A burning sensation when you urinate. Fever. Chills. Abdominal pain. Funky-smelling urine.
These are some of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, aka, UTI. According to the Singapore Medical Journal, it is caused by microscopic bacteria and fungi. These microbes can travel up to the bladder, uterus, and kidney after entering your urethra and then infect these organs severely.
There are multiple ways you can get a UTI. It can happen through a bacterial transfer from the anus to the vagina, during sexual intercourse, or due to poor hygiene practices. Additionally, some period-hygiene mistakes can also trigger a UTI and land you in painful trouble. Here are six mistakes that you should avoid at all costs while you’re menstruating:
Not Cleaning Up
A recent study by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists suggest that it’s important to clean your intimate area with a mild cleanser at least once a day. Considering that your genitals get subjected to extra moisture from the damp pads, it’s crucial that you adhere to this rule during your period. You can count on Sirona’s Refreshing Intimate Wash for the job. Made with natural ingredients like Tasmanian pepper fruit, it cleanses and freshens up your intimate area while being super-gentle on your sensitive genital skin.
Wiping Incorrectly
The best way to ensure a clean and sweat-free intimate area is to use Sirona’s Wet Wipes while on the go. It leaves the nether regions squeaky clean with a single glide.
However, refrain from wiping the intimate area from back to front. Doing so can transfer the E.coli bacteria from the anus to the vagina and cause a UTI. In fact, this is one of the most common causes of infection.
Using Scented Pads
Scented pads come with the promise of concealing your period odour. But what they really conceal is harmful chemicals that can irritate your genital skin, disturb the vaginal pH, and lead to excessive bacterial growth. This can make you more prone to infection and UTIs. However, using a non-toxic sanitary pad like Sirona’s Rash-Free Pads can help here. They’re breathable, anti-bacterial, and don’t contain parabens or chlorine. This makes them super-safe to use.
Careless Period Sex
It is important to take adequate hygiene precautions during period sex. You can start by ensuring that you always use a condom to prevent any germ transfer from your partner. Secondly, peeing after sex to wash off the bacteria from the urethra can also keep UTIs at bay. This should be followed by cleaning the intimate area thoroughly and wiping it with a clean towel from front to back. Failing to take these measures can cause a UTI.
Using A Dirty Menstrual Cup
Menstrual cups have holes to create a suction grip with the pelvic floor muscles and sit comfortably inside the vagina. These holes can get clogged with germ-laden remnants if the cup is not washed properly. Needless to say, inserting a contaminated cup inside the vagina can give you a UTI. Now, this calls for a thorough cup cleanup, right? Enter, Sirona’s Menstrual Cup Wash. Made with mild and natural surfactants, this chemical-free cleanser can disinfect the menstrual cup and make it safe for use.
You can take the safety game a notch up by sterilising your cup in Sirona’s Menstrual Cup Sterilizer. This compact device kills 99.9% of germs in just three minutes, leaving your menstrual cup squeaky clean.
Wearing Pads/Tampons For Too Long
Ideally, you should change your pad/tampon every 3-4 hours. Leaving a pad or tampon for too long can lead to the growth of bacteria and germs on their surface. This can make you more prone to a UTI too. So, here’s a thought—how about you ditch them and switch to Sirona’s Menstrual Cup instead? The reusable device is inserted into the vagina and makes no contact with the sweat and germ buildup on the genital skin. Additionally, it gives leakproof protection for eight hours straight.
Folks, you’ve got to be extra cautious while on your period. Keep these points in mind and you’ll be fine, we promise.
Featured Image: Pexels
