Menstrual Hygiene: A Salubrious Approach to Curb Gynecological Problems

Abstract

Background: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are associated with poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices and it lead to gynecological problems. We aimed to determine which factors are responsible poor menstrual hygiene practices and were associated with common infections of the lower reproductive tract. Importance: Proper management of menstrual hygiene is taken for granted in many countries, including India and mainly in the rural population as inadequate menstrual hygiene is a major problem for females which adversely affects the health and development of females. Objective: The aim of this article is to know the various factors responsible for poor menstrual hygiene which is giving rise to various infections in females and list various type of infection which is occurring due to bad menstrual practices. Conclusion: They are various factors affecting menstrual hygiene management includes lack of knowledge and awareness, ignorance and embracement; teasing by peer’s poor familial support, lack of cultural acceptance of alternative menstrual products; limited resources to purchase pads, inadequate water and sanitation facilities. People should be able to define what is meant by “adequate menstrual hygiene management,” identify the challenges to adequate menstrual hygiene management, and describe some of the intervention strategies that have been proposed to improve menstrual hygiene management for females. The results of our review add to growing number of studies which demonstrate a strong and consistent association between poor menstrual hygiene practices and higher prevalence of lower RTIs and gynecological cancers.