Contrary to myth, showering during menstruation is actually safe and actually recommended. You'll still feel fresh and smell good, and once you get used to it, you can do it as often as you like.
Step
Step 1. Remove sanitary napkins (pads), tampons (optional) or mouthpiece (optional)
Bathing without feminine hygiene products can be scary and disgusting if you're not used to it, but there's nothing wrong with that (tampons and mouthpieces can be removed when showering). Menstrual fluid will flow down the drain even if the blood will surprise you at first (the water will make the blood appear more), you will get used to it. Bathing will give your body a break from using tampons which can cause TSS (toxic shock syndrome) through bacterial infections or thick pads. Discard tampons or pads before entering the bathroom or when showering if the trash can is in the bathroom.
If you shower after exercise at school or other public bathrooms, you may want to stick with a tampon or menses mouthpiece. If you are wearing sanitary napkins, then you should take a shower while letting the menstrual blood flow, or not bathe at all (report it to your gym teacher if necessary).
Step 2. When you start bathing, flush the entire vagina with water
In this way, the remnants of blood there will be cleaned and bleeding will be minimal.
Step 3. Use soap, but don't touch the mucous membranes or the inside of the vagina
This is because the vaginal pH level is regulated by the body to prevent infection in the vagina. Soap disrupts the pH balance so the vagina becomes vulnerable to infection. Clean the skin around the vagina, rather than the inside or labia, then clean with soap to remove odor.
If you have oily skin during your period, you should use a special soap for oily skin. As with shampoo, use a brand that reduces oil on your hair if needed. You can wash more during your period
Step 4. Enjoy your bath
Warm water will improve your previously bad mood and body. Plus, the warm water will also reduce the pain from your cramps.
Step 5. Flush your vagina again and turn off the shower
Thus, the bathroom will not be too messy. Make sure you use paper towels so you don't get your cloth towels dirty.
Step 6. Reinstall your feminine hygiene products
The method depends on the product used:
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Sanitary napkins: This product is the most difficult to put on after a shower because your body must be dry and wearing underwear. Be sure not to stain the towel with blood, it's best to just use a paper towel and pinch it between your thighs while you dry the rest of your body. Attach the pad to the underwear and wear it properly so it doesn't fall apart.
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Menstrual tampon or mouthpiece: These two products are easy to reassemble. Just crouch in the shower and enter as before. If the product is to be placed in the toilet, first wipe your vagina with a paper towel and hold the product between your legs while drying yourself with the towel. After that, get out of the toilet.
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Step 7. Wash your hands and rinse the shower head with water
Make sure there aren't any marks left that others might see.
Tips
- Change pads or tampons regularly. You will feel more fragrant and fresh.
- Men's sanitary pads should be on your underwear when you get out of the shower and wear them properly so they don't fall apart.
- Use an old dark towel or body wash to dry the feminine area, if it's messy. Or, it's better to use baby wipes or tissue paper.
- Wear cool, natural clothes.
- As substitute for sanitary napkins and tampons, try using a menses funnel. This product is a flexible funnel to be inserted into the vagina whose function is to collect blood. This product can be washed and reused. Research shows these products leak less frequently and don't need to be changed as often as pads or tampons. Because this funnel does not absorb water, the bacteria that cause toxic shock syndrome will not thrive. Most women replace these mouthpieces once every few years, so they are cheaper and more sustainable in the long run than single-use products.
- Don't forget to clean the hair filter in the bathroom so that the next user is not surprised and disgusted.
- Always have sanitary pads with you wherever you go to get ready.
- To avoid blood staining the towels when drying yourself, first pat the vaginal area with toilet paper to wash off the blood and then dry the rest of the body as usual.
Warning
- Do not rush and panic as if everything will fall apart if the pads or tampons are not used immediately. Your vulva will keep the blood dripping for a few minutes, and the drip is small enough to wash off with toilet paper.
- Also avoid vaginal sprays and soaps with strong perfumes.
- It is not recommended to use pads and tampons that have fragrances, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Don't douche. This method will interfere with the good bacteria that protect the vagina from fungus. Gravity and vaginal fluids will clean this area naturally.
