Menstrual health: How to choose the right product, keep it clean down there, and avoid odors

During Harnaaz Sandhu's reign as Miss Universe 2021, one of the Indian beauty queen's advocacies was normalizing conversations about menstrual health to encourage proper support for women.

Harnaaz visited the Philippines in 2022 and gave a talk to young students about turning "period poverty to period powerty."

"Every woman in this room either has, have, or will have a period. And let me tell you, we all got you. Don't let that stain, stain your mind," she said.

This International Women's Month, GMA News Online breaks down the different menstrual products available for women in the Philippines and how to know which is the right choice for them, as well as hygiene reminders to keep optimum health down there.

Choosing the right menstrual product for your needs

We live in a world where women have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to menstrual products.

In the Philippines, sanitary pads or napkins remain the most popular choice, although options like tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwear are also readily available for women.

According to Dr. Jaydee V. Inkee, MD, FPOGS, an active consultant at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, there is no one-size-fits-all product for women regarding menstrual products.

For women who do not have sexual contact or are just starting their menstruation, Inkee suggested using menstrual pads.

"Using pads may be more ideal since they might have difficulty inserting the tampons or cups or they may be too young to follow the care instructions of a menstrual cup," the OB-GYN told GMA News Online.

On the other hand, if you experience heavy menstruation, you might find tampons and period underwear more practical and less worrisome to use.

Inkee also recommended menstrual cups for those who are eco-conscious. Contrary to the myth, using one doesn't make you loose down there.

Aside from being eco-friendly, menstrual cups are more sanitary than menstrual pads.

A 2019 study in the medical journal Lancet Public Health discovered that the reusable menstrual cup effectively prevents leakage and reduces the risk of developing bacterial infection compared to other feminine hygiene products.

However, those who are using menstrual cups and tampons should be aware of the risks of Toxic Shock Syndrome, a condition caused by bacteria getting inside the body that, if not prevented, could release harmful toxins that could be life-threatening.

"Whatever suits one's lifestyle, budget, and medical concerns are the best determinants when choosing the right menstrual product for a person," Inkee said.

How to clean and keep healthy down there during your period

On a normal day, washing your intimate area once or twice a day should be enough, given that the "vagina self-cleans." 

But what is the best way to go around cleaning yourself down there during your monthly period?

According to Dr. Angel Sianghio-Lapada, MD, DPOGS, since the vagina is a self-cleaning organ, "there's no need for douching or using harsh chemicals."

To maintain proper hygiene and prevent infections during your monthly period, Lapada recommended washing the external genitalia with mild, unscented soap and water.

"Avoid douching, as it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast, increasing the risk of infections," the OB-GYN said.

According to WebMD, vaginal douching is the process of washing out the vagina using a mixture of water and vinegar.

"Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from spreading from the anus to the vagina," she advised.

She also recommended patting the perineal area dry after washing or using the toilet "to prevent moisture buildup," which can be a factor for bacterial growth.

Inkee, on the other hand, also said there is no need to use perfumed feminine washes or antiseptic washes unless "you have an ongoing vaginal or vulvar infection."

How often should you change your menstrual products during your period?

For sanitary napkins, change your pads every four to eight hours to prevent infections.

As for the menstrual cup, you may empty it every 12 hours. For heavy bleeders, you may need to empty it more frequently.

Lapada advised those using reusable menstrual cups to wash and dry them properly before reuse.

How do you avoid unpleasant odors during your period?

According to Inkee, menstrual blood is the primary source of the unpleasant odor in your intimate area. To prevent this, it's important to change sanitary pads regularly, even if they're not thoroughly soaked, to avoid the odor from dried-up blood.

"Changing sanitary pads regularly, even though they are not soaked yet, can prevent the odor from dried-up blood," she said.

In addition, Lapada advised using breathable and comfortable cotton underwear to keep the area dry and reduce moisture buildup.

"Change underwear as necessary, especially during humid and hot weather or activities," she said.

However, Lapada stressed the importance of consulting an OB-GYN doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as a strong, fishy, or unusual odor and greenish-yellow or clumpy discharge.

These could be signs of an underlying issue or infection, and should not be self-medicated with soaps or feminine washes.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News