How to Stay Fresh and Clean During Your "Red Days"

Many women feel self-conscious during their "red days", but it's a natural process, and there's no reason to be embarrassed. Continue reading to learn how to maintain proper hygiene during your menstrual cycle and avoid feeling awkward.

Explore the products that work best for you. Today, women have a wide range of menstrual hygiene products to choose from, so pick the one that fits your lifestyle the most.

Consider using a tampon (a type of menstrual product). Tampons are the most commonly used menstrual hygiene product in the United States due to their convenience and ease of use. Made from absorbent cotton, tampons are inserted into the vagina to absorb fluid released from the cervix. Tampons come in various absorbency levels, ranging from light to heavy, catering to different days of the menstrual cycle. They are single-use products, meaning they should be disposed of after each use, and must be changed at least every 8 hours.

• Never leave a tampon inside your body for more than 8 hours or use a tampon with a higher absorbency than necessary, as this can lead to a rare but serious condition known as Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Try using disposable sanitary pads. These pads are affixed to the bottom of your underwear and come in various lengths and absorbency levels. They are made from an absorbent material called cellulose and should be discarded after use. Some women use pads along with tampons for extra security, while others prefer pads because they feel uncomfortable inserting a tampon into the vagina. With a waterproof backing, disposable pads tend to mask odors more effectively than most other menstrual products.

Consider opting for cloth pads. Some women choose to buy or make their own cloth pads, crafted from absorbent materials like cotton or microfiber. Cloth pads do not contain chemicals like disposable pads and do not produce the odors many women notice when using disposables. However, cloth pads require washing and are typically thicker than their disposable counterparts.

Purchase a menstrual cup. Menstrual cups are widely used in Europe and have recently gained popularity among American women. Some menstrual cups, like Softcup, are single-use and are placed in the vagina as a barrier. Reusable cups, such as DivaCup or Lunette, are made of medical-grade silicone and are positioned near the cervix. The vaginal muscles hold the cup in place. Both types of cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, even while swimming or sleeping. Being internal, menstrual cups help reduce odors during menstruation.

• You should remove the cup after every 12 hours of use, empty the menstrual fluid into the toilet or sink, and rinse the cup before reinserting it.

Change your tampon or pad frequently. A tampon left in for too long can cause leaks, while a pad that stays on for too long may begin to smell.

• During heavy flow days, you might need to change your tampon or pad every 1-2 hours. On lighter days, make sure to change your pad or tampon at least every 3-4 hours during the day.
• As a reminder, never leave a tampon inside your body for more than 8 hours, even while sleeping, and avoid using tampons with a higher absorbency than necessary to reduce the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

Prepare for your period. Menstrual cycles are typically regular and predictable, but sometimes "vaginal bleeding" can occur between periods or your period may arrive unexpectedly early. It's best to always be prepared with the necessary supplies.

• Keep a pad or tampon in your purse, drawer, and/or car for emergencies.
• Stock up on tampons or pads in the bathroom so you don't have to rush to the store when your period arrives.
• Don't hesitate to ask other women for a tampon or pad if you need one. Even a stranger in the restroom may be willing to help.

Shower daily. It's important to maintain daily hygiene, and during your period, take extra care to wash the genital area (the external reproductive parts), as blood and discharge can accumulate there.

• Use a mild soap or shower gel to cleanse your body, including the genital area, and rinse thoroughly with water.
• You don't need to use special intimate hygiene products; these are often unnecessary and marketed to capitalize on your concerns about menstruation. Remember, your body naturally has its own scent, and the same goes for your vagina.
• Avoid using internal cleansing methods, like douching. The vagina is self-cleaning, creating a balanced environment to expel impurities, and douching can disrupt its natural pH balance, leading to infections.

Try baby wipes. If you feel the need to freshen up between showers, unscented baby wipes can help you feel clean again.

• Use baby wipes instead of toilet paper after using the restroom, and only wipe the exterior. Be sure to dispose of the wipes in the trash as they are not designed to be flushed and can clog pipes.
• Baby wipes are designed for the sensitive skin of infants, so they are usually gentle and non-irritating. However, discontinue use if you experience burning, itching, discomfort, or signs of infection.

Keep your underwear clean. You can stay fresh and avoid odors by changing your underwear regularly and being mindful of leaks.

• Wear cotton underwear. Cotton is a natural fiber that allows air to circulate, helping to prevent odors and sweat buildup.
• Avoid wearing thong underwear during your period, as it can spread bacteria from the anus to the vagina, potentially leading to infections.
• Change your underwear if it becomes damp from sweat or fluids, or at least once a day.

