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Period Stigmatization

Stigmatization is the action of describing or regarding something or someone as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval. Period stigmatization is the action of regarding people who go through the menstrual cycle as worthy of disgrace and great disapproval. There are many cultures, religions today that stigmatize women and girls who are on their periods. Due to misconceptions and misinformation about periods, there is high rise in the stigma which is hugely damaging to many girls, women and people who menstruate around the world. Rather than menstruation being acknowledged as a natural bodily function, some certain cultural and religious beliefs has considered it rude, unclean and embarrassing s These occurrences has led to the holding back of women and girls in the society. Women are being confined in their homes, excluded from public spaces or considered bad luck or harmful to others because they are on their periods. Unfortunately, this period stigma along with poverty has a huge impact on girls’ educations. For example, across Africa it is estimated that 1 in 10 girls will miss school when they have their periods and can miss approximately 10-20% of school days, factors which can lead to them dropping out altogether. Therefore, putting them at a greater risk of child marriage and getting pregnant at a young age, which comes with a lot of health risks.

Menstrual Hygiene Materials

Menstrual hygiene materials are products used to catch menstrual flow. So, we have five menstrual hygiene materials. They are,
  1. Menstrual cloth
  2. Reusable pads
  3. Disposable pads
  4. Menstrual cups
  5. Tampons
A lot of people are familiar with the disposable pads and it has been in use for awhile although, some of these materials such as the menstrual cloth is not really used nowadays, I am going to give details on each of the materials listed above.

Menstrual Cloths

Cloths are reusable pieces of fabric worn externally to the body, in underwear or tied to the waist to absorb menstrual flow. They are made from either newly purchased pieces of fabric (mostly cotton) or old fabric repurposed from clothing or another use. There is no guidance on how long cloths can be reused, but it is generally agreed that this should be for no longer than 1 year. They are consumables and require regular assessment of supply, availability and affordability. There is very little literature on cloths – and most studies merely refer to cloth as a method for MHH. While few studies exist on the health effects of cloth, some parallels can be drawn to reusable pads made from cotton. Distinguishing between material failure and behavioural use is difficult. Cloth is cheap and available in most contexts. While cloth for MHM is increasingly replaced by disposable pads, cloth remains widely used in low-income countries and is often distributed in humanitarian response. Proper washing and drying is crucial for safe use, though often difficult due to lack of privacy and stigma. Training on good user practice, provision of soap, underwear and storage bags, and the availability of private places for washing and drying is important. Thickness, colour, absorbency and softness of fabric, drying-time and number of pads provided are important to consider. The provision of underwear is crucial as girls and women often do not own underwear. This is of particular importance in emergency settings. Compared to reusable pads, cloth is often not recommended for menstrual hygiene management as their use has been associated with abnormal vaginal discharge, skin irritations and urogenital infections. Whether this is an inherent characteristic of cloth, or simply indicative of poor conditions of use, is not clear, however; and in some cases, cloth can be hygienically managed. In general, wearing damp or unclean material can lead to rashes and infections. Cloths are environmentally friendly as they can be reused and are mostly made from natural fabrics. However, in some contexts they are discarded after one use. In the absence of a functioning waste-management system they are often disposed of in the environment. There is a lack of evidence-based guidance on disposal of used cloth.

Reusable Pads

Reusable pads are worn externally to the body in the underwear, to absorb menstrual flow and held in place usually by snaps. They are made from a variety of natural or synthetic materials. After use, they are washed, dried and re-used for approximately one year. They are consumables which require regular assessment of supply, availability and affordability.

Disposable Pads

Disposable pads are worn externally to the body in the underwear to absorb menstrual flow. They are disposed of after a maximum of 8 hours; they are therefore consumables which require regular assessment of supply, availability and affordability. Pads come in various sizes, and materials and consist of a layered design made of blends of plastics, rayon and cotton. Pads should include wings to prevent leakage and keep the pad more securely in place. Disposable pads are often preferred and considered aspirational by girls and women as they are cited to be reliable, hygienic, comfortable, easy to use (especially in contexts with limited privacy) and require no access to water for cleaning. Unfamiliar users sometimes reuse them. Disposable pad distribution should include education on proper use and safe disposal, while taking local beliefs and practices (e.g. burial, perceptions of blood) into account. The provision of underwear is crucial as girls and women often do not own underwear, which is of particular importance in emergency settings.

Tampons

Tampons are absorbent materials made from cotton and/or rayon that are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow. They expand with moisture and thereby avoid leakage. They can be worn for up to 8 hours, after which they are removed using the removal string, and disposed of. They come in a variety of sizes, materials and with or without an applicator to assist insertion. Tampons are consumables which require regular assessment of supply, availability and affordability

Menstrual Pads

There is increasing on the acceptability of cups in low-income contexts but the few existing studies are of varying quality. All studies have been in Eastern and Southern Africa and South Asia. The menstrual cup is a non-absorbent bell-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual flow. It creates a seal and is held in place by the vagina walls.

