Menstrual Hygiene: The Essential Guide Every Woman Needs — By Dr. Chetna Jain, Gynaecologist Gurgaon

Menstrual hygiene is one of those topics that affects every woman for approximately 40 years of her life — yet remains poorly understood, rarely discussed openly, and never formally taught in most Indian schools or households. Poor menstrual hygiene practices are directly linked to recurrent vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, and significant discomfort that many women simply accept as part of their period. It does not have to be this way.

I am Dr. Chetna Jain, a gynaecologist in Gurgaon, and this is the essential, clinically grounded menstrual hygiene guide I wish every woman had access to.

Choosing the Right Menstrual Product

The Indian market now offers a wider range of menstrual products than ever before. Each has its clinical merits and appropriate use cases:

• Sanitary pads: The most widely used option in India. Choose unscented, breathable cotton-top pads. Scented pads contain fragrances that irritate the vulvar skin and disrupt vaginal pH. Change every 4 to 6 hours regardless of flow — including overnight.

• Tampons: Safe when used correctly and changed every 4 to 8 hours. Never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours — this increases the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious bacterial infection. Use the lowest absorbency appropriate for your flow.

• Menstrual cups: A reusable, environmentally friendly option made from medical-grade silicone. Highly cost-effective over time. Can be worn for up to 12 hours safely. Requires a learning curve for correct insertion and removal, but is an excellent long-term option once mastered.

• Period underwear: Absorbent underwear that replaces disposable products. Suitable for light to moderate flow and as backup protection with other products. Wash thoroughly after each use and air-dry completely before reuse.

• Cloth pads: A traditional and sustainable option when properly washed with soap and water, dried in direct sunlight — which has natural antibacterial properties — and stored in a clean, dry place.

The Non-Negotiable Rules of Menstrual Hygiene

• Change your product regularly: Every 4 to 6 hours for pads and tampons, every 8 to 12 hours for menstrual cups. Prolonged contact with menstrual blood creates a warm, moist environment that promotes bacterial and fungal overgrowth — the primary cause of period-related infections.

• Wash hands before and after handling menstrual products: This is the single most effective infection prevention measure and the most frequently neglected.

• Clean the external genitalia correctly: Wash the vulva with plain warm water or a very mild unscented soap. Always wipe and wash front to back. Never insert water, soap, or any product inside the vagina — it is self-cleaning.

• Wear breathable underwear: Cotton underwear during your period reduces moisture retention and lowers infection risk. Avoid synthetic fabrics, thongs, and very tight clothing during menstruation.

• Dispose of products hygienically: Wrap used pads or tampons in paper before disposing in a covered bin. Do not flush tampons or pads — they cause significant plumbing damage. Rinse menstrual cups with clean water before reinsertion and sterilise by boiling at the end of each cycle.

• Stay hydrated: Adequate hydration supports healthy blood flow and reduces bloating and cramping. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day during your period.

Common Menstrual Hygiene Mistakes to Avoid

• Using scented pads, sprays, or wipes: Fragrances near the vaginal area disrupt the natural pH and microbiome, increasing susceptibility to bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

• Wearing a single pad overnight without changing: Overnight use of a pad for more than 8 hours significantly raises infection risk. Use a longer overnight pad designed for extended wear and change promptly upon waking.

• Douching or rinsing inside the vagina: This remains one of the most harmful practices I see — it destroys the protective vaginal microbiome and dramatically increases infection risk.

• Using a menstrual cup without proper sterilisation: A menstrual cup that is not properly cleaned between cycles can harbour bacteria. Always boil the cup in water for 5 to 7 minutes between cycles and store it in a breathable cotton pouch.

When to See a Gynaecologist During Your Period

Good menstrual hygiene significantly reduces the risk of infections and discomfort — but it cannot prevent or treat underlying gynaecological conditions. Please consult your gynaecologist if you experience any of the following:

• Periods that are consistently heavier than usual, lasting more than 7 days, or requiring more than one pad per hour

• Severe cramping that does not respond to standard pain relief and significantly disrupts daily activities

• Unusual vaginal odour, discharge, or itching during or after your period

• Bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse

• Absent periods for three or more consecutive months

A Note on Menstrual Taboos in India

It would be incomplete to discuss menstrual hygiene without addressing the cultural taboos that continue to affect menstrual health across India. Restrictions on entering kitchens or places of worship, isolation during menstruation, and the shame and secrecy surrounding periods all have real health consequences — from delayed access to products and hygiene facilities to delayed medical care for symptoms that require urgent attention. Menstruation is a normal, healthy biological process. It requires practical management and open communication — not silence or stigma.

If you have questions about menstrual health, product choices, or recurring period-related infections, please book an appointment at my clinic in Gurgaon. I serve women across Palam Vihar, DLF, South City, Sector 22, Sector 23, and all of NCR — and no question about your menstrual health is too small to deserve a proper answer.

Your period deserves proper care. And so do you.

— Dr. Chetna Jain | Senior Gynaecologist & Obstetrician | Gurgaon, Haryana