Menstruation is a very sensitive time for a woman. It is also important that she takes care of her hygiene during this time because she is very vulnerable. She should choose her method of sanitation and ensure she is comfortable with it.
Choose your method of sanitation:
Today there are a number of ways including the use of sanitary napkins, tampons and menstrual cups to stay clean. In India, most unmarried girls prefer to use sanitary napkins. If you do decide to use a tampon remember that it is essential to choose one that has the lowest absorbency rate for your flow. While there are some women who choose to use either different types of sanitary napkins on different days of their periods or different methods of protection (like a tampon and a sanitary napkin), there are some who prefer to stick to one type and brand. The best tip here is to try and use one brand for one type of protection for a while to know if it helps your needs. Frequent switching between brands can make you uncomfortable since brands are as unique as you, they suit everyone differently.
Sourced from:http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/hygiene-during-menstrual-periods-10-things-you-should-know/
The other hygienic thing to do during periods is to ensure you change regularly. If it is a pad ensure you change it immediately it is soaked with blood. A tampon can go for 4 to 8 hours.
You should change a pad before it becomes soaked with blood. Each woman decides for herself what works best. You should change a tampon at least every 4 to 8 hours. Make sure to use the lowest absorbency tampon needed for your flow. For example, use junior or regular tampons on the lightest day of your period. Using a super absorbency tampon on your lightest days increases your risk for toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare but sometimes deadly disease. TSS is caused by bacteria that can produce toxins. If your body can’t fight the toxins, your immune (body defense) system reacts and causes the symptoms of TSS (see below).
Sourced from: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/menstruation.html#i
Doctors say that it is okay to have sex during your periods even though most women are not comfortable with the idea. If you decide to go ahead then you should ensure that you practice safe sex because this is time when you are highly prone to infections.
It’s crucial to practice safe sex while you’re having your period because you could still get or transmit an STI, like HIV, during this time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus may be present in menstrual blood. Therefore doctors strongly encourage using a condom to decrease this risk.
Lauren Streicher, MD, associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, says that anecdotally speaking, there are two reasons for this risk. “Any bodily fluid can carry HIV or [other] STIs, and [during your period], the cervix opens slightly, which might allow viruses to pass through,” she says. “My message to women is you’re not off the hook as far as using protection.”
Sourced from: http://www.everydayhealth.com/news/it-safe-have-sex-during-your-period/