{"id":231,"date":"2017-10-31T08:47:57","date_gmt":"2017-10-31T03:17:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/?p=231"},"modified":"2025-12-10T15:46:44","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T10:16:44","slug":"6-health-risks-poor-menstrual-hygiene","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/6-health-risks-poor-menstrual-hygiene\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Health Risks of Poor Menstrual Hygiene"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p data-start=\"269\" data-end=\"912\">With the average woman going through around 480 periods in her lifetime, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/periods\/fertility-in-the-menstrual-cycle\/#:~:text=The%20average%20age%20for%20the,if%20she%20has%20any%20pregnancies.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NHS<\/a> (yes, that\u2019s a lot of pads, cramps, and chocolate bars), you\u2019d think we\u2019d all have menstrual hygiene figured out by now. But the truth is, no one really sits you down and tells you the actual dos and don\u2019ts. Between the taboos, whispered advice, and random myths, most of us end up learning by trial and error. And let\u2019s be real, sometimes that \u201cerror\u201d comes with painful consequences. The risks of poor menstrual hygiene are very real, and they can impact everything from your comfort to your long-term health. So let\u2019s talk about it openly, the way girlfriends should.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"914\" data-end=\"1008\">Here are 6 common mistakes that may look harmless but can seriously put your health at risk:<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"914\" data-end=\"1008\">(article continues below this video)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hbfKef8PuJ8\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><strong>1. Using Unclean Sanitary Napkins<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Pads are designed to be sterile, and using unclean or makeshift options like old cloth, dried leaves, or plastic isn\u2019t just uncomfortable, it can cause fungal infections, UTIs, and even long-term fertility issues. To most of us, this may be a no brainer, but all over the world, women still use these substitutes for pads (more on that <a href=\"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/pad-yatra-history-sanitary-pad\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nuawoman.com\/blog\/6HealthRisksPoorMenstrualHygiene-01.png\" alt=\"Always use clean sanitary napkins\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Your period products should protect you, not put your body at risk. If you prefer cloth pads, make sure they\u2019re properly washed, sun-dried, and stored hygienically.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 data-start=\"1468\" data-end=\"1505\"><strong>2. Wearing One Pad for Too Long<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p data-start=\"1468\" data-end=\"1505\">We\u2019ve all been guilty of wearing a pad longer than we should, especially on lighter flow days or during a busy day at work. But the truth is, bacteria and moisture build up fast. Changing every 6\u20138 hours is non-negotiable.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"1468\" data-end=\"1505\"><em>Blog continues after the ad.<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/sanitary-pads\/?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=PageAd&amp;utm_campaign=BlogAds_SP_021225\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12418\" src=\"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blinkit_Masthead_SPSSP-300x210.png\" alt=\"Promotional banner on a coral background displaying Nua period pad boxes placed on elevated blocks. Text reads \u2018Zero Irritation, 4x Comfort. Explore Nua\u2019s Period Care Range.\u2019 with a \u2018Shop now\u2019 button.\" width=\"451\" height=\"316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blinkit_Masthead_SPSSP-300x210.png 300w, https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blinkit_Masthead_SPSSP-1024x717.png 1024w, https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blinkit_Masthead_SPSSP-768x538.png 768w, https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blinkit_Masthead_SPSSP-360x252.png 360w, https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blinkit_Masthead_SPSSP.png 1120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 451px) 100vw, 451px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"1468\" data-end=\"1505\">Otherwise, you\u2019re opening the door to rashes, yeast infections (learn more about this <a href=\"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-yeast-infection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>), and that dreaded odour that makes you feel self-conscious. Remember, hygiene isn\u2019t about how heavy your flow is, it\u2019s about keeping your body safe.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nuawoman.com\/blog\/6HealthRisksPoorMenstrualHygiene-02.png\" alt=\"wearing one sanitary pad for too long may cause infections\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 data-start=\"1971\" data-end=\"2011\"><strong>3. Wiping or Washing Back to Front<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p data-start=\"1971\" data-end=\"2011\">Rushing in the washroom and wiping back to front might feel harmless, but it literally carries bacteria from the bowel to the vagina. This tiny mistake is a big trigger for urinary tract infections (read more <a href=\"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/urinary-tract-infection-causes-symptoms-cure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>). So the next time your pooping, go front to back, your future self will thank you. Adding mild, unscented soap, <a href=\"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/foaming-intimate-wash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this intimate wash<\/a> or just clean water to your routine is a simple upgrade that goes a long way.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nuawoman.com\/blog\/6HealthRisksPoorMenstrualHygiene-03.png\" alt=\"Washing back to front after peeing or pooping may cause UTI\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 data-start=\"2411\" data-end=\"2449\"><strong>4. Having Unprotected Period Sex<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p data-start=\"2450\" data-end=\"2847\">Yes, you can still get pregnant. And beyond pregnancy, the bigger risk is STDs. During your period, your cervix is slightly more open, making it easier to contract infections like HIV or Hepatitis B. Protection isn\u2019t optional, it\u2019s essential. If you\u2019re someone who enjoys intimacy during this time, condoms are your best friend. They protect you, your partner, and your reproductive health.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nuawoman.com\/blog\/6HealthRisksPoorMenstrualHygiene-04.png\" alt=\"unprotected sex during period will lead to pregnancy\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 data-start=\"2854\" data-end=\"2895\"><strong>5. Unsafe Disposal of Sanitary Pads<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p data-start=\"2896\" data-end=\"3346\">Throwing pads out in the open or mixing them with regular garbage doesn\u2019t just harm the environment, it exposes waste workers to serious infections. Unsafe disposal is one of the most overlooked risks of poor menstrual hygiene, but it matters just as much as wearing a clean pad. Always wrap pads in newspaper or the provided disposal cover before throwing them away. It\u2019s a small step that makes a huge difference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nuawoman.com\/blog\/6HealthRisksPoorMenstrualHygiene-05.png\" alt=\"how to dispose sanitary napkins\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 data-start=\"3353\" data-end=\"3383\"><strong>6. Skipping Hand Washing<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p data-start=\"3384\" data-end=\"3725\">It\u2019s a small habit with big consequences. Changing your pad without washing your hands may transfer bacteria straight into your body. This is how yeast infections and Hepatitis B spread silently. Wash before and after every change, it\u2019s the simplest form of self-care. Think of it like brushing your teeth: tiny habit, massive impact.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nuawoman.com\/blog\/6HealthRisksPoorMenstrualHygiene-06.png\" alt=\"wash your hands after changing your sanitary pad\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The risks of poor menstrual hygiene aren\u2019t just \u201cgross side effects\u201d, they can affect your health in the long run. With brands like Nua, you get pads that are safe, sterile, and thoughtfully designed. But no matter how good your product is, hygiene habits matter most. Change often, wash your hands, and dispose responsibly. Because period care isn\u2019t just about comfort\u2014it\u2019s about protecting your body, your health, and your future.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><em>Note: We know that for our women hygiene is a priority and we have put up a series of articles that talk about the various aspects of hygiene and why it plays an important role in our lives. You can read them <a href=\"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/?s=Hygiene\">here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-\">\u00a0<\/h5>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the average woman going through around 480 periods in her lifetime, according to the NHS (yes, that\u2019s a lot&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":3659,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":4,"_editorskit_typography_data":[],"_editorskit_blocks_typography":"","_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[221,701],"tags":[63,62,64,61,1209],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=231"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12430,"href":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231\/revisions\/12430"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3659"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=231"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=231"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}