Caring for Your Menstrual Health
Pregnancy, childbirth, contraception, and abortion are significant aspects of a woman's reproductive life. Various gynecological issues can arise during these times, potentially impacting health. Here are some essential tips to help you maintain optimal health and avoid complications.
1. Keep Warm During Menstrual Cycles
In colder weather, it is crucial to keep your body warm. Avoid any cold stimuli by not sitting on cold surfaces, refraining from cold baths, and steering clear of cold food and drinks. It's particularly important not to take cold showers during your period.
2. Select Appropriate Menstrual Hygiene Products
Use the right menstrual products for your needs. If you experience itching, discomfort, or unusual odors from a particular brand of sanitary pads, discontinue use immediately and switch to another brand.
3. Avoid Sitting Baths
During menstruation, the endometrium may have small wounds, and the cervix is open, making it best to avoid sitting baths to minimize infection risks.
4. Maintain Hygiene Properly
Change your sanitary pads frequently throughout the day. It is advisable to wash the external genitalia with warm water daily; a shower is preferable. If using a basin, ensure to use separate basins and towels to maintain hygiene.
5. Manage Pre-Menstrual Symptoms
If you experience pre-menstrual tension, consider a low-sodium diet that reduces dairy and sweets while increasing your fiber intake. Foods like lean meats, whole grains, buckwheat, barley, and dark leafy greens can help alleviate emotional discomfort, reduce bloating, ease breast tenderness, and combat fatigue.
6. Relieve Abdominal Discomfort
For abdominal discomfort, apply local heat or perform gentle circular massages. Avoid strenuous physical activities, entertainment, or intense exercise during this time, and ensure ample rest and sleep.
7. Change Hygiene Products Regularly
During the first few days of your period, when menstrual flow tends to be heavier, be diligent in changing your pads, particularly at night. This helps prevent over-stimulation of the perineum, which could lead to infections. Always insert pads from front to back to avoid transferring bacteria from the anal area into the vagina.
8. Limit Tea Consumption
Women who enjoy drinking tea may experience increased tension during their periods. Avoid strong tea during menstruation to prevent worsening of pre-menstrual symptoms.
9. Avoid Sexual Intercourse
Refrain from sexual activity during menstruation, as it can introduce bacteria from the vulva and perineum into the vagina, cervix, and uterus. This may lead to conditions such as endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease or exacerbate disorders like endometriosis.
10. Monitor Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
If you notice an increase in menstrual flow, seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause. If it’s due to a menstrual disorder, timely treatment is essential. If the bleeding is a result of an intrauterine device, consult your doctor for alternative contraceptive options.
11. Track Irregular Menstrual Cycles
If you have irregular periods, pay close attention to your menstrual patterns. Providing your doctor with detailed health history can aid in diagnosing gynecological disorders such as fibroids, ectopic pregnancies, endometriosis, and uterine cancer.
12. Keep a Menstrual Diary
Document your menstrual health, including cycle length, flow duration, volume, any abdominal pain, irregularities, and the date of your last period. This information is vital for healthcare providers to assess your health, confirm potential gynecological issues, guide contraception choices, plan for procedures, and estimate due dates.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly enhance your menstrual health and overall well-being throughout various stages of your reproductive life.