Menstruation is one of the vital processes of a woman's body which deserves utmost caution and self-care. Ensuring proper hygiene during menses, and eating right is the key to ease the pain you go through.

Good menstrual hygiene helps to protect intimate health from bacterial infections, skin irritations and other health issues. It can help maintain confidence, self-esteem and ensure we feel comfortable with our bodies when they’re menstruating.

1. Change your sanitary pad every 4-6 hours 

Changing sanitary pads or tampons within every 4-6 hours is the cardinal rule to establish vaginal hygiene. Menstrual blood, when released from the body attracts various organisms from bodies, which multiply in the warmth of the blood, and cause irritation, rashes or urinary tract infections. Changing your sanitary pad or tampon regularly curbs the growth of these organisms and prevents infections.

2. Wash yourself properly 

Washing your vagina regularly is extremely important, because the organisms cling to your body after you have removed your sanitary pad. Most people wash themselves regularly, but not the right way--which is, using your hands in motion from the vagina to the anus, not vice-versa. Motioning your hand from the anus to the vagina can lead to the transmission of the bacteria from the anus into the vagina or urethra opening  leading to infections.

3. Don't use soaps or vagina hygiene products 

Avoid using heavily perfumed soaps--these are guaranteed to be filled with chemicals that can disrupt the natural flora of the vagina. It’s best to use warm water, but if you feel like you need to use a soap make sure it has a mild, natural formula that is gentle on intimate skin. The vagina is self-cleaning so don’t try to wash the inside your vagina (also known as douching). This is a big no-no, even on your period! Just gently cleanse your vulva and the surrounding areas and your body will magically clean itself out.

4. Discard the sanitary pad properly 

Disposing off your tampons and sanitary pads properly is an important step. Wrap them properly before you throw them away, so the bacteria and infections do not spread. Make sure you don't flush them, since that will block the toilet causing the water to back up, spreading the bacteria all over it. Washing your hands properly is of utmost importance after you have wrapped and discarded the used tampons and sanitary pads, since you're likely to touch the stained area while wrapping them.

5. Stick to one method of sanitation 

Women tend to use tampons and sanitary pads, or two sanitary pads simultaneously during heavy flow which is an efficient technique. While it may keep you dry and prevent stained clothes, it can cause infections too. The combination of two techniques absorbs the blood making women oblivious to the need to change tampons and sanitary pads. Without frequent change, the accumulated blood invites bacteria and causes infections. So, it is advisable to use one sanitary napkin and change it as frequently as you can during heavy flow. These cardinal rules will help you stay healthy and manage your period better.