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Period Hygiene & SElf CARE TIPS

Taking steps to maintain good health and adopting some simple hygienic practices will help to keep you free from infections and other potential health problems and allow you to be more comfortable.

change your PRODUCTS

If you are using tampons and sanitary pads, generally these products are meant to be used for a short time frame of a few hours. Follow the product guidance on how often you should change these products. When you have a heavier flow, it may be best to change your products more frequently to ensure good hygiene.

If you find you have run out of products or don’t have enough, pop in to Learner Services who will be able to provide you with free products.

Here are some important things to remember:

When using tampons, always use a tampon with the lowest absorbency suitable for your period.

Alternate between tampons and sanitary pads.

Never have more than one tampon in your vagina at a time.

Remove the tampon at the end of your period.

Using fresh products helps you to avoid contact with bacteria that can be in damp towels/tampons. Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare, but life threatening condition caused by bacteria getting into the body and releasing harmful toxins. It is associated with the use of tampons and can be fatal if not treated properly. If you are displaying Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) symptoms, please seek medical help immediately. For further information about TSS please follow this link.

Cleanliness

Use plain, unperfumed soaps to wash the area around the vagina. For further information on how to keep your vagina clean and healthy, follow this link.

spares

Keeping spare underwear in your bag is always useful especially if you have a stain or some leakage. A clean pair can help you to feel dry and feel fresh for the rest of the day. Learner Services does have a small selection of underwear available.

WASH YOUR HANDS

Washing your hands both before and after changing your pad, tampon or cup can ensure maximum cleanliness – especially as your hands come into contact with all manner of things during the day.

Don't double up

If you’ve a long day in work or college, you may decide to ‘double up’ and use a tampon and pad, just in case the tampon starts leaking. This isn’t to be advised, and may lead you to not change your products often enough. Instead, make sure you have adequate time to change your products.

wash your cup

It is important to keep your menstrual cup clean. Follow the product guidelines for further details. In general, you can wash your cup with warm water and mild soap between uses.

Click here for further information on menstrual cups.

discard

It is important that you discard your used pads or tampons properly. Wrapping it well before discarding it ensures that the smell and infection is contained. It is advised not to flush the pad or tampon down the toilet since they are capable of forming a block and can cause the toilet to back up. Whilst on campus there are sanitary bins provided for you to dispose of used products.

practice self care

Whilst on your period, you can feel uncomfortable but there are some self care approaches you can practice to alleviate this:

· Prioritise good sleep hygiene;

· Wear comfortable clothing;

· Practice breathing exercises;

· Do light stretches;

· Write down your feelings;

· Take time to rest by listening to music, reading or watching a film;

· Go for a walk

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