be shared under any circumstances.
Trim or Maintain Pubic Hair
After puberty, sweat glands in the pubic area become more active. While managing pubic hair is a personal choice, “to each their own”, keeping the area neat and clean can help manage odor. The most effective way to stay fresh, however, is consistent, gentle washing of the external genital area, as mentioned earlier.
Choose Safe and Comfortable Menstrual Products
For many women and girls, access to menstrual products remains limited. That is why it is important to promote options that are available, affordable, safe, comfortable, and hygienic. While preferences may vary, key qualities to look for in a menstrual product include:
- Skin Comfort – Soft and non-irritating materials prevent rashes and discomfort.
- Reliable Absorbency – To stay dry and avoid leaks.
- Affordable and Accessible – Products that are budget-friendly and within reach.
- Easy Wash and Dry – Especially important for reusable products.
At AFRIpads, we manufacture reusable pads that meet these essential standards. They are cost-effective, long-lasting, and designed for the needs of low-resource settings. To use them effectively, wash them thoroughly after each use, dry them under direct sunlight, and store them in a clean, dry place. Learn more about proper use and care here.
Do you have personal hygiene tips that work for you during your period? We’d love to hear them! Email us at info@afripads.com and let us keep the conversation going.
