Research-backed
Image: Shutterstock
Cramps, aches, mood swings, and hysteria: you know the drill! Once every month you’re visited by the blood goddess, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Periods can also tell you a lot about your body. Whatever you do in your daily routine has an impact on your health too. So, it might be a good idea to practice healthy habits during this time of the month in order to understand your bodily needs and help you feel better.
As natural as it is, many young girls and even women can’t comprehend what to do and most importantly what not to do when they are on their periods. The various taboos still associated with periods do not help either. With all that in mind, you wouldn’t want anything else to make matters worse. So, what should you have been avoiding all this time? Here we have compiled a list of 5 common mistakes that you should avoid during your period.
1. Ignoring The Blood Colour
Image: Shutterstock
The colour of blood changes throughout your menstrual cycle (1). Bright red one day, and brown or pinkish the next. It usually starts out with brown spotting and turns into a bright shade of red. Towards the end of the cycle, it could be dark brown to almost black. However, if it is anything out of these three, you should call your doctor right away.
2. Not Monitoring Your Cycle
Image: Shutterstock
No, tracking your cycle isn’t just so that you can plan out your pregnancy well. Several conditions can make your periods irregular. However, you’ll only notice this if you know what is normal for you. You can achieve this by keeping track of your regular monthly cycle. In case something goes off, you won’t have to wait a long time before consulting your gynaecologist.
3. Not Changing Your Pads Or Tampons Often
Image: Shutterstock
Regularly changing your tampons or pads is imperative for maintaining proper hygiene. So, what is the ideal duration you should be using them for? When it comes to pads, you can change them every six hours so, or once they get soaked. This will be more common at the start of your period. As far as tampons are concerned, five hours should be more than enough. Tampons, especially the super-absorbent kind can cause a fatal condition known as the Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). It can develop if you leave the tampon on for long (2). It is highly recommended that you use the low-absorbent variant and change them often.
4. Drinking Alcohol
Image: Shutterstock
Due to the unreasonable cravings, a glass of red wine might make its way on your must-have list when you are on your period. But, it may do you more harm than good. Alcohol is known to heighten the menstrual symptoms like aches and mood swings. Hence it’s better to keep the alcohol locked up. You can consume water or a blend of herbal teas, instead.
5. Unprotected Sex
Image: Shutterstock
While there is no harm in having sex on your period (it is considered healthy even), the risk of getting an STD increases (3). In case you are unaware of your partner’s medical status, it is best not to practice unprotected sex. Additionally, the chances of getting a bacterial or yeast infection becomes high.
So the next time you are going through that time of the month, it is best to follow these practices. This will promote better hygiene and both physical as well as mental well-being. If you have some insights on what to avoid during your period, don’t forget to share some tips and tricks with us in the comment section below.
