What is sanitary protection and why is it important?
Hygienic protection refers to the use of products designed to absorb and contain menstrual flow, ensuring comfort, hygiene and safety during menstruation. It is crucial because it enables menstruating women to continue their daily activities without interruption, while reducing the risk of infection and preserving their dignity and self-esteem.
What types of sanitary protection products are available on the market?
The most common sanitary protection products include sanitary towels, tampons, menstrual cups and menstrual pants. Each type offers specific benefits:
How do I choose the right sanitary protection product?
Choosing the right sanitary protection product depends on a number of factors, such as activity level, menstrual flow, personal comfort and environmental concerns. It's advisable to consult a healthcare professional to make an informed choice, especially if you have specific conditions such as skin sensitivity or allergies.
What are the environmental considerations associated with sanitary protection products?
The environmental impact of sanitary protection products is significant, especially when it comes to non-biodegradable waste. Reusable products, such as menstrual cups and panties, are sustainable alternatives that can significantly reduce waste.
How can I maintain optimum hygiene when using sanitary protection products?
To ensure optimum hygiene, it's essential to change sanitary protection products regularly, depending on the flow, and to follow the specific instructions for each type of product. It's also crucial to wash your hands before and after changing products, to avoid infections.
What recent advances have been made in the field of sanitary protection?
Technological advances have enabled the development of more effective and comfortable sanitary protection products. For example, the use of super-absorbent and hypoallergenic materials improves the user experience while minimizing the risk of irritation and allergies.
How do I use a menstrual cup correctly?
Correct use of a menstrual cup is essential for effective and safe hygiene protection. Before the first use and after each cycle, the cup should be sterilized by boiling in water for about 5 to 10 minutes. For insertion, we recommend folding the cup to make it compact, then gently inserting it into the vagina while maintaining the fold. Once inside, the cup unfolds and creates a watertight seal around the vaginal walls, preventing leakage. It's important to empty it at least every 12 hours, depending on the flow.
What are the hypoallergenic alternatives for sensitive people?
For people with sensitive skin or those prone to allergic reactions, there are hypoallergenic sanitary protection products. These products are generally manufactured without perfumes, dyes or other irritating chemicals. Organic cotton pads and tampons, medical silicone menstrual cups and menstrual pants made from natural fabrics are good options for minimizing the risk of irritation and allergies.
How do I manage night-time sanitary protection?
Managing night-time sanitary protection requires products specifically designed to offer maximum absorption and security against leakage over long periods. Night-time pads are longer and wider than conventional pads, providing extra coverage to prevent leakage, especially when lying down. Menstrual panties are also an effective overnight option, offering extended coverage and peace of mind.
What health guidelines should I follow when using tampons?
Tampons must be used with care to avoid toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious condition. It's crucial to choose the right absorption capacity for your flow, change the tampon every 4 to 8 hours, and wash your hands before insertion and after removal. It's also advisable to alternate with other menstrual protection products, especially at night, to reduce the risk of TSS.
Are there sanitary protection solutions for very heavy flows?
For very heavy flows, it's important to choose sanitary protection products specifically designed to offer superior absorption while maintaining comfort. Pads designed for heavy flow and super-absorbent tampons are effective for the majority of users. For added security, the combined use of a menstrual cup and pad can offer double protection, ideal for days of very heavy flow or prolonged activities without access to sanitary facilities.
