Clean water, education crucial for menstrual hygiene, says doctor

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Tilak Raj Chadha Institute of Management and Technology (TIMT)’s Women Cell organised an awareness session on menstrual health and hygiene on Sunday. The objective of the programme was to educate female students on crucial aspects of menstrual health and legal education.

The first session was conducted for female students of management and computer applications courses. Dr Suman Masih provided in-depth insights into menstrual health issues, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cyst-related problems, emphasising the importance of preventive measures, including proper hygiene.

Menstrual hygiene was essential for the health and wellbeing of individuals who menstruated, she said, adding that it involved the proper management of menstrual flow using clean and safe materials such as sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups or cloth pads.

Maintaining good hygiene during menstruation helped prevent infections and discomfort, she said. It included regularly changing menstrual products, washing the genital area with clean water and ensuring proper disposal of used products, she added.

Access to clean water, sanitation facilities and menstrual education were crucial in menstrual hygiene, she added, stating that raising awareness and breaking social taboos around menstruation could help create a supportive environment for individuals to manage their periods with dignity and confidence.