Menstrual Hygiene for Teenage Girls: A Practical Guide

Periods are normal, and healthy

Menstruation is still surrounded by myths and restrictions. Many girls grow up without clear, scientific information about their periods, which can lead to discomfort and infections.

Some families still treat a girl as "unclean" during her period. This belief comes from a time when women reused cloth, had no running water and no modern soap. Together with a poor understanding of the body, it led to rules such as staying out of the kitchen, avoiding places of worship, or staying apart from the family. Times have changed. Periods are a sign of fertility and good health, and with the right care, a girl can stay clean, comfortable and active throughout.

1. choose a product that suits you

• Sanitary pads: the most common choice; easy to use.
• Tampons: worn inside the vagina; useful for sport and swimming.
• Menstrual cups: reusable silicone cups worn inside; last several years with care.
• Period underwear and reusable cloth pads: washable options. Cloth pads must be washed well and dried fully in sunlight.

Choose what keeps you comfortable and dry. It is fine to try different products.

2. change regularly

• Pads: about every 4 to 6 hours, more often on heavy days.
• Tampons: every 4 to 8 hours, and never more than 8 hours. Use the lowest absorbency you need. Leaving a tampon in too long increases the risk of a rare but serious infection called toxic shock syndrome.
• Menstrual cups: empty and rinse at least every 12 hours, more often on heavy days; sterilise in boiling water between periods.

Menstrual blood is sterile when it leaves the body, but it quickly picks up bacteria from the skin. Left in a warm, moist place, these can cause urinary infections, vaginal infections and rashes.

3. wash the right way

• Wash the outer genital area (the vulva) with plain warm water each time you change, or at least twice a day.
• Do not wash inside the vagina, and do not use soap, douches or scented products there. The vagina cleans itself, and soap can disturb the healthy bacteria that protect against infection. Mild, unscented soap on the outer skin only is fine.
• Always wash or wipe from front to back (from the vagina towards the anus) so bacteria from the anus do not spread to the vagina or the urinary opening.
• If you cannot wash, wipe gently with clean tissue.

4. bathe as usual

In the past, women were told not to bathe during periods, because bathing meant using a river or an open space. Today, a daily bath or shower is one of the best things you can do. It keeps you clean, eases cramps and backache, lifts your mood and reduces bloating. A warm shower on your back or tummy can relieve cramps.

5. dispose of products safely

• Wrap used pads and tampons in paper or a disposal bag and put them in a dustbin, ideally one meant for sanitary waste.
• Never flush them down the toilet, and never leave them uncovered.
• Wash your hands before and after changing.

6. prevent and treat pad rash

A rash can appear when a damp pad rubs against the thighs. Change often and keep the area dry. If a rash appears, keep the skin clean and dry and apply a soothing barrier cream after bathing. See a doctor if it does not improve in a few days.

7. be prepared

Carry a small period kit in your school or college bag: spare pads or your chosen product in a clean pouch, tissues, hand sanitiser, a small towel, a disposal bag, a healthy snack and a bottle of water.

Periods are a normal and healthy part of growing up. If you have questions or worries, Blooming Buds offers a private, respectful space to talk.