Tips to Stay Fresh During Your Period

Maintaining intimate freshness during your period is essential for comfort and health.

Menstruation is a natural biological process in which blood and tissue from the uterine lining are shed through the vagina.

Proper hygiene helps prevent infection, reduce unpleasant odors, and keep the intimate area feeling clean and fresh throughout your period.

Change menstrual products regularly, clean the genital area properly, and avoid using scented cleansers to maintain the area’s natural balance.

How to Maintain Intimate Freshness During Menstruation

Keeping your intimate area clean during menstruation is crucial to prevent infection, maintain freshness, and ensure daily comfort.

Here are some simple steps you can follow:

1. Use the Right Menstrual Products

Choose products that can absorb or collect menstrual blood effectively—such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or period underwear.

If you use pads, change them regularly, even if your flow is light. For tampons, replace them every 4–8 hours to keep the area clean and prevent infection.

2. Wear Breathable Underwear

Menstruation often makes the intimate area feel damp, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast.

Choose cotton underwear that absorbs moisture and allows airflow to keep the area dry, comfortable, and irritation-free.

3. Clean the Intimate Area Properly

Gently wash the outer vaginal area and buttocks daily, wiping from front to back to prevent bacterial transfer.

Avoid using soaps or scented cleansers—clean water is sufficient, as the vagina naturally cleanses itself.

Using harsh soaps can disrupt pH balance and lead to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water helps maintain the body’s natural moisture, flushes the urinary tract, and reduces infection risks in the intimate area.

5. Track Your Menstrual Cycle

Your menstrual cycle can be an important indicator of overall health. Irregular periods may signal conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or celiac disease.

Use a calendar or period-tracking app to monitor your cycle patterns and changes.

Choosing Safe Menstrual Products for the Intimate Area

Maintaining intimate health during menstruation starts with choosing the right products and using them correctly.

Every woman has different needs and preferences, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each menstrual product:

1. Pads

Pads are the most common and easiest option, especially for teens or those new to menstruation.

The absorbent layer collects menstrual blood, while the adhesive backing keeps it in place.

Pads come in various sizes and absorbency levels to match your flow.

Tip: Change pads or pantyliners every 4–6 hours to maintain hygiene and prevent odor.

2. Tampons

Made from absorbent cotton, tampons are inserted into the vagina to absorb blood before it exits the body. A small string is attached for easy removal.

Tampons are convenient for physical activities or swimming, but must be changed every 4–6 hours, depending on your flow.

Tip: Avoid wearing tampons overnight or for too long to prevent infection or toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

3. Menstrual Cup

A menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina to collect blood rather than absorb it. Made from flexible medical-grade silicone, it can be washed and reused.

Menstrual cups hold more fluid than tampons or pads, making them suitable for heavy flows and an eco-friendly choice.

4. Period Underwear

Period underwear looks like regular underwear but has built-in absorbent layers. It’s a practical alternative for light to moderate flow days.

Replace it every 4–6 hours and wash thoroughly after use to maintain hygiene.

Preventing Irritation and Odor in the Intimate Area

Using the wrong menstrual products can cause irritation and unpleasant odor.

The smell that sometimes appears during menstruation is caused by the mix of blood, tissue, and the vagina’s natural bacteria.

Here’s how to keep your intimate area fresh:

• Change pads, tampons, or period underwear regularly, especially on heavy flow days.
• Avoid leaving a tampon in for too long.
• Bathe regularly to maintain body and intimate hygiene.
• Do not use vaginal sprays or scented products—they can irritate and disrupt the natural pH balance.
• Avoid douching (washing the inside of the vagina); clean only the outer area with water.
• Use fragrance-free products and wear cotton underwear to keep the area dry and irritation-free.

Maintaining cleanliness and choosing the right menstrual products not only prevents infection and odor but also supports the natural balance and overall health of your intimate area.

References

Aveya in. Accessed in 2025. Menstrual Hygiene Checklist.

CDC. Accessed in 2025. Healthy Habits: Menstrual Hygiene

FemFresh. Accessed in 2025. Top Tips for Maintaining Intimate Hygiene During Your Period.

NHS Inform. Accessed in 2025. Choosing Period Products.