
First period ready: Your guide to a confident and caring start with Amazon
A girl's first period is a memorable rite of passage, often filled with excitement, curiosity, and nervousness. It can also bring a fair share of questions and uncertainties for many young girls and their caregivers. But with the right information, emotional support, and thoughtful preparation, this transition can become an empowering experience full of confidence and care.
This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we're helping young girls and their caregivers feel more prepared and reassured. From comforting tips to a wide selection of thoughtfully curated period essentials, the Everyday Store on Amazon.in brings together all that you need for a confident start – including trusted brands like Nua, Whisper, and Stayfree, with up to 60% off and ₹200 cashback on orders above ₹2000.
Being prepared with the right products can help young girls embrace their periods with comfort and confidence:
In addition to these essentials, items like gentle intimate washes, heat patches for cramp relief, and a small pouch for carrying products can make management easier and less stressful.
Beyond products, instilling good hygiene habits early can make a lasting impact. Simple practices like changing pads every 4 to 6 hours, washing hands before and after, and disposing of used products responsibly help prevent infections and support overall well-being. Menstrual care should be treated as a regular part of self-care conversations at home.
One of the most valuable things caregivers can do is make these conversations normal. When families speak openly and positively about periods, young girls feel less alone and more prepared. Honest answers, shared experiences, and open dialogue go a long way in replacing fear or shame with support and confidence.
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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Is your menstrual product safe? Doctor shares menstrual hygiene guide
The menstrual products we choose have a direct impact on our reproductive health. While comfort and convenience often guide our preferences, it's crucial to understand which products are safe to use in order to maintain proper menstrual hygiene and prevent health risks. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Jalagam Kavya Rao, regional medical head, Oasis Fertility said, 'The majority of menstrual products contain toxins that can irritate the vaginal area and can lead to serious conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a known cause of infertility.' Also read | Do you shower more during your periods? Doctor shares the right menstrual hygiene routine Menstrual cups: Among the environmentally friendly and safe products are menstrual cups. The medical-grade silicone used to make these cups is hypoallergenic, reusable, and chemical-free. Before reusing it, it must be properly cleaned. Cotton pads: Reusable cloth pads are made of natural fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, etc. They offer a breathable, chemical-free alternative to synthetic disposable pads, reducing the risk of irritation and infection. Organic tampons: Just like reusable cloth pads, organic sanitary pads or cotton tampons are very friendly to your vaginal health as they don't contain any toxins or chemicals, which cause irritation or vaginal infections. Period underwear: Period underwear looks like regular underwear, but it has a multi-layer gusset designed for leak-proof absorbency. However, most of the period underwear has PFAS, a synthetic chemical group that disrupts your reproductive health. If you are someone who prefers period underwear, then it should be PFAS-free. Also read | Doctor shares 5 important period hygiene tips that every young girl should follow for stress-free menstrual cycles 'Menstrual products that contain plastics, synthetic fragrances, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are unsafe for your reproductive health, as they can upset the vagina's pH, lead to infections or irritation, and eventually throw off the balance of hormones,' the doctor explained. • Prior to and following product changes, wash your hands. • Change cups every 6 to 12 hours and tampons/pads every 4 to 8 hours. • For less exposure, use low-absorbency unscented products. • Discontinue the product if you have come across any irritation signs. Also read | Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024: Severe health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Do you shower more during your periods? Doctor shares the right menstrual hygiene routine
Menstruation is a natural biological process, but maintaining proper hygiene during periods is essential to prevent infections and ensure overall well-being. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Manjusha Goel, lead consultant, dept of obstetrics and gynaecology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi said, 'One common question is whether individuals should shower more frequently during their period. The short answer is yes, but not excessively.' Also read | Doctor shares 5 important period hygiene tips that every young girl should follow for stress-free menstrual cycles The doctor explained that one shower a day is enough. 'A daily shower is typically sufficient for maintaining cleanliness and comfort during menstruation. Unless someone is experiencing heavy bleeding, has had a leak, or feels particularly sweaty, there's usually no need to bathe more than once a day. However, on days when the flow is heavier or after physical activity, a quick rinse in the evening can help them feel fresher and reduce the risk of odor or irritation,' she added. 'An ideal hygiene routine during menstruation includes a lukewarm shower once a day. While hot water may feel soothing, it can temporarily increase blood flow by dilating blood vessels. During the shower, it's important to gently clean only the outer genital area, the vulva, using water or a mild, fragrance-free soap. The vagina is self-cleaning, so using soaps or washes internally can disrupt its natural pH balance and increase the risk of irritation or infection,' the doctor added. Also read | Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024: Severe health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene Menstrual products: Changing menstrual products regularly is just as important. Regardless of the flow, pads and tampons should be changed every 4 to 6 hours. For those using menstrual cups, these can often be used for up to 12 hours but may need to be emptied more frequently during heavy flow days to maintain hygiene and prevent leakage. Wear breathable fabrics: Wearing clean, breathable underwear made of cotton also helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to discomfort or infections. It's best to avoid tight or synthetic fabrics during this time. Also read | Menstrual Hygiene Day: 10 must-have period products for a stain and stress-free cycle Wiping technique: Proper wiping technique is another key part of menstrual hygiene, always wiping from front to back helps reduce the risk of bacteria spreading to the urinary or vaginal area. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
The politics of periods: why India cannot afford to ignore menstrual health
Imagine Priya, a bright 13-year-old in a village nestled miles from the nearest town. Her first period arrives not with understanding or support, but with hushed warnings and a palpable sense of shame, passed down through generations. Given a rough, inadequate piece of cloth, she's quietly instructed to avoid the kitchen, refrain from touching the shared water pot, and crucially, stay home from school during those five days each month. The school's basic toilet lacks water, privacy, and disposal facilities, making managing her period there an unthinkable ordeal. Fearful of leaks, whispers, and breaking unspoken rules, Priya isolates herself, her education disrupted, her potential dimmed with each recurring cycle. Priya's story, sadly, is not unique. It echoes the lived experience of countless girls and women across India, particularly in rural areas. As Menstrual Hygiene Day observed on May 28 prompts reflection, it is crucial to acknowledge that while awareness around menstruation is growing in India, it remains largely absent from the mainstream political agenda and public discourse. Menstrual health is often relegated as a 'women's issue,' shrouded in a pervasive culture of silence and coloured by patriarchal notions that limit knowledge and open conversation. This silence translates into a chronic health and social challenge, where many lack adequate information, access to necessary products, and face stigma, impacting their well-being and participation in society. While efforts to distribute sanitary pads are visible and sometimes feature in government schemes, we must recognise that true access demands a fundamental shift beyond products towards systemic policy change and robust infrastructure. A complex reality Focusing solely on period product distribution dangerously simplifies this complex reality. While commendable progress has been made, with National Family Health Survey-5 data indicating that around 78% of individuals who menstruate in India may use commercial period products, this statistic masks a deeper infrastructural gap. The figure plummets dramatically when we consider those who have access to both products and essential water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities – clean, private toilets with water and soap. Shockingly, only about 27.7% benefit from this comprehensive access. This stark difference highlights a critical point: distributing pads achieves little genuine progress towards dignified menstrual health if individuals lack the basic infrastructure needed to manage their periods hygienically and privately, particularly in schools and public spaces. This lack of essential WASH facilities remains a persistent barrier, often highlighted during crises that disrupt normal life. The current political landscape shows some commendable, albeit limited, steps. Various Central and State government schemes, such as those under the National Health Mission or State-specific initiatives like 'Asmita Yojana' in Maharashtra or 'Swechcha' in Andhra Pradesh, aim to provide subsidised or free sanitary napkins, primarily targeting adolescent girls in schools. While valuable, these initiatives often face limitations. Their focus frequently excludes women outside the school system, those in the workforce, or other vulnerable groups. Additionally, distribution can be hampered by external factors like school closures, and the focus often remains narrowly on disposable pads, without adequately expanding knowledge on diverse, sustainable options like menstrual cups (despite pioneering efforts in States like Kerala and Karnataka) or addressing the crucial need for safe disposal and the environmental impact of sanitary pads. This lack of strong, consistent political backing, often stemming from the underrepresentation of women and their allies in decision-making spaces, means menstrual health remains a relatively neglected public health concern, susceptible to policy oversights like initial exclusion from essential items lists during emergencies or debates around taxation. Integration into national policy framework Therefore, building a truly stigma-free, inclusive menstrual health infrastructure demands its integration into the core of our national policy framework. This means legislating for mandatory, comprehensive, and scientifically accurate menstrual health education within school curricula for all students, treating it not just as biology but as essential for equity and empowerment. It requires prioritising and funding national standards for MHM-friendly WASH facilities in all public institutions – viewing this as critical infrastructure essential for public health, education continuity, and enabling of full economic participation. Health policy must be reformed to train healthcare providers for sensitive care, integrate MHM screening and treatment into primary healthcare, ensure insurance coverage, and use inclusive language for all who menstruate. Fair fiscal policies, such as eliminating discriminatory taxes on essential menstrual products and exploring targeted subsidies, are needed to ensure affordability is not a barrier to dignity. Policy levers should encourage supportive workplace environments with adequate facilities and understanding for menstrual health needs, recognising its impact on labour force participation. Crucially, these comprehensive interventions must be framed not as an expenditure, but as a strategic political and economic investment. Ensuring economic viability requires moving beyond siloed projects. Funding for MHM should be integrated into existing budgets for Health, Education, WASH, Gender Equality, and Rural/Urban Development, leveraging existing political and administrative structures. Smart fiscal tools like tax reform and targeted subsidies offer cost-effective ways to improve access. Supporting local social enterprises producing affordable, sustainable menstrual products can boost local economies, create jobs, and reduce import dependency, aligning with national development goals. Most importantly, policymakers must recognise and champion the significant return on investment: improved educational attainment, increased workforce participation, better public health outcomes, and accelerated gender equality far outweigh the costs. The economic and social cost of inaction – perpetuated by silence and policy neglect – actively undermines India's broader development objectives. This Menstrual Hygiene Day, the call must be for decisive political action. We need political leaders and parties to champion menstrual health not as a marginal issue, but as fundamental to human rights, public health, and national progress. It requires integrating MHM robustly into national development plans, legislative agendas, and resource allocation. While the efforts of NGOs and local champions are vital, sustainable change at scale hinges on political will. It is time to break the silence in our policy chambers and build an India where everyone can manage their menstruation with dignity, safety, and informed choice – unlocking the full potential of half our population. (Karan Babbar is an incoming assistant professor at Plaksha University. Email: phd17karanb@