Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024: Proper menstrual hygiene is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Failing to adhere to good menstrual hygiene practices can lead to a range of health issues that can affect women both physically and emotionally. Here are six additional health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene.
Every year, May 28 is marked as World Menstrual Hygiene Day to raise awareness on the importance of good menstrual hygiene management at a global level.
Dr Shalini Singh, Lab Director, Ampath Labs, Hyderabad highlights six health risk that you are prone to because of poor menstrual hygiene:
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition that can result from poor menstrual hygiene. It is caused by the toxin-producing bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. This condition is often linked to the prolonged use of high-absorbency tampons, which can create an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Symptoms of TSS include sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and a rash resembling sunburn. To reduce the risk of TSS, it is crucial to change tampons regularly and opt for the lowest absorbency necessary for menstrual flow.
- Anemia: Menstrual hygiene issues can exacerbate conditions like anemia. Women who do not change their sanitary products frequently enough might experience heavier and prolonged menstrual bleeding. This can lead to a significant loss of iron, contributing to anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Maintaining good menstrual hygiene helps manage menstrual flow better and can prevent the risk of developing or worsening anemia.
- Endometriosis Complications: While poor menstrual hygiene does not cause endometriosis, it can exacerbate the symptoms. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it, causing pain and heavy periods. Inadequate hygiene can lead to infections that complicate the already painful and challenging symptoms of endometriosis. Proper menstrual hygiene practices, including the use of clean and appropriate sanitary products, are essential for women suffering from endometriosis to manage their symptoms more effectively.
- Increased Risk of HPV Infections: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical cancer. Poor menstrual hygiene can increase the risk of contracting HPV infections. Unclean sanitary practices can cause micro-abrasions or tears in the vaginal area, making it easier for the virus to enter the body. Ensuring proper hygiene during menstruation can help protect against HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It can be caused by bacteria traveling from the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Poor menstrual hygiene can facilitate the growth of harmful bacteria that may lead to PID. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual discharge with a bad odor, painful intercourse, and irregular menstrual bleeding. PID can lead to serious complications, including infertility, if not treated promptly.
- Chronic Vulvovaginitis: Vulvovaginitis is the inflammation of the vulva and vagina, often caused by infections, irritants, or poor hygiene. Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to chronic vulvovaginitis, characterized by symptoms such as itching, burning, redness, and swelling of the vulva and vagina, as well as an abnormal discharge. This condition can be particularly distressing and uncomfortable. Maintaining good hygiene by regularly changing sanitary products and washing the genital area with mild, unscented soap and water can help prevent vulvovaginitis.
According to Dr. Singh, poor menstrual hygiene can lead to a variety of serious health risks that impact a woman’s physical and emotional well-being.
“From life-threatening conditions like Toxic Shock Syndrome to chronic issues like vulvovaginitis, the consequences of inadequate menstrual care are significant. Ensuring access to proper menstrual hygiene products and education about menstrual health is vital for protecting women’s health. By addressing these hygiene issues, we can help women maintain better health, reduce the risk of infections, and improve their quality of life,” she told Financial Express.com.