New Delhi, June 5 : Use menstrual cups, biodegradable sanitary napkins or organic tampons to ensure you are environment-friendly during menstruation, suggest experts.
Anupriya Kapur, Founder, Imbue and Deep Bajaj, Founder of PeeBuddy and Sirona, have shared some tips that can help you remain hygienic during periods.
* Biodegradable sanitary napkins: Use biodegradable or cotton sanitary napkins or tampons during menstruation.
They are good for your skin and lessen the itchy feeling and rashes.
* Switch to a sustainable eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products like a menstrual cup or organic tampons.
If not comfortable with inserting the product up your vagina, try reusable panties/cloth pads.
* Don't dispose your sanitary waste in plastic bags.
Instead, wrap it in bio-degradable paper or use Oxo-degradable sanitary disposal bags.
For your own hygiene:
* Switch to cotton underwear: Cotton is a breathable material and absorbs moisture.
Try to restrict the number of hours spent in a lacey or satin underwear.
* Get out of sweaty clothes: Wet or damp clothes multiply the risk of bacterial infection in the intimate area.
Take a shower and change into fresh and dry clothing post gym/working out or post any form of physical activity.
If you can't shower after swimming or working out, at least change out of your bathing suit or sweaty clothes.
* Don't forget to change your pad and tampon: With the invention of high-absorbency pads and tampons, it's easy to forget how important it is to change them regularly.
But it's important to change pad or tampons every three-four hours.
* No scented products: Douching is a practice of cleaning the vagina from inside which is unnecessary.
You don't need to spray water or any chemicals inside to clean it. However, the external genital area/vulva requires gentle care. Use natural, scent free products, and stay away from anything which promises to make your vagina smell like a bed of roses.
* Never use two pads simultaneously: Some women who experience heavy flow, tend to use two sanitary pads at one go to control the flow and prevent staining of clothes.
This, however, is a bad idea as it can cause infections in the vaginal region. Stick to one and keep changing it often if the flow is more.
--IANS
dc/rb/pg.
Source: IANS