Washing clothes. Sometimes your body might have a stronger odor during your period, which could leave your clothes smelling musty.

• Use an appropriate amount of detergent as per the instructions and remember to wash everything daily, including your underwear.
• If blood stains your clothes or sheets, wash them with cold water as soon as possible, then apply a pre-treatment product like Spray n Wash or Shout to the stain. Let it soak for a few hours or overnight, then wash it again with warm water and regular detergent.

Remember that most odors you experience during your period are normal and nothing to worry about. In fact, people outside may not even notice any smell. Every woman has a unique vaginal scent during menstruation (and each woman has a distinct scent at other times too), so it's important to determine if a particular odor is normal or abnormal.

• Blood often has a slightly metallic scent, which is normal. However, if you find it unpleasant, consider using tampons or a menstrual cup, or changing your pad more frequently.
• An overly strong, foul, fishy, or unusual smell even with regular hygiene could indicate an underlying issue.
• If you notice a strong odor while using a tampon, check if you've forgotten to remove one. This happens when you leave a tampon inside, and it can be easily located and removed by pulling the string. If you cannot remove it yourself, consult a doctor immediately.

Get checked to rule out infections. Persistent foul or fishy odors, even with regular washing, could be a sign of a condition called bacterial vaginosis, which needs treatment with prescription medication.

• Bacterial vaginosis sometimes causes itching or burning, but often, the only symptom is the unpleasant smell. You should consult a doctor for a prescription to treat bacterial vaginosis.

Check your body odor. Hormonal changes during your period can sometimes cause your natural body odor to intensify.

• While many women can use regular deodorants during their period, some may find that they are not sufficient.
• Body odor and genital scent can also be affected by diet. Foods such as garlic, coffee, and fried foods are believed to influence body odor. If your diet includes any of these foods or other spicy items, try removing them to see if it improves your scent.

Consider the impact of weather conditions. On hot days, the combination of sweat and menstrual blood can intensify body odor, making it stronger than usual.

• This is more likely to happen if you often use disposable pads, as bacteria, blood, and sweat get trapped between the plastic layers. In this case, you might want to consider using tampons or menstrual cups, which are inserted inside the body, or changing your pads more frequently.

Learn how the menstrual cycle begins. Most women experience their first period around the age of 12.

• Girls typically start menstruating about two years after the first signs of puberty, such as breast budding (slightly swollen, raised nipples, but no actual breast development yet), followed by underarm and pubic hair growth a few months later.
• Your first period might begin at any time, but it could be accompanied by symptoms such as sore breasts, mood swings, or lower abdominal cramps, commonly known as menstrual pain.

Understand that every woman with reproductive potential deals with menstruation hygiene. This is a normal, natural process and should not be a source of shame.

• You may feel nervous or embarrassed when you have your first period, but look around. Every person you see was born of a woman who menstruated, and nearly all women go through the monthly cycle of menstruation. Your friends will eventually experience this if they haven't yet. Menstruation is one of the most common physiological processes in human beings.
• Most women begin menstruating around the age of 12 and experience menopause around 51, meaning they go through 39 years of monthly periods, which equals about 468 menstrual cycles!

Learn to recognize your body's signals. While every woman's menstrual cycle differs slightly, over time, most people learn to recognize the patterns of their cycle, which allows them to prepare for their period in advance.

• The term "menstrual cycle" refers to the entire reproductive cycle, which typically lasts 28 days, culminating in a period once a month. Every month, a woman's body prepares for pregnancy. During the month, the uterus forms a thick lining filled with nutrients to support a potential embryo. Then, an egg is released and travels down to the uterus. If it isn't fertilized through intercourse, it exits the body with the uterine lining, which is expelled as blood through the vagina.
• As your body prepares for menstruation, you may experience common symptoms, known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS symptoms can include bloating, fatigue, mood changes, cravings, headaches, and abdominal pain.

• Avoid using scented tampons and pads, as they can irritate the skin and sometimes lead to infections.
• If you're feeling particularly anxious or have premenstrual symptoms, consider bringing extra pads, tampons, and underwear to school. Wearing dark-colored clothes, like pants or a skirt, is also a smart choice.

• If you use tampons, it's important to recognize the signs of toxic shock syndrome. Symptoms include: a sudden high fever, a rash (similar to sunburn), low blood pressure/dizziness, and diarrhea. Remove the tampon immediately and call emergency services at 115 if you experience any of these symptoms.