The menstrual cycle is a natural process, but some habits may increase discomfort and affect the body’s balance. During this period, women experience a range of physical and mental changes. In the following lines, Dalili Medical presents some habits that women should avoid during the menstrual cycle to avoid any health complications, according to what was published on our website.

**Tips to keep your vagina clean during your menstrual cycle:**

 

It is necessary to wash the vagina and the surrounding area with clean water continuously during menstruation. Here are some tips to ensure vaginal cleanliness during this period:

1. Avoid using tissue paper to absorb blood instead of designated sanitary pads.
2. Stay away from tampons and pads that are scented or that contain ingredients such as aloe vera, as they can cause skin inflammation, and this is one of the basics of vaginal hygiene during menstruation.
3. Do not wash the vagina vigorously or use a vaginal douche, to avoid changing the pH of the vagina, which may increase the chances of bacterial infection.
4. Only water is sufficient to clean the vagina from the inside, and the legs can be washed with water and unscented soap, which is one of the most important vaginal hygiene tips.
5. Change tampons or sanitary pads every 3 to 4 hours, and avoid using super absorbent tampons that can be left on for 8 hours, as this may lead to toxic shock syndrome, which is a rare and serious infection.
6. Drinking sufficient amounts of water during menstruation helps maintain vaginal moisture, reduces bloating and swelling, and also helps clean the vagina of secretions.
7. Do not wash and reuse sanitary pads, as this spreads germs and increases the risk of infection. Rather, they should be used once and then disposed of.
8. To prevent rashes, constant wetness can lead to the appearance of a rash on the vagina, so it is recommended to use a cream to treat the rash after showering and before bed, in addition to changing sanitary pads on a regular basis.

**Tips for pregnancy during menstruation**

 

- The menstrual cycle begins from the first day of menstrual blood.
By the seventh day, the egg is ready to be fertilized by a sperm.
Meanwhile, the uterus prepares the body to receive fertilization, and the cervical mucus becomes thinner to facilitate the passage of sperm.
The egg is released by hormones in the body, and ovulation usually occurs between the eighth and twelfth days.

**Signs to determine your ideal fertilization time:**

 

- **Changes in cervical mucus:** The cervix is ​​the narrow lower part of the uterus that ends at the vaginal opening. Mucus secretion changes due to the influence of hormones during the menstrual cycle, which helps determine the fertile period.

- **Before ovulation (immediately after the end of the menstrual cycle):** The uterus secretes a small amount of mucus, which is thick and white or dark, making the vagina appear dry. At this stage, the chances of pregnancy are low.

- **Approaching ovulation:** Mucus secretion increases to become white or creamy, and the vagina is moist, which increases the chances of pregnancy.

- **During ovulation:** The mucus is thin, transparent, and similar to the consistency of egg whites, and the vagina is moist. At this stage, the chances of pregnancy are at their highest.

- **After ovulation:** The mucus becomes thick, and the vagina begins to dry out a little.

- **Elevated core body temperature:** Core body temperature refers to the temperature when you are completely relaxed. Recording this score over several months can help you accurately predict when you will ovulate. Ovulation usually occurs when the temperature begins to rise, which lasts for at least three days. Temperature is affected by several factors such as heat, travel, daylight, diet, working hours, and number of hours of sleep.

- For accurate measurements, it is best to take your temperature at the same time every morning before getting out of bed using a fertility thermometer or digital thermometer.

It is recommended to drink drinks such as marjoram and sage, which may enhance the chances of pregnancy during the period.

**What to avoid during menstruation**

 

1. Avoid carrying heavy weights.
2. Do not walk barefoot or sit on a cold floor.
3. Avoid cold drinks or eating ice cream.
4. Avoid eating sticky vegetables and fruits such as okra, pumpkin, bananas, molokhiya, and mango.
5. Stay away from acidic foods and drinks such as lemon, orange, yogurt, and cheese.
6. Avoid soft drinks, caffeine and canned foods.
7. Do not be exposed to any air current or air conditioning, whether cold or moderate.
8. Do not wash the vaginal area with soap and water.
9. Avoid showering with cold water during menstrual days.
10. Do not remove excess hair or use masks, as the skin is very sensitive during this period.
**Incorrect habits during the menstrual cycle**

 

1. **Drink small amounts of water**
It is essential to maintain good hydration during menstruation to ensure the body functions properly. Many women avoid drinking enough water during this period, either because of fear of frequently needing to go to the bathroom or because of wrong beliefs. However, good hydration can help reduce bloating, cramps, and headaches associated with menstruation. It is recommended to consume foods and drinks rich in water to keep the body hydrated throughout the day.

