Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet menstrual hygiene continues to be overlooked in many communities. In clinical practice, one of the most concerning observations is that many women and adolescent girls are still unaware of how unsafe menstrual practices can directly affect reproductive and overall health. What may begin as poor hygiene or lack of awareness can sometimes progress to serious gynaecological complications if left unaddressed.
One of the most common issues associated with unsafe menstrual practices is infection. Using unclean cloths, failing to change sanitary products on time, poor genital hygiene, or reusing menstrual products without proper sterilization can create an environment conducive to bacterial and fungal growth.
This may lead to vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, abnormal discharge, itching, burning sensation, pelvic discomfort, or foul odor. Conditions such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are common when hygiene practices are compromised.
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Another major concern is reproductive tract infections. When infections are ignored or repeatedly occur, bacteria may travel upward into the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, or pelvic organs. Over time, this may increase the risk of conditions like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. This condition can cause chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, menstrual irregularities, and in severe cases, reproductive complications.
Unsafe menstrual practices may also indirectly affect fertility. Persistent, untreated pelvic infections can sometimes cause inflammation, scarring, or blockage of the fallopian tubes. In certain cases, this may contribute to difficulty in conception later in life. While infertility has multiple causes, preventable infections remain an important reproductive health concern.
Prolonged use of damp, unclean absorbent material can also cause skin irritation, rashes, allergies, and local inflammation. In humid environments, poor hygiene may further increase the risk of fungal infections and skin breakdown, particularly in adolescents who may hesitate to discuss menstrual concerns openly.
Another overlooked issue is delayed medical consultation due to menstrual stigma. Many women normalise symptoms such as foul-smelling discharge, severe itching, burning, pelvic pain, or irregular bleeding, assuming these are a part of menstruation. This delay often allows otherwise treatable infections to progress.
Lack of access to clean menstrual products, inadequate sanitation facilities, poor education, and social taboos continue to play a major role in unsafe practices. Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable because misinformation during early menstrual years can shape long-term hygiene habits.
From a gynaecological perspective, menstrual hygiene is not just about comfort; it is directly linked to reproductive health, infection prevention, and long-term wellbeing. Simple practices such as changing sanitary products every 4–6 hours, washing hands before and after changing, maintaining genital hygiene, using clean absorbent products, and seeking medical advice for abnormal symptoms can significantly reduce health risks.
Menstrual health should be viewed as an essential part of women’s health care. Awareness, education, and open conversations can prevent complications and support healthier reproductive outcomes across all age groups.
(The author is the director and unit head, obstetrics & gynaecology, Yatharth Hospital, Faridabad)
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.