Menstrual Hygiene

Hygiene makes an important part of our well-being. Small daily rituals like taking a bath, brushing your teeth, and changing your undergarments make a whole great difference. Though these practices apply to both genders, women would need to take a step further especially during the special days of the month. We know it can be a hassle, but you have to pay attention of your hygiene during this time if you want to prevent any complications in the future. Menstruation is one of the crucial biological processes occurring in a woman’s body on a regular basis. This physiological phenomenon that every woman experiences deserves utmost caution and hygiene. Although women undergo periods regularly; they may still overlook the importance of proper sanitation practices during these days. Ensuring menstrual hygiene management during menses is crucial as slight negligence makes women vulnerable to microbial infections. Most of the women focus on physical hygiene while abandoning intimate hygiene. The negligence can lead to vaginal irritation, reproductive and urinary tract infections, and even cervical cancer.
1. Washing genital area during the menstruation Maintaining your genital hygiene is essential during menstruation. Proper hygiene measures during periods help to protect the genital areas from skin irritation, infections, and other related issues. Blood provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Doctors suggest washing the genital area at least twice daily during menstruation to prevent microbial infection.
2. Thorough hand washing to prevent bacterial transmission Apart from genital areas, proper handwashing is vital before using any menstrual product. It is important to prevent the transmission of bacteria to the genital area via hands. Similarly, wash your hands after using the product to prevent bacteria from spreading to other body parts.
3. Avoid scented products during periods During menstruation, it is imperative to avoid scented toilet papers or napkins. They contain different chemicals that may cause irritation and burn like symptoms. Before using any product, make sure that they are fragrance and additive-free. Instead of using chemicals, prefer organic products, free from preservatives and pesticides.
Apart from toilet papers, scented oils, pads, powders, and deodorants should be avoided during and after periods as they may cause a reaction. 4. Changing pads frequently to prevent infection Changing your pad frequently during the menstrual cycle is the utmost requirement that every woman needs to follow. According to health experts, avoiding the same pad for more than four hours is a crucial part of Menstrual hygiene management.
No matter if you are experiencing heavy or light blood flow, you should change your pad within four hours. The reason is that when menstrual blood leaves the body, it gets contaminated with the body’s natural microbes. If you are using the same pad for longer than four hours, these organisms acquire favourable moist and warm conditions to multiply, which causes infections and irritations.
5. Essential hygiene practices while using tampons If you prefer using tampons to absorb menstrual blood, try to use a saturated one to soak up all blood. The tampon is also a good choice for women as they are made of absorbent material. However, extra caution is required while using tampons as they are inserted in the vaginal opening. Change your tampons every four to six hours as changing them after regular intervals are important. Using them for a long time can cause odour or infection.
6. Things to consider while using menstrual cups In the recent few years, menstrual cups have become increasingly popular to be used during the periods. It is a small, bell-shaped cup inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. They are made up of reusable materials that people wash and use again and again.
Menstrual cups are considered safe by doctors; however, proper hygiene measures are essential to prevent complications.
Menstrual cups can be used for 6 to 12 hours; however, they should be emptied twice a day and thoroughly washed before using again.
7. Avoid douching after periods Many women use vaginal douches after periods to wash the vagina and get rid of an unpleasant odour. Douching is a method that uses a mixture of vinegar and water, which comes in a spray bottle or bag.
Even douching once a week increases the risk of cervical cancer in women. Instead of douching, health experts recommend using water for washing the vagina to keep it clean. Proper hygiene is crucial for your well-being. But the need is more pressing during and after periods. Take these simple measures to ensure that your body is safe from any kinds of infections.

POEMS

SCARLET


Blossoming like a rose
I come to realize
Life is changed forever
I’m not seen the same
Looked the same
Spoken the same
I’m a different entity
Made not to be seen
‘Cause of the scarlet within
Society degrades me
Isolates me
‘Cause of the scarlet within
I feel unwanted
I feel impure
I feel undeserving
I find solace in my feminity.
Peace .I. 2022

STIGMA


They tell me, “stay in”
They tell me, “lock yourself up”
They tell me, “speak of this to no one”
They tell me, “you are unclean and evil”
They chant incantations,
Pray prayers to their gods to cleanse them from “impurity”
When I move into their midst
They are ashamed to mention the words
They are embarrassed when they see the signs
They are cautious to not let “evil” in their sight
I am the “evil” they pray not to encounter
I am the “taboo” that should not be spoken about
I am the bad luck” that they run from
I am the woman
Yet they hate me I am the center of fertility
Yet they are scared to speak of me
But when they hear the cries of a new child they rejoice
How is that??
When they see the glow, they praise her for her beauty
Why is that???
Their mediocre minds bloomed by the evilness of their prejudiced heart!!

Light.P. 2022

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