Menstrual Hygiene Day

Menstruation or menses is the monthly shedding of the lining of a woman’s uterus. It is also known as the menstrual period, cycle or period. The menstrual blood is composed of blood and tissue from the endometrium of the uterus and flows through the cervix and out of the body through the vagina. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long and can range in length from 21 days to about 35 days. The menstrual cycle is triggered by hormones controlled by the pituitary gland in the brain and the ovaries in the female reproductive tract. Girls start menstruating at the average age of 12 and as early as 8 years of age or as late as 16 years of age. Women stop menstruating at menopause, which occurs at about the age of 51.

Significance of National Menstrual Hygiene Day:

1. It aims to bring together the people for promoting good menstrual health and hygiene for everyone around the world.
2. To break the silence, raise awareness and change the social stigmas around menstrual health and hygiene.
3. It provides an opportunity to engage decision-makers and increase the political priority to catalyse the actions for menstrual health and hygiene at global, national, and local levels.

Tips to maintain Menstrual Hygiene:

1. Change the sanitary pads regularly to avoid the conditions like Toxic Shock Syndrome (bacterial infection) and other infections.

2. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

3. Choose the correct method of sanitation.

4. Wash yourself regularly.

5. Consult a gynaecologist immediately if any discomfort or infection arises.