2. **Excessive reliance on painkillers**
Overreliance on pain relievers to treat menstrual cramps can be harmful to health.
Excessive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can lead to digestive problems and other complications. Instead of relying solely on pain relievers, it is preferable to explore alternatives such as heat therapy, mDo light exercise, or use herbal remedies to relieve menstrual pain.

**3. Sleeping late**
Irregular sleep patterns can worsen PMS symptoms and negatively affect hormonal balance. Not getting enough sleep during menstruation may increase fatigue, mood swings, and cramps. Therefore, it is important to establish a regular sleep schedule and ensure you get enough rest to support overall health during menstruation. It is recommended to create a calming routine before bed and prioritize rest to improve sleep quality.

**4. Increased consumption of sugar and caffeine**
Eating high amounts of sugar and caffeine can lead to increased bloating, irritability, and hormonal fluctuations during your period. Although the desire to consume these substances may increase during this period, it is best to avoid them as much as possible. It is best to look for healthy alternatives such as herbal teas, dark chocolate, and fruits to satisfy this desire.

**1. Constant stress**
Women should avoid stress as much as possible, as stress affects the hypothalamus area of ​​the brain, which is responsible for secreting the hormones necessary for the menstrual cycle, which may lead to delayed or absent menstruation. Meditation and relaxation exercises, such as yoga and deep breathing, play a big role in controlling stress thanks to their ability to relieve stress and calm the nerves.

**2. High-intensity exercise**
There is no doubt that exercising is considered a healthy habit for women, but it is necessary that the exercises be moderate or medium intensity. Intense physical activities may lead to a decrease in body fat levels, which causes a disturbance in the production of sex hormones such as estrogen, and thus may lead to a delay or interruption of the menstrual cycle.

**3. An unhealthy diet**
Women must adhere to a healthy diet, as malnutrition can lead to a deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body, causing irregular menstruation. The daily diet should contain small amounts of simple carbohydrates, as excessive amounts of them negatively affect the hormonal balance.

**4. Not maintaining body weight**
It is important for women to maintain their weight, as a disturbance in the body mass index, whether increased or decreased, may lead to metabolic problems that affect the regularity of the menstrual cycle.

**5. Taking birth control pills**
It is best to take birth control pills under medical supervision, as they can negatively affect the balance of hormones in the body, leading to irregular menstruation.

**6. Iron deficiency**
Iron levels in the body decrease during the menstrual cycle due to the loss of large amounts of blood. Iron is an important element, and its deficiency may lead to a woman feeling tired and low in energy. It is recommended to eat foods rich in iron during this period, such as spinach, beans, red meat, dried apricots, and oysters.
 Eating foods that cause bloating

Many women suffer from body bloating during their menstrual cycle, which is normal and common. However, some foods may exacerbate this problem, causing digestive disorders in some. Therefore, it is preferable to choose healthy and light foods, and stay away from fats, fried foods, and legumes, in addition to cruciferous vegetables that may increase bloating. It is also recommended to reduce coffee consumption, as it can lead to digestive disorders, and replace it with healthy herbal drinks that help relieve cramps, such as chamomile, mint, and cinnamon.

 

Not washing hands before changing sanitary pads

It is necessary to keep hands clean to protect the vagina from any bacteria that may be transmitted while cleaning the sensitive area and changing sanitary pads. Women often wash their hands after changing pads, but it is recommended to wash and sterilize their hands well before cleaning the vagina and changing pads during the menstrual cycle.

 

 Not changing sanitary pads for a long time

The occurrence of menstruation in small quantities does not mean that sanitary pads can be left for a long time without changing. Leaving it for a long time may lead to the proliferation of bacteria and infection with fungi and infections. Therefore, sanitary pads should be changed regularly even if the menstrual cycle includes light spotting.

 

 Use scented products

Scented products, such as vaginal washes or wipes, cause irritation in the sensitive area, especially during menstruation, as they contain harmful chemicals. This habit is considered one of the common mistakes that some women make during their menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is preferable to use a medical wash designed for this area, free of chemicals and perfumes, and to use lukewarm water instead of hot to rinse the vagina.

 

**Forbidden foods during menstruation**

 

1. **Salty foods**: Foods rich in salt contain a high percentage of sodium, which leads to fluid retention in the body and increased bloating and cramps. These foods include chips, crackers, and fast food.

2. **Foods rich in fat**: These foods greatly affect hormonal activity, which increases the severity of menstrual symptoms such as bloating and cramps.

3. **Sugary foods**: Such as sweets, as they cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which is linked to mood swings and stress, and may negatively affect the immune system.

4. **Spicy foods**: They can cause stomach disorders, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, in addition to nausea. So it's best to avoid it if your stomach can't handle it, especially during your menstrual cycle.

5. **Red meat**: It contains a high percentage of prostaglandins, which contribute to uterine contractions. It is best to avoid it during menstruation.

6. **Foods that cause gas**: Such as cauliflower and cabbage, as they can increase the feeling of bloating.

 

**Forbidden drinks during menstruation**

 

1. **Coffee and soft drinksContains caffeine**: It can lead to fluid retention and increased bloating. It may also increase the severity of headaches and increase heart rate. It is better to reduce the amount than to completely ban it.

2. **Alcohols**: They cause dehydration of the body, which may increase the severity of symptoms, and can also lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea and nausea.

3. **Dairy drinks**: They may cause cramps because they contain arachidonic acid. If you have difficulty consuming it, you can try oat, almond, or soy milk.

**Forbidden fruits during menstruation**

 

There is no specific fruit that is recommended to be avoided during the menstrual cycle. Fruits and vegetables are useful in reducing cramps and menstrual pain. However, if you have health problems that require abstaining from certain types of fruits, it is best to consult a doctor.

**Methods of taking care of the body during the menstrual cycle**

 

There are several ways to take care of the body during this period, including:

- **Attention to personal hygiene**:
 - Wash the genital area at least twice a day, in the morning and evening, to avoid bacterial growth.
 - Wash the genitals from front to back to reduce the possibility of bacteria entering.
 - Avoid using regular soap or cosmetics, and use only warm water to clean the area.

 Breast health care

 

Here are some tips for maintaining breast health during menstruation, which will help reduce pain and bloating:

- Consult a doctor if the pain in your breasts is severe and unbearable.
- Use a heating pad or enjoy a warm bath.
- Try applying cold compresses to the breasts.
- Wear a comfortable bra that supports the breasts if they swell.

 When should you visit a doctor during your menstrual cycle?

 

After learning about ways to care for the body during the menstrual cycle, you should consult a doctor if you experience any of the following abnormal symptoms:

- Severe pain during menstruation.
- Unusual bleeding with large blood clots appearing on sanitary pads.
- Abnormal or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- High body temperature.
- The menstrual cycle continues for more than seven days.
- Vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause.
- Irregular menstrual cycle, especially if it was previously regular.
- Nausea or vomiting during menstruation.
- Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome appear, such as vomiting, fainting, and diarrhea.

 Useful drinks during menstruation

 

Here are some drinks that may help reduce menstrual pain:

1. **Chamomile tea**
 Chamomile tea is believed to increase levels of glycine in the body, an amino acid that helps relax muscles and nerves, which may relieve menstrual cramps. It is recommended to drink it daily during the week before your period, and the benefit may be greater when consumed regularly every month.

2. **Fennel seed tea**
 Fennel seed tea can help relieve menstrual cramps, as it works as effectively as some painkillers such as ibuprofen, reducing the feeling of pain and bloating. To prepare fennel seed tea, add a teaspoon of dried fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water, leave it for 5 minutes, then drink the tea.

**3- Cinnamon drink**
Cinnamon is considered effective in relieving menstrual pain and associated symptoms, such as nausea, and can also help reduce menstrual bleeding.
To obtain the benefits of cinnamon in alleviating menstrual symptoms, it is recommended to drink a cinnamon drink daily during the first three days of the start of your period.

**4- Ginger drink**
Ginger can help relieve menstrual pain, and may show an effect similar to some analgesics such as ibuprofen.
It is preferable to eat ginger four times a day during the first three days of the menstrual cycle. Ginger can be added to fennel seeds to obtain better results.

**5- Peppermint tea**
Mint drink is considered one of the drinks that helps reduce menstrual pain.
Peppermint works to relax the muscles, which may relieve cramps associated with the menstrual cycle, thanks to the effective compounds it contains that help reduce cramps and abdominal pain.
It is recommended to drink mint drinks to relieve premenstrual syndrome and also during the menstrual cycle.

**6- Drink water**
In addition to the herbal drinks mentioned, it is important to drink sufficient amounts of water daily, especially in the period before and during menstruation.
It is preferable to drink warm water, as it can help reduce the feeling of cramps, as warm liquids enhance blood flow to the skin and may contribute to relaxing tense muscles.