Periods are a natural part of life, but for many girls and women, they come with confusion, discomfort, or even shame. 

Dr. Madhura Pophalkar, as a gynaecologist in Chembur, Mumbai has seen many girls and women in her clinic over the years – school-going girls who are just starting their periods, working women juggling jobs and home, and mothers teaching their daughters. 

One thing she noticed is that many people don’t really know how to take care of themselves during their periods — because no one ever told them the right way.

Menstrual hygiene is simply about taking care of yourself during your period — in a way that keeps you clean, comfortable, and healthy. 

It’s not complicated, but it’s important. 

Small habits, done right, can prevent infections, boost confidence, and make periods a lot easier to handle.

In this article, we’ll walk through menstrual hygiene step by step — what it means, why it matters, and how to practice it at every age (direct tips from the expert gynecologist).

What is Menstrual Hygiene?

Menstrual hygiene means taking care of your body during your period in a clean and safe way. 

It includes the basics — like how often you change your pad or tampon — but it also covers what you wear, how you clean yourself, and how you handle discomfort or pain.

Good menstrual hygiene isn’t about doing anything fancy. It’s about being consistent with simple habits that keep you healthy and comfortable.

For example:

• Changing your sanitary product every 4 to 6 hours
• Washing your hands before and after you change
• Wearing clean underwear
• Gently washing the vaginal area with water (no harsh soaps)

These small steps may seem basic, but they protect you from infections, rashes, and bad odour — and help you go through your day without worry.

Why Menstrual Hygiene is Important

Managing your period properly isn’t just about feeling clean — it’s about staying healthy, confident, and infection-free.

When menstrual hygiene is ignored or not done right, it can lead to problems like:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Vaginal infections or irritation
• Rashes and skin problems
• Bad odour, which can be embarrassing in social situations
• General discomfort or low energy during the period

For young girls, poor hygiene can even lead to skipping school. For working women, it can affect focus and comfort. And for anyone, it can cause avoidable health issues that need treatment later.

The good news?

These problems are easy to prevent – just by building the right habits, staying informed, and knowing what works for your body.

In the next section, we’ll break down some of those habits – what to do, how often, and what to avoid — in simple, everyday terms.

Best Practices for Menstrual Hygiene

Based on her years of experience treating women of all ages, Dr. Madhura Pophalkar believes that managing your period well doesn’t require anything complicated — just the right habits, followed regularly. 

These simple practices are also backed by trusted health guidelines from WHO, UNICEF, and India’s National Health Mission.

Here are the key things she recommends to stay healthy and comfortable during your period:

1. Change your pad or tampon every 4 to 6 hours

Even if the flow is less, it’s important to change regularly. This helps avoid rashes, bad smell, and infections. If you use a menstrual cup, clean it every 6 to 12 hours depending on your flow.

2. Wash your hands before and after changing

Many people forget this, but it’s very important. Washing hands helps keep away germs and protects you from infections.

3. Wear clean, cotton underwear

Cotton allows air to pass and keeps the area dry. Avoid tight or synthetic underwear as it can cause sweating and irritation.

4. Wash the private area with plain water

There’s no need to use any fancy soaps or washes. Just plain water is enough. Using strong products can disturb the natural balance and cause itching or infection.

5. Track your period

Knowing when your period is due helps you stay prepared. You can use a simple calendar or any free app on your phone to track your cycle.

6. Dispose of pads and tampons properly

Wrap them in paper and throw them in a dustbin. Don’t flush them — it can block the toilet and cause hygiene problems.

7. Clean and dry reusable products well

If you use cloth pads or menstrual cups, make sure you wash them properly with soap and dry them completely in sunlight before using them again.

These habits may look small, but they can make a big difference in how you feel during your periods. 

When followed regularly, they help prevent infections, reduce discomfort, and give you more confidence to carry on with your day.

Next, we’ll look at some common mistakes people make — and how to avoid them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even when we try to manage our periods well, small habits can cause trouble without us realising it. 

Dr. Madhura often sees these common mistakes in her clinic — and says that avoiding them can make a big difference in your comfort and health.

• Wearing the same pad for more than 6 hours
• Using cloth pads that aren’t properly washed and dried
• Washing the vaginal area with harsh soaps or intimate washes
• Wearing tight or synthetic underwear during periods
• Not tracking your cycle regularly
• Flushing pads or tampons down the toilet

These mistakes are easy to fix with the right knowledge and a few changes. And when you start building better habits, your periods become a lot more manageable.

Up next, let’s look at the different period products available — and how to know which one might suit you best.

Period Products: What Works for You

There’s no single product that suits everyone.

Some women prefer pads, others are comfortable with menstrual cups or tampons (less common in India but slowly gaining popularity), and many still use cloth — especially in rural areas or for sustainability.

The best product is the one you feel safe and comfortable using, and that fits into your lifestyle.

If you’re unsure what to try, it’s perfectly fine to begin with what you’re used to — and slowly explore other options as you feel ready.

You can also consult a gynaecologist near you to discuss each option in detail and choose what’s best for your body and needs. 

Dr. Madhura’s Advice

Periods are natural — but unfortunately, the shame and silence around them are also common.

Dr. Madhura Pophalkar believes that the more we talk about menstrual hygiene openly, the healthier and more confident girls and women become.

Here’s what she often tells her patients:

“Managing your period doesn’t have to be stressful or uncomfortable. With the right hygiene habits and a little awareness, most period-related issues can be prevented. Whether it’s your first period or your hundredth, don’t hesitate to ask questions, try what works best for your body, and take care of yourself without guilt or fear.”

She also reminds young girls, mothers, and working women that periods don’t need to interrupt your daily life. 

If they’re painful, irregular, or causing discomfort beyond normal — it’s always better to speak to an expert gynecologist than to stay silent or guess.

Have Questions About Your Period or Menstrual Hygiene?

If you’re in Chembur or Chembur West, Mumbai, and want personal guidance on managing your period, choosing the right product, or dealing with any menstrual health issue – Dr. Madhura Pophalkar is here to help.

📞 Call now to book an appointment and get expert advice that’s easy to understand and tailored to your needs.