7 Period Hygiene Mistakes Many Women Make Without Knowing

Most of us learned about period hygiene in a few quick lines from a mother, a sister or a school session. "Keep clean, change your pad, and don't tell anyone."

That is not much. So it's no surprise that many women pick up habits that feel right but aren't actually helpful, and sometimes cause itching, rashes or infections.

Here are seven common mistakes, and what to do instead.

Mistake 1: Changing your pad or panty too rarely

Wearing the same pad for many hours, even when it doesn't feel full, can cause rashes, smell and a higher risk of infection. Blood left in contact with the skin for long gives germs a place to grow.

What to do: change every four to six hours, and sooner on heavy days. Set a phone alarm if you tend to forget.

Mistake 2: Washing inside the vagina or using strong soaps

The vagina cleans itself. Washing inside it, or using harsh soaps, scented washes or "douches", can upset its natural balance and lead to irritation or infection.

What to do: wash only the outer area with plain water, or a mild wash that your doctor says is suitable. Pat dry gently.

Mistake 3: Using scented products

Scented pads, sprays and wipes can irritate sensitive skin. If you get itching, burning or redness, a fragrance may be the reason.

What to do: choose unscented products where you can, and stop using anything that irritates you.

Mistake 4: Wiping the wrong way

Wiping from back to front can carry germs from the anus towards the vagina and urinary opening.

What to do: always wipe from front to back after using the toilet.

Mistake 5: Leaving a tampon or cup in too long

Tampons should be changed at least every four to eight hours, and never left in longer than eight hours. Leaving one in too long raises the risk of a rare but serious infection called toxic shock syndrome. Menstrual cups also need to be emptied and cleaned on time, as the pack explains.

What to do: follow the pack instructions, wash your hands before and after, and if you get a sudden high fever, dizziness, rash or vomiting during your period, remove it and go to a doctor at once.

Mistake 6: Reusing cloth that isn't clean or fully dry

Many women still use cloth, and it can be safe, but only if it is washed well with soap, dried fully in sunlight, and kept in a clean, dry place. Damp or shaded cloth can carry germs.

What to do: wash with soap and clean water, dry completely in the sun, store it in a clean cover, and replace old, worn cloth. If you can't keep it clean, use disposable options.

Mistake 7: Throwing used products the wrong way

Flushing pads or panties blocks pipes, and leaving them uncovered in a bin is unhygienic.

What to do: wrap the used product in paper or a small bag, and put it in a dustbin. Don't flush it. Wash your hands after.

A few more good habits

Wear clean, breathable cotton underwear, and change it daily

Bathe daily, and don't skip it on your period, because it is safe and helps you stay fresh

Wash your hands before and after you change

Keep spare supplies in your bag, so you never have to stretch a pad

Drink water and eat regular meals

When to see a doctor

Please talk to a doctor if you notice:

Itching, burning or redness that doesn't go away

Discharge with a strong smell or an unusual colour

Pain when passing urine

Fever, with pain in the lower belly

A rash, sores or swelling in the area

Very heavy bleeding, soaking a pad every one to two hours

It is nothing to be embarrassed about. Doctors see these problems every day, and most are easy to treat.

Pass it on

If you learned something new, share this with a friend, a sister or your daughter. Most of us were never taught properly, and a little information can save a lot of discomfort.

Where Dreamease can help

For heavy days and long hours, our disposable period panty gives full coverage and up to 8 hours of protection, and it's quick to change and easy to dispose of.

And if you have a question about your periods or your health and don't know who to ask, you can talk to a gynaecologist on Dreamease for just ₹49.

This article is for general information. It doesn't replace advice from your own doctor.