Introduction: During menstruation, women's resistance and immunity tend to decline. So, can women bathe during their period?
Tips for bathing during menstruation (Public Health Network)
Women can bathe during their period.However, it's crucial to stay warm during this time. Opt for showers instead of baths to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina and causing infections.
The genital area may develop odor during menstruation, especially in summer. Yet, vigorously scrubbing with body wash or repeatedly rinsing with hot water is unhealthy and may trigger infections leading to itching.
Choose specialized cleansers for intimate hygiene. While the vagina maintains a slightly acidic environment that naturally inhibits bacterial growth, it becomes more alkaline during menstruation, reducing resistance to infection. Using non-specialized cleansers or excessive hot water washing can further increase alkalinity. Therefore, opt for specialized intimate cleansers, especially during your period.
During menstruation, it is essential to shower or sponge bathe.During menstruation, the uterine lining sheds, leaving an exposed surface in the uterine cavity; cervical mucus is flushed out by menstrual blood, slightly opening the cervical os; and menstrual blood accumulates in the vagina, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. These factors temporarily compromise the protective barrier function of the reproductive tract. Combined with the overall decline in immune resistance during menstruation, taking a bath may allow contaminated water and vaginal bacteria to ascend through the cervical canal into the uterine cavity, potentially causing infection. Therefore, baths should be avoided.
It's important to remind everyone that during menstruation, attention should not only be paid to bathing practices. Additionally, prolonged misuse of antibiotics or chemical-based douches should be avoided. This helps prevent disruption of the vaginal flora, which could otherwise lead to conditions like yeast infections.
Six Hygiene Tips for Taking Care of Your Period
That monthly visitor can be a real hassle for women, but no matter how annoying it gets, you absolutely mustn't neglect this "relative." Even if you feel exhausted, irritable, or even suffer from unbearable abdominal pain during your period, taking good care of yourself is essential.
1. Itching is normal, but clean promptly
Itching is a common occurrence. During menstruation, you might occasionally feel a crawling sensation or itchiness down there after a couple of days. This happens because the area tends to be warm and damp during your period, especially with heavier flow. Prolonged moisture can cause discomfort, and itching is a natural response.
However, this doesn't mean you should ignore it. During your period, maintain cleanliness and dryness by using sanitary pads with breathable mesh surfaces. Thoroughly clean the external genitalia to prevent worsening itchiness, bacterial growth, and potential gynecological issues.
2. Avoid excessive wrapping
Many people tightly wrap their lower body during menstruation to contain embarrassing odors, but this approach backfires! The tighter the seal, the harder it is for odors to dissipate. Prolonged accumulation intensifies the smell, and constant sealing can also cause adverse physical effects.
3. Opt for light foods to reduce body odor
During your period, avoid tight pants or leggings. Steer clear of high-fat, high-calorie foods. Instead, choose light options like fruits, vegetables, and soy products. These help neutralize menstrual odors and keep your body feeling fresh.
4. Scented sanitary pads may promote bacterial growth
If you're troubled by menstrual odors, seeing scented pads or period perfumes on the market might feel like finding a savior. However, most doctors actually discourage using medicated or scented pads. The added fragrances and chemicals can actually encourage vaginal bacterial growth.If using period perfume, it's best to spray it on the back of your pad or underwear rather than directly on your body. This approach alleviates concerns without harming your health.
5. Change pads frequently, no matter how absorbent they are
TV ads often emphasize pads' absorbency, leak-proofing, and anti-backflow features, misleading women into thinking it's fine to wear the same pad for extended periods. This is highly misleading.Due to the structure, design, and raw materials of sanitary pads, even high-quality ones cannot prevent cross-contamination caused by the unique physiological structures of the anus, urethra, and vagina during use. Therefore, frequent changes are essential—typically every four to five hours, and every two to three hours during heavy flow.
6. Special Reminder for Postpartum Women
Many new mothers experience extreme physical weakness, with lingering pain from episiotomy wounds. Blood clots and discharge continuously flow from the lower body, making lying down uncomfortable. The slightest carelessness can soil clothing.
Postpartum lochia may persist for several days. During this period, choose soft, generously sized sanitary products. With lowered immunity, new mothers must change pads frequently to prevent infection. It is recommended to rinse the area with clean water several times daily, or use medicated solutions for cleansing.