Before the internet with all the information it holds, there really wasn’t a script for girls and women to follow concerning menstrual hygiene. Mothers, aunts or sisters would talk to younger girls about what to do and how to do it and you have to ask, who told them? 

No one is excused from proper hygiene; that’s for sure. And there are some things that we should all be aware of. This is about feeling good in one’s own body, remaining infection-free, and not contributing to the already overwhelming theories out there, like menstruation is dirty.

Menstruation is the process of a woman’s uterus lining shedding blood and other uterus materials every month, since puberty until menopause, except during pregnancy. It can make for a wild couple of days with dramatic cramps, cravings and bloating.

This is the time for us to feel more confident about ourselves, with more inclusion in society, given the availability of menstrual hygiene products. Cloth menstruation pads, period panties, sponges, menstrual cups, and tampons are examples of menstrual hygiene products. All of which must be properly taken care of and disposed of properly.

Below are listed things to do and/or to avoid during your periods, according Dr John Rurangwa, a licensed gynaecologist at Harmony Clinic;

● Take a shower: During your period, your body produces less oestrogen, which causes the release of norepinephrine and other hormones, making you more sensitive to even minor changes in body temperature. This could cause a lot of sweating throughout this period. Showering at least twice a day and cleaning well around the genitals and thighs with simply plain water is recommended; there is no need for unnatural products. 

● Change your sanitary product: Wearing the same sanitary product for 4 to 6 hours allows development of bacteria, which can lead to infections and unpleasant odour. In addition to being uncomfortable, it is possible to develop skin rashes around the genitals.

● Use pain relief: Menstrual cramps can be relieved by placing a heating pad, heat wrap, or hot water bottle on your abdomen or simply using pain killers. Heat relaxes the uterine muscle and the muscles around it, reducing cramping and discomfort.

● Proper diet: Consider dietary restrictions such as carbonated beverages, caffeine, salty foods, and fatty foods during menstruation periods. Fruits, vegetables, and foods high in Vitamin C, which contains iron, will maintain your body well-equipped throughout this period. Also, make sure you’re getting plenty of water and not skipping meals.

● Don’t douche: Douching is to remove odours by washing or cleaning the genitals with water or a mixture of fluids. While this is not yet widely practiced in Rwanda, Rurangwa considers that doing so may compromise the vaginal natural defences against bacteria. Using any unnatural products can result in several health problems, including infections and an increased chance of contracting STDs.