Truths and Myths about the period
The foundations for a good, long-term gynaecological health for a teenager are set during adolescence. As a mother, you can instruct and help her make the right choices early on.
Let us begin with some truths that all women need to know:Cotton is an excellent option in the treatment of the sensitive area.
1. Cotton is an excellent option in the treatment of the sensitive area.
It is good to place cotton in our daily hygiene routine. Synthetic underwear for example, may be more appealing to the eye, but the cotton underwear, because of the excellent properties of this natural ingredient, is healthier. Cotton is also hydrophilic, thus absorbing perspiration and body fluids, and hypoallergenic. Thus, it is an excellent choice when it comes to the hygiene of the sensitive area.
2. Synthetic materials favor infections.
For hygienic protection of the sensitive area it is advisable to choose as natural or as skin friendly materials as possible. The reason why this is necessary is that synthetic materials do not allow the skin to breathe, and, in addition, the friction induced by the clothes, causes increase of the temperature in the sensitive area, leading to sweating, and thus creating an environment that favors infections.It is necessary to frequently change the underwear during the period!
3. It is necessary to frequently change the underwear during the period.
A woman should change the napkin quite frequently, especially in the first days of the period. The frequency depends of course on the blood flow. However, she should keep in mind that the likelihood of vaginal infection is higher during her period and therefore she should be meticulous with her hygiene routine. The daily change of underwear is also important, even twice a day if the woman is exercising. Furthermore, it is good to prefer wearing cotton underwear, that allows the skin to breathe, thus offering effective protection to the sensitive area from the development of irritations or infections.
And now let’s go to the myths.
1. Pantyliners may cause problems.
This statement is a big myth, as the pantyliner, if you change it frequently, not only does not favor infections, but also contributes to the better health of the sensitive area. Besides, this is its purpose, to allow frequent change, and ensure cleanliness and freshness. If pantyliners are used every day, it is wise to choose the ones with 100% cotton cover that provide a hygienic and natural protection.
2. It is advised to avoid frequent showers during the period.
Not only should we not avoid showering during the period, but instead, the daily shower is necessary to clean the genital area from the blood and secretions. Moreover, because women have a tendency to sweat more during the period, showering helps them to be clean and thereby feel better. Special products should be used, which contain soothing ingredients, e.g. chamomile, and which help maintain the pH balance of the sensitive area.
3. It is preferable for the sensitive area not to use any special product. Water is enough.
It is very important not to disturb the natural pH of the sensitive area. The vagina has an internal “self-cleaning” system, which means that part of its function is to remain clean. But it is important to ensure the cleanliness of the area by showering each day, using a product specially formulated. This way, the natural pH will be maintained and the general health of the sensitive area will be ideally preserved. Should a woman who is out of home a lot (e.g. working late, exercising etc.) feel the need to refresh the sensitive area more often, she could use the EveryDay Fresh wipes, which are also specially formulated.
Source: www.justgirls.gr
In collaboration with Dr Olga. E. Bikou, Obstetrician-Surgeon-Gynaecologist
