Menstrual hygiene is a critical aspect of women's health, yet many women are unaware of the basics, such as how often they should change their sanitary products.
To prevent infections and maintain good reproductive health, it is essential to change sanitary towels and tampons regularly, according to Dr Maina Muriithi, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Aga Khan University Hospital.
"Studies show that, after several hours of continuous use, sanitary towels can harbour up to 10 bacteria per square centimetre," he says.
Comfort should be the primary consideration when choosing the right sanitary products.
Photo credit: Pool
He recommends changing sanitary towels and tampons every four to eight hours. "On days when menstrual flow is heavy, they may need to be changed more frequently – every two to three hours, or immediately when there is a feeling of wetness, fullness, or leakage. Tampons should never be left in place for longer than eight hours."
Dr Muriithi warns that prolonged use of sanitary products may cause inflammation and infection. One such infection is toxic shock syndrome, which is a severe bacterial infection affecting the skin that can lead to multiple organ dysfunction. Menstrual cups, on the other hand, can be used for longer because they hold more fluid. Depending on the flow, they can be emptied every six to 12 hours, with twice-daily emptying being the standard recommendation.
Depending on flow, menstrual cups can be emptied every six to 12 hours.
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However, Dr Muriithi says that having to change a fully soaked pad or tampon every one to two hours is not normal and may indicate heavy menstrual bleeding. "If this happens frequently, it should be investigated. Heavy bleeding can be linked to hormonal imbalances, fibroids, and other conditions affecting the uterus or cervix. In younger women, disorders that interfere with the blood's ability to clot may also be responsible."
Dr Muriithi points out that periods lasting longer than seven days, especially when the bleeding is heavy, should also not be considered normal. "Periods that require changing a pad every one to two hours, severe pain that interferes with daily activities such as work or school, or periods accompanied by large blood clots every cycle should prompt a visit to the doctor."
He adds that infrequent menstrual periods lasting less than two days with no current use of hormonal contraception should also warrant a checkup. Women experiencing heavy bleeding should seek medical care, particularly if they also develop symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, painful menstruation, or lower back pain. Other warning signs include abnormal vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, bleeding after intercourse, and painful intercourse.
"Over time, chronic heavy bleeding can lead to symptoms of anaemia, such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue and low energy levels."
He adds that some of these complications are actually more common in adolescents, particularly infections related to menstrual towel use, as they have not yet learned how to manage their periods effectively. "Young girls who have just started their periods need guidance on menstrual hygiene and what to do during their periods, including how often to change sanitary towels and which pads to choose," he adds.
It is essential to change sanitary towels and tampons regularly to prevent infections and maintain good reproductive health.
Photo credit: Pool
He emphasises that comfort should be the primary consideration when choosing the right sanitary products because every woman is different, both in body shape and menstrual flow. "Wearing an ill-fitting sanitary towel with low absorbency can cause discomfort and leakage."
He notes that one's lifestyle and occupation may influence the most suitable products. "Women who work outdoors for long hours may require a different type of pad compared to a student who spends much of the day seated in class. Special night pads are also available," he says.
However, he cautions against using scented sanitary products. "As health practitioners, we do not recommend scented sanitary towels or tampons as they can disrupt the normal vaginal flora and acidic environment, making one more susceptible to vaginal or vulval infections and irritation," he says.
"Most women use these to mask odour. However, you should see a gynaecologist if you notice an unusual or unpleasant body odour."
Health practitioners do not recommend scented sanitary towels or tampons as they can disrupt the normal vaginal flora and acidic environment, making one more susceptible to vaginal or vulval infections and irritation.
Photo credit: Pool
He notes that normal menstrual odour is very different from the smell associated with infection. “Menstrual blood and normal vaginal fluids may have a mild metallic, slightly acidic or even sweet scent. However, a fishy, rotten or persistent foul smell, especially when accompanied by unusual discharge, often signals an underlying infection," he warns.
Menstrual cups and period underwear are among the most common reusable options available. "They are cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to disposable pads and tampons," says Dr Muriithi. However, proper cleaning and storage are essential to ensure they are used safely and to prevent infections.
