Awareness around menstrual health and hygiene has improved in recent years, but experts say significant gaps in understanding still remain, particularly in India. Medical professionals continue to stress that period hygiene is not just about managing menstruation for a few days each month, but about maintaining long-term reproductive and intimate health. According to specialists, everyday habits during periods can have a direct impact on a woman’s overall wellbeing.

In an interaction, Dr Pooja Rana, Senior Consultant in Gynaecology at The Women’s Hospital, highlighted that menstrual hygiene is often misunderstood and reduced only to the use of sanitary products. She explained that proper care during menstruation is a crucial part of reproductive, physical, and emotional health. However, many women continue to follow unsafe or outdated practices without realizing the potential health risks involved.

Dr Rana pointed out several commonly overlooked hygiene mistakes during periods. These include wearing a single pad for extended hours, using damp or unclean cloth repeatedly, and overusing scented washes, sprays, or antiseptics that may disturb the natural vaginal balance. She also noted that ignoring symptoms such as itching, unusual discharge, or foul smell can delay treatment of underlying infections or conditions that require medical attention.

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She further cautioned against the frequent and unmonitored use of over-the-counter painkillers for period pain without proper medical evaluation. Some health discussions have also raised concerns about the use of talc-based products in intimate areas, with studies suggesting potential risks that require further medical awareness. Experts emphasize that poor menstrual hygiene practices can increase the likelihood of reproductive tract infections, urinary infections, skin irritation, and long-term discomfort.

Public health discussions also highlight that menstrual health challenges go beyond physical symptoms. Poor hygiene and untreated menstrual issues can affect daily routines, emotional wellbeing, school attendance, and workplace productivity. Despite growing access to online health information, experts note that trust and correct application of that information remain limited, which contributes to continued misconceptions.

To improve menstrual health outcomes, specialists recommend adopting simple but consistent hygiene practices. These include changing sanitary products every four to six hours, using clean water for genital hygiene, washing hands before and after changing products, and ensuring reusable cloth is properly cleaned and dried in sunlight. Proper disposal of menstrual waste, along with adequate hydration, nutrition, and iron intake during periods, is also considered essential for maintaining overall health and reducing complications.

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