Period Hygiene
Staying clean during your period is simple once you know how. Here is everything you need to feel fresh, comfortable, and confident.
The basics of period hygiene
Having your period is a sign that your body is healthy and working as it should. Taking care of your hygiene during this time helps prevent infections, keeps you feeling fresh, and helps you go about your day without worry.
How often should you change your pad?
You should change your pad every 4 to 6 hours, even if it does not look full. This is because bacteria can grow on a used pad, which can cause smells or infections. If your flow is heavy, you may need to change more often.
- Do not wear the same pad overnight for more than 8 hours.
- Change your pad before and after physical activity or sports.
- Always carry a spare pad when