Feminine hygiene is rarely discussed in homes across Asia due to the conservative nature of most cultures across the continent. In this day and age, it's surprising to know that some places, such as certain rural areas of Pakistan, have made the topic of menstruation a forbidden subject. As a result, most women living in these areas have little to no knowledge about how their bodies work and feminine care. It's also quite astounding that even in modern cities across Asia, certain traditions and myths regarding feminine hygiene are still observed to this day. However, in order to maintain feminine health and wellness, it's essential to know the truth about these myths, as well as the right way to care for oneself while on your period. Here's what you need to know about these feminine hygiene myths.
Myth: Menstruating women are unclean
In some parts of India, it is believed that menstruating women are unclean or impure, and because of this belief, they are limited from doing certain activities such as cooking or touching holy books. However, being on your period doesn't mean that you're tainted in any way- it's a natural process, and while it can be uncomfortable or even painful for some women, having your period doesn't mean that you're unclean either. With the right products, it's easy to keep clean during this time of the month.
You can practice good feminine hygiene by regularly changing your sanitary pads or tampons and by cleansing your vagina daily. It's also good to understand how your vagina reacts to certain feminine products as it's possible to overdo cleansing or use the wrong self-care products. For instance, highly-scented feminine washes may give your intimate area a flowery scent, but it can upset your vagina's natural pH levels, which can lead to dryness and itching. Washing with natural or unscented products may be better for overall feminine hygiene health.
Myth: Smearing period blood on your face will keep pimples away
In the Philippines, young girls who have had their periods for the first time are told to smear their period blood on their faces to prevent pimples and other skin problems. There is no truth to this myth as pimples are brought about by hormonal changes, and applying period blood on your face does nothing to improve facial skin. To keep skin in good condition, wash with a mild cleanser, hydrate with a light moisturizer, and be sure to take your makeup off before sleeping. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also help to give your skin a nice glow.
Myth: Using a tampon will take away your virginity
Sanitary pads are widely used in Asian countries, and most women prefer to use this instead of tampons for fear of breaking their hymen. In most Asian cultures, it is believed that once a woman's hymen breaks, she is no longer a virgin, and this is why most Indonesian women don't use tampons as having an intact hymen is of great importance to them. However, there is no reason to worry because while using tampons may stretch the hymen, it cannot take your virginity away, and this will only happen once you become sexually active. Of course, whether you use pads or tampons is completely up to you, and you should use the product that you're comfortable with.
Uncovering the truth about feminine hygiene and menstruation myths is essential for a woman's health and wellbeing. As we move into the next century, we must all know how to differentiate the facts from the lies so women can be healthier and they can shed the fears brought about by these myths.
