Menstruation is a natural part of life, but for many girls and women, it can still feel confusing or uncomfortable, especially when it comes to staying clean and managing waste properly. Good menstrual hygiene practices not only help you feel fresh but also keep your surroundings safe and healthy for everyone at home.
Below are three simple but important questions that can help us understand how to maintain cleanliness and confidence during this time.
How do good menstrual hygiene practices help keep the surroundings clean?
Clean surroundings start with personal hygiene. Following the right menstrual hygiene practices ensures that blood, pads, or cloths are handled safely and that germs don’t spread. Dr Sunita Sharma, Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Infertility Specialist, Fortis Nagarbhavi, Bangalore, suggests changing pads often as they can cause rashes and infections. Here’s what helps:
- Change pads regularly (every 4–6 hours). This prevents leakage, bad odour, and bacterial growth.
- Wash your hands properly with soap and water before and after changing. Many infections spread simply because hands are not cleaned properly.
- Keep a clean, dry space for changing. Whether at home, school, or work, make sure there’s a private, well-lit area to change your pad.
- Store supplies neatly. Keep your sanitary napkins or reusable pads in a clean, dry container or pouch to avoid dust and moisture.
Most people talk about body hygiene during periods, but keeping the surroundings, your room, bathroom, and dustbins, clean is just as important. It helps prevent infections and creates a supportive environment for girls and women to manage their periods with comfort and dignity.
What’s the right way to dispose of sanitary waste at home or school?
This is one of the most overlooked aspects of menstrual hygiene practices, but it’s also the most crucial for maintaining a clean environment. Used pads or cloths can carry germs and should never be thrown in open areas or flushed down toilets. Dr Ayush Chandra, Diabetologist and Yoga Trainer, Founder and Director, Nivaran Health, Delhi NCR, says, “Poor bathroom hygiene is one of the leading causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Maintaining good hygiene, staying hydrated, and wearing proper clothing can reduce the chances of getting infected.”
Here are a few simple sanitary waste disposal steps:
- Wrap used pads or tampons in paper before throwing them into a covered dustbin.
- Never flush pads or cloths; they can block drains and spread infection. Use a separate bin for menstrual waste if possible. This makes menstrual waste segregation easier and helps keep other household waste clean.
- For reusable cloths or cups, wash them with clean water and mild soap. Dry them in direct sunlight to kill germs; don’t hide them in damp corners.
- Encourage schools and public places to keep separate covered bins for menstrual waste so girls can dispose of used pads without embarrassment or fear.
When we handle menstrual waste properly, we not only protect ourselves but also reduce risks for sanitation workers who have to handle this waste later.
How can we maintain clean washroom habits during periods?
The washroom is where most menstrual care happens, so it’s vital to keep it clean and fresh. Simple, clean washroom habits during periods can make a big difference:
- Always rinse off spills immediately if blood stains the floor, seat, or bin area.
- Flush properly and ensure tissues or wrappers are thrown in the bin, not the toilet.
- Keep a packet of tissues and disposal bags handy, especially for use outside the home.
- Teach young girls to clean the toilet seat after use and wash their hands properly every time.
- If using reusable products like menstrual cups, sterilise them at the end of your cycle before storing them.
Good washroom habits help keep your surroundings odour-free, hygienic, and comfortable for everyone in the household.
Practising simple menstrual hygiene practices isn’t just about personal comfort; it’s about respect for your body, your home, and your community. When we handle menstrual waste responsibly, wash our hands regularly, and keep our surroundings clean, we create a healthier environment for ourselves and others.
Parents can support their teens by talking openly about these habits and setting up a clean, private space for them to manage their periods. With the right guidance and small daily actions, menstruation can be handled confidently, safely, and hygienically every single month.
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