The Silent Danger: Why Menstrual Hygiene Can’t Be Ignored

In the rush of life—career demands, meetings, deadlines, and responsibilities—modern women juggle everything. But in the midst of it all, one crucial aspect often takes a backseat: menstrual hygiene.

It seems harmless—delaying a pad change during a long workday, forgetting to switch a tampon in between meetings, or using the same menstrual cup for extended hours. But what many don’t realize is that this small negligence can have catastrophic consequences.

Menstrual hygiene is not just about comfort—it’s about health, safety, and survival. And when ignored, it can become a silent killer.

A Global Perspective: The Menstrual Hygiene Crisis

The lack of proper menstrual hygiene is a widespread issue affecting women worldwide. Shockingly, an estimated 500 million women and girls globally lack access to adequate menstrual products and facilities, leading to severe health and social consequences.

The Hidden Dangers of Poor Menstrual Hygiene

Many women underestimate the impact of improper menstrual care. The truth? The consequences are far more serious than just discomfort.

1. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): A Lethal Threat

Tampons and menstrual cups are lifesavers—but when left unchanged for too long, they become breeding grounds for deadly bacteria. The result? Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)—a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins.

Symptoms start subtly—fever, dizziness, nausea—but can escalate to organ failure and even death if untreated.

2. Urinary Tract and Yeast Infections

Wearing a pad for too long creates the perfect moist, warm environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. This leads to infections like:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – Burning sensation, pain, and even kidney complications.
• Yeast Infections – Intense itching, discomfort, and long-term vaginal health issues.

3. Skin Irritation and Rashes

Leaving a damp pad on for too long can cause itching, redness, and painful sores. Over time, this leads to chronic skin infections, which take weeks to heal.

4. Fertility Risks and Reproductive Issues

Ignoring menstrual hygiene isn’t just about short-term discomfort—it can lead to long-term reproductive damage. Bacterial infections left untreated can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can lead to infertility.

This isn’t just about hygiene. It’s about protecting future motherhood.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Menstrual Hygiene

Making small but consistent changes can save lives. Here’s what every woman should do:

✅ The Do’s:

• Change your pad every 4-6 hours, even on light-flow days.
• Tampons should be replaced every 4-6 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wash menstrual cups properly and sterilize them between cycles.
• Stay hydrated and maintain proper nutrition to support your body during menstruation.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear to prevent moisture buildup.

❌ The Don’ts:

• Never wear a single pad or tampon for more than 8 hours—this invites serious infections.
• Avoid scented menstrual products—they disrupt the vagina’s natural pH.
• Don’t ignore unusual symptoms like extreme pain, heavy clotting, or unusual odor—seek medical help immediately.

Case Study: Sugarcane Industry Women Workers

In Maharashtra's Beed district, a distressing trend has emerged among women sugarcane cutters. Due to grueling work schedules and the absence of proper sanitation facilities, many women opt for hysterectomies (surgical removal of the uterus) to avoid menstruation altogether.

This drastic measure stems from:

• Lack of Access to Sanitary Facilities: Long working hours in fields without toilets make managing menstruation nearly impossible.
• Economic Pressures: Missing work due to menstrual issues results in financial penalties, pushing women towards extreme solutions.

This situation underscores the dire need for accessible menstrual hygiene facilities and education, especially in labor-intensive industries.

Prioritizing Menstrual Health: A Non-Negotiable Need

Menstrual hygiene is not a choice—it’s a necessity. Yet, in the chaos of daily life, too many women push it to the background.But here’s the truth: Your health comes first. No deadline, no meeting, no responsibility is more important than your well-being.The next time you're too busy to change your pad, remember: Neglecting menstrual hygiene isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be deadly.So take charge. Protect your health. Respect your body. Because menstrual hygiene isn’t just about periods—it’s about life.

Jyothi Lekshmi, IT Program Manager, Mrs India 2025 Finalist, aspiring lifestyle blogger/writer,Canada NB