Breaking the Silence: Why Menstrual Hygiene Needs Open Dialogue and Informed Choices

Despite increasing awareness, menstruation still remains a taboo in many communities. Silence and stigma continue to surround this natural biological process, negatively impacting the physical and mental well-being of girls and women. To read the full story on Pune Mirror, visit this Pune Mirror article .

On Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed on May 28, Pune Times Mirror dives deep into the issue and highlights why it’s important to turn whispers into open conversations and replace shame with dignity.

Explaining menstrual hygiene, Dr. Vinoad Bharrati, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Director, Elite Momz unit of Rising Medicare Hospital, said, “When it comes to menstrual hygiene, the most important aspect is to keep the intimate area dry and clean and at the same time feel comfortable.”

Period Needs

“Multiple products are available in the market to cater to these needs. They can be sanitary napkins, tampons, menstrual cups, and period panties. Each of them has their own pros and cons,” Dr. Bharrati said, adding, “Sanitary napkins and period panties are easy to use and safe. Yet, frequent change is necessary to avoid leakage and potential infection and redness of the intimate area due to prolonged wear and friction.”

He further explained the importance of proper disposal:
“They should be wrapped in paper completely in a way that doesn’t open up easily. Put a red dot so that it can be identified from the rest of the garbage.”

Another gynecologist added, “Menstrual cups and tampons need to be inserted in the vagina. Their use can be cumbersome at times. Also, tampons cannot be left inside for more than six hours, as this can result in the growth of harmful bacteria and can be life-threatening. Menstrual cups, on the other hand, can be kept within for up to 10 to 12 hours if you have a mild to moderate flow. It is not felt inside and is a quite comfortable and environment-friendly option. After use, it has to be sanitised in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes to ensure disinfection.”

Dr. Bharrati emphasized, “The important aspect is that whichever product you are using, you need to wash your hands before and after insertion.”

Activist Promotes Open Discussion

A gender activist shared, “Menstrual health should not be a confidential context of discussion. Everyone, including men in the family, should be made aware of the importance of menstrual cycles and related health requirements. The mindset of the community needs to be open regarding menstrual hygiene. For example, daughters must feel comfortable telling their fathers to bring sanitary napkins, and menstrual hygiene products should be available at every office or workplace.”

Health First

Dr. Afshan Maniyar, MBBS, MS, OBS and GYN, Ruby Hall Clinic, explained how poor menstrual hygiene can lead to several health issues and discomforts.

“Infections are one of the most common consequences. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina, leading to symptoms like itching, unusual discharge, and odor. Another problem is overgrowth of yeast, causing itching, burning, and thick white discharge. It can also lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs)—bacteria from the anal area enter the urinary tract, leading to painful urination, frequent urges, and discomfort. The worst-case scenario is reproductive tract infections, where more severe infections can affect the uterus and fallopian tubes.”

She reiterated that it is essential to keep intimate areas clean and dry to maintain good hygiene and prevent infections. “During menstruation, it is especially important to change sanitary products regularly to avoid discomfort and infections. This helps prevent bacterial or fungal infections and ensures overall reproductive health.”

Key Insights Shared in the Article:

• The monsoon’s humidity creates an environment where fungal, bacterial, and urinary tract infections become more common.
• Women should watch out for early symptoms such as curdy white or foul-smelling discharge, excessive itching, or burning sensation during urination.
• Lower abdominal pain or discomfort may also indicate a developing infection.
• Women are encouraged to adopt preventive habits like wearing cotton innerwear, changing wet clothes promptly, and choosing loose, breathable garments.
• Maintaining intimate hygiene is crucial—avoid perfumed soaps or sprays in sensitive areas and always clean public toilet surfaces before use.