What is the right way to bathe during menstruation?

Painful menstrual cramps can make you roll over in bed. Some women find solace in painkillers, hot water bags or even a hot water bath! Sounds comforting, doesn’t it? Well, if you are among the women who feel cleaner and more comfortable after a bath in the shower or bath – it will help to remember some hygiene tips!

It may sound awful to some, but yes, some women can enjoy relaxing in the bathtub during menstruation. Wondering if bathing in a bathtub during menstruation is okay? Keep wondering because dear ladies, this is really a matter of personal choice!

How to bathe during menstruation?

In addition to keeping you clean, bathing generally has a number of positive effects on your mood and stress levels. However, there are some things you need to be careful about when bathing, when you are menstruating.

Dr Sarita Channawar, gynecologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, explains what you need to remember:

1. Remember to remove the pad, tampon or cup before bathing
It’s okay for the vagina to bleed in the shower. The blood will flow straight into the drain. Clean up old blood that has stuck to your pubic hair. Discard the pad or tampon properly and wash your menstrual cup periodically to avoid infections.

2. Bathe twice a day
Regular showering is necessary to prevent unpleasant odors and reduce the risk of infection during menstruation.

3. Clean the tub if using it
If you want to use the tub, clean it before entering it and definitely after use!

4. Avoid fragrant and chemical products down there
Use plain water to clean the vagina. Do not use harsh products that can irritate the vagina and cause allergies and infections.

5. Rinse from front to back to prevent infections
This can help prevent the spread of bacteria into your vagina.

6. Clean the vagina from the outside
The vagina is a self-cleansing organ. Cleaning from the inside can upset the pH balance and cause infection. Rinse the outside of the vagina with water.

If you are wondering if you can really use a bathtub during menstruation, your doctor should tell you:

Dr Manisha Singh, Senior Consultant – Gynecologist and Subspecialist – Reproductive Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, tells HealthShots: “An individual chooses to take a bath during menstruation. You may need to face a puddle of blood around you (if you’re not using a menstrual cup like you use in a pool). If you’re okay, then you can. However, it is not ideal to take a bath during menstruation. “

According to dr. In addition to bathing, Singha has a few other things women need to do to maintain menstrual hygiene:

1. Replace sanitary pads in a timely manner

Replace sanitary pads or tampons every 3 to 4 hours.

2. Remember to remove the tampon

People need to remember to take tampons out of their vaginas when bathing. There have been cases where people have forgotten to remove tampons, resulting in infections in the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes, and can have serious consequences such as toxic shock syndrome and the formation of a pelvic abscess.

3. Try using a menstrual cup

For people who are sexually active and those who are not afraid to touch their private parts, the hygienic way to regulate menstruation is the use of silicone-based menstrual cups. You can also use these for longer hours as a sanitary pad.

All you have to do is clean it, dry it and use it again. You can use the cup for up to two years, and during menstruation you do not have a headache to buy sanitary pads or tampons. They are completely safe and hygienic. Visit a gynecologist to determine the right size that suits you.

Also follow these tips during menstruation:

Stay well hydrated (drink 2 to 3 liters of water a day) and enjoy a nutritious diet.

If necessary, take a few days off from work.

People with heavy menstruation and severe pain should visit a specialist as soon as possible because they may be missing diseases such as fibroids and endometriosis.