Miscellaneous Menstruation, Hygiene To Choose Pads

JAKARTA - Menstruation is a normal biological process experienced by women with different cycles, although generally it is around 28 days.

This is the process of preparing the female reproductive organs to prepare for pregnancy. The preparation is characterized by thickening of the uterine wall (endometrium) which contains blood vessels. If pregnancy does not occur, the endometrium will slough off and come out with blood through the vagina.

Doctor Grace Hananta, C.Ht said that during menstruation women should pay more attention to the hygiene of the feminine area because the humidity level of the feminine area increases, increasing the risk of health problems such as bacterial infections.

"It is very important to maintain the health of the female area during menstruation where the risk of infection increases. It is recommended to change sanitary napkins every three to four hours," said Dr. .

Keeping the feminine area clean is very important, especially during menstruation.

"The feminine area must also be cleaned with a special feminine cleanser in the form of an antiseptic whose pH is in accordance with the conditions of the feminine area, the feminine area cannot be cleaned with ordinary soaps, it must be special feminine soap with the appropriate pH, namely acidic pH," he said.

The PH of the female area, said Dr. Grace, is around 3.8 to 4.5. "If you use ordinary soap, especially antibacterial soap, the pH must be above 7, it will disturb the acidity balance," he said.

The doctor, who graduated from Tarumanegara University, who became the Behavior Change Ambassador for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, suggested choosing sanitary napkins made from natural ingredients and not containing bleach, chlorine, recycled paper or any chemicals.

Pads must be able to keep the female area dry and healthy. "If you can choose quality materials."

At least, said Dr. Grace, the sanitary napkins we use must have a clinical trial serial number from the Ministry of Health so that the sanitary napkins have an official distribution permit.

"Because that's how we know quality sanitary napkins are safe to use."

"In addition, choose pads that are comfortable and in accordance with the flow of the menstrual cycle, if you are in heavy flow, choose a longer size, if low flow, choose short."

It is also important to make sure the pads are free of chemicals that are harmful to the feminine area and the material must be good so as not to irritate the skin and the inside of the feminine area.

"Change the sanitary napkin every three to four hours, but if it's really full, change it immediately. Then when you urinate, dry the female area properly, change to dry and clean sanitary napkins."

The doctor who is dedicated to the holistic field and self-healing empowerment also said that women should pay attention to the use of underwear. "Choose underwear that is comfortable and doesn't interfere with moisture."

During menstruation, various complaints will usually appear ranging from back pain, body aches, pain in the stomach to migraines.

Yoga practitioner Silvia Hendarta said that during menstruation there is a process of energy transfer that makes women feel uncomfortable.

"During menstruation, there is a shift from Yin to Yang, because there is no fertilization from the grafting process, when there is a change, it's good not to force yourself. But we live in a world that doesn't follow a woman's cycle, so actually during a woman's menstruation it's time to take it easy Don't be too lazy," said Silvia.

Silvia said to relieve discomfort during menstruation, you can do yoga which focuses on giving space in the abdominal area.

"It's okay to do yoga during menstruation, there are even certain movements that can reduce discomfort such as dizziness, stomach cramps, bloating, or soreness in the waist. The movements must be relaxed and avoid doing core strength movements during menstruation," said Silvia who holds a Diploma of Yoga from Satyananda Yoga and is registered as an E-RYT 500 in the Yoga Alliance International.

"Give space, let the lower abdominal area be more relaxed and open so that the internal organs including the ovaries and uterus have room to move," said Silvia, who also emphasized the importance of breathing.

Good breathing, Silvia said is when we use the entire lung space.

"The trick is to breathe using the diaphragm. If the posture is bad, sitting slouching or slouching, the diaphragm can't move freely so the breath is short and shallow. So sit up straight, the spine is straight."

Second, conscious breath.

"Direct the breath to the lower abdomen, so if you breathe through the nose, the lower abdomen expands a little later the organs in the abdominal cavity will be slightly pressured down, there is a slight movement, thus, all organs are like being given a little massage," he said.

When menstruation is mandatory, we should always be hydrated because bleeding makes the body lose fluids, making the body uncomfortable.

"Why do we like migraines during heavy flow menstruation? That's because the body seems to suddenly lose fluids, it will change the homeostatic balance so that it causes headaches, so during heavy flow drink lots of fluids," said Dr. Grace.

Side effects if the body lacks fluids, said Dr. Grace, will cause menstruation not to run smoothly

"Blood is a liquid, yes, if it's enough then the contraction process, shedding the uterine wall will be smooth," he said, which also reminded him to always consume balanced and nutritious foods.

"Eat a balanced nutritional diet because it contains complete micro and macro nutrients, fruit and vegetables, iron protein, omega 3. It will support the recovery of uterine cells, when menstruation is over."

In addition, you can consume natural herbs such as boiled ginger or turmeric which contain natural inflammatory and analgesic substances so that they can make you feel comfortable.

"If it doesn't hurt at all, you shouldn't take medicine, just use natural ways that make you more comfortable"

The female area is also called Dr. Grace needs probiotics because there are various kinds of microbiota, namely good bacteria that maintain the pH of the female area. Therefore, during menstruation it is also recommended to consume yogurt to kombucha.

Menstruation is actually a natural cycle experienced by almost all women, maintaining the hygiene of the female area and choosing the right sanitary napkins during menstruation is very necessary. A number of ways can also be done to reduce pain during menstruation starting from breathing techniques, doing a number of yoga movements and don't miss eating nutritious food and always hydrating the body.