Embracing Menstrual Hygiene: A Shared Obligation

When it comes to the realm of menstrual hygiene, choice is what empowers. From reusable sanitary towels to menstrual cups and everything in between, menstruators should have access to a wide range of alternatives catered to their requirements. Let's take a closer look at menstrual hygiene management today, discussing not only the goods but also the important role that males have in providing assistance to those who are menstruating.

   1. A Variety of Menstrual Hygiene Options

The days of few options are over. Nowadays, menstruators have a variety of menstrual hygiene products to choose from, each with their own set of advantages. The ease of use of disposable towels after every single use, the environmental benefits of reusable pads, the discreteness of tampons, and the adaptability of menstrual cups indicates a solution for every proclivity and lifestyle. Have you ever asked yourself how a tampon is worn?  Sniffing some curiosity, right?

Image (i)portraying various menstrual products: Period panties, disposable sanitary pads, menstrual cups, tampons, hygiene cloths etc. Photo Credit:  Bing AI

For some individuals, the thought of putting on a tampon looks like a jigsaw puzzle, not to panic, some tips here can come in handy for you who could be interested in trying out tampons for the first time- 

Pick the appropriate tampon: Depending on your flow, choose the right absorbency level (light, regular, super, etc.). Wash your hands: To avoid introducing bacteria, give your hands a thorough cleaning with soap and water. Choose a comfortable stance: You can stand with one leg raised on the edge of the bathtub or toilet seat, or you can sit with your knees apart on the toilet. 

Get the tampon ready: Take the tampon out of its packaging. Hold the tampon between your thumb and middle finger at the grip—the lower, rounded end while the string hangs down. The tampon should be inserted by gently guiding it into your vaginal opening at a 45-degree angle toward your lower back with your index finger at the base of the handle. Insert it so that your fingers meet and halt when your fingers touch your body. Pretty sure you are having some imagination, do you see it is not rocket science? 

Image (ii)displaying menstrual products: tampons, menstrual cups and hygiene cloths. Photo Credit:  Bing AI

If using a tampon applicator, Grasp the tampon applicator by using your middle finger and thumb. To reveal the tampon, use your index finger to push the plunger. With the applicator angled somewhat upward, gently enter it into the vaginal opening. To release the tampon into the birth canal, push the inner tube into the outer tube.

Removing the applicator gently requires holding onto the grip. Place the used applicator in the garbage after wrapping it in toilet  paper. Make sure to fully wash your hands.

To remove the tampon after it is full, again depending on flow; gently pull the hanging string until it slides to the outside of the vaginal opening. Please ensure to change a tampon within a span of 4-8 hours, avoiding the Toxic-Shock Syndrome that could cause detrimental effects due to overstaying with a tampon.

Dear remarkable reader, Do you know that some tips on preventing Toxic Shock Syndrome are inclusive of:

 v   Selecting the correct absorbency as per flow, avoid the super absorbent ones if your flow is light/ regular.

v   Change a tampon before putting a new one in a span of 4-8 hours. Change as frequently as needed.

v    Alternate with sanitary pads especially during night time when one can tend to forget about the tampon

Tampons are the most comfortable, their coziness is unmatched, no more worries about someone hearing you unwrapping a pad, though pads aren't bad, it is contingent on your preference!  This is especially of you are a fan of swimming, hitting the gym or just binging on your coach watching your favorite show with some popcorns. So, do not be scared about the Toxic Shock Syndrome, just use it appropriately and your body will thank you later. Embrace a new era of confidence and freedom with tampons dear menstruators.

2.  The Art of Cleaning: Menstrual cups and reusable sanitary pads

Keeping reusable cloth sanitary pads clean is essential for people who choose this option. Bacteria and fungi are eliminated by soaking the pad in salty water, adding a little amount of kitchen salt, and giving it a good wash with bar soap and water, then airing it under the sun. Menstrual cups, on the other hand, need a straightforward but efficient cleaning procedure that ensures comfort and safety: washing in plain or soapy water, completely rinsing, and drying completely before reusing.

     3.   Ethical aspect: Putting on a Sanitary Pad.

The use of sanitary pads can be treated ethically in addition to practically. In order to use a sanitary pad: Make sure to fully wash your hands. Take the pad out of the packing. Remove the sticky backing by peeling it off. With the sticky side facing down, place the pad in the middle of your panties. To keep the pad in place, firmly press it on the underpants. For comfort, adjust as necessary. Finally, to maintain hygiene, dispose of the packaging and give yourself another hand wash. Menstrual ethics and environmental sustainability are enhanced by thoughtful disposal techniques and deliberate consumption decisions. 

Image (iv) exhibiting reusable sanitary pads made of approved materials, tampons, menstrual cups etc. Photo Credit:  Bing AI

   4.  The Role of Men: A Foundation of Encouragement 

Men's participation in managing menstrual hygiene is not only admirable, but also crucial. Men are vital in making sure women who are menstruating feel powerful and supported, from ensuring the availability of water for hygiene purposes especially during menstruation, buying period supplies such as recommended pain medication, hot water bottles, healthy, nutritive foods, reusable and disposable pads, tampons and menstrual cups, to offering social and emotional support through reassurance and assisting with adequate rest.

  5.  Creating Environments That Are Period-Friendly

Men can actively support menstruators by building period-friendly restrooms at home and making sure clean water and basic hygiene supplies are always available. Men lead the way in promoting menstrual hygiene and understanding menstruation, which fosters a more accepting and compassionate culture.

With Cooperation Leading to Empowerment, collaboration is essential on the path to menstrual hygiene empowerment. We can make a society where menstruation is no longer viewed as taboo but rather as a wonderful part of womanhood by encouraging male involvement and support, embracing a varied range of product options, and adhering to good hygiene practices. So let's pose this question to ourselves: What can we all do to foster a menstrual hygiene culture that is more accepting and encouraging? And what actions can we take now to guarantee that all menstruators have a better, more empowered tomorrow? Let's advocate for menstruation hygiene as a shared obligation.