Menstruation is the "weather gauge" of women's health; it not only reflects the condition of the reproductive system but also embodies the overall balance of qi, blood, yin and yang in women. However, many women have numerous confusions and misconceptions about menstrual hygiene and care.

Menstruation waxes and wanes; it should be managed monthly

Ming dynasty physician Li Shizhen said: "Women belong to the yin category; blood is their main element. Their blood corresponds above to Taiyin and below to the ocean tide. The moon has waxing and waning, the sea has ebb and flow; the monthly menses occur in accordance with this." Women have menstruation approximately every 28 days, a duration nearly identical to the time the moon takes to orbit the earth. But female menstruation is affected by the environment, climate, as well as emotions and diet, and may undergo changes in cycle, flow, and symptoms, resulting in disorders such as early or delayed menses, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and metrorrhagia.

Menstruation is like a mirror that can reflect the internal balance of yin and yang in women. Modern medicine has also confirmed that menstrual abnormalities are often external signals of endocrine disorders and reproductive system diseases. Therefore, women should pay attention to regulating emotions, being prudent in daily life, moderating diet, harmonizing yin and yang, and should place particular emphasis on menstrual hygiene

Select and use menstrual hygiene products correctly

During menstruation, sanitary products such as sanitary pads and tampons are needed. Although these products come in many varieties, their quality varies. Because during menstruation "the blood chamber is open" and the uterus is susceptible to invasion by damp-heat and cold pathogens, poor-quality sanitary pads can cause various problems: chemical irritants can damage the mucosal barrier and induce internal invasion by "damp-heat toxins"; poor breathability easily creates a humid, occlusive environment that promotes mold and bacterial growth leading to vaginitis, and retrograde infection may increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, even resulting in infertility or miscarriage; bacterial counts exceeding standards can directly disrupt the vaginal microecological balance and cause pathogenic external infections.

Sanitary pads: pure cotton and odorless preferred

Sanitary pads that come into direct contact with the perineal area should have a surface layer made primarily of pure cotton or nonwoven fabric to allow breathability, reduce friction on sensitive areas, and lower the risk of allergic reaction; avoid materials like synthetic fibers that may irritate sensitive skin. The core, which provides the main absorbent function, should preferably be made of superabsorbent polymer resin, which absorbs quickly and is less prone to backflow, keeping the area dry.

Some sanitary pad products on the market market themselves as containing mugwort or providing a cooling sensation; in fact, it is not recommended that women choose these products. Substances such as mugwort or menthol can be somewhat irritating to the vagina and may disrupt its microecological balance. In addition, because sanitary pads are used one at a time, packaging should be individually sealed to avoid contamination.

Tampons: the right way to adopt an emerging option

Tampons are increasingly favored by young women for their discreetness and convenience during activities. They are mainly divided into finger-insert tampons and applicator tampons. The former are relatively affordable but require using a finger to push the tampon into the vagina, so hand hygiene must be observed during use to avoid infection. The latter deliver the tampon into the vagina via an applicator, preventing direct contact between fingers and the vulva and being more hygienic.

Attention should be paid to choosing a tampon with appropriate absorbency according to menstrual flow; relax the body and choose a comfortable position when inserting, and beginners can start with the smallest size; tampons should not be used during vaginal infections.

Disposable underwear: wisely balance convenience and risk

Not changing sanitary pads promptly, or adopting an improper sleeping posture, can easily cause menstrual blood to soil underwear and be difficult to clean; if the underwear that secures the sanitary pad is not washed thoroughly, residual pad adhesive in the crotch may trigger vulvar dermatitis. For these and other reasons, some women tend to choose disposable underwear during their period.

Using disposable underwear during menstruation is indeed convenient, but some products may contain harmful substances such as optical brighteners and formaldehyde, posing an allergy risk; materials that are not breathable (e.g., synthetic fibers) can increase local humidity and promote bacterial growth. Therefore, when purchasing disposable underwear, look for medical-grade standards, cotton material, and products without added optical brighteners. In addition, disposable underwear must also be changed promptly.

Experts emphasize: wash hands before and after changing menstrual products to avoid bacterial contamination being introduced into the vagina.

Replace menstrual products regularly: sanitary pads every 2–4 hours, tampons every 4–6 hours. Change more frequently when flow is heavy

Hygiene products should be stored in a dry, clean place; avoid placing them in a damp bathroom for convenience.

Break the “menstrual shame” and correct misconceptions

"Menstrual shame" is widespread among women. Some women choose to put sanitary products in opaque bags when purchasing them; when changing pads they often furtively take them out of their bags; or because they worry about menstrual blood staining their pants or contaminating seats, they often avoid going out during their period; when menstrual abnormalities occur, they seldom seek help from family. These various anxieties and tensions not only affect women's mental health but may also delay the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological diseases.

In addition, misunderstandings about menstrual care need to be clarified: women may bathe during their period and may wash the external genitalia, but they should follow the "three no's" principle — no cold water, no prolonged washing, no tub baths — and use warm showers to rinse the vulva once or twice daily; avoid using alkaline soaps, washes, or vaginal douches so as not to disrupt the acid-base balance.

Moderate exercise is also acceptable during menstruation, such as Baduanjin, tai chi, or menstrual yoga, to promote the circulation of qi and blood; ensure adequate sleep and avoid staying up late, which can deplete liver blood; when abnormalities in menstrual volume, color, or texture occur, seek medical attention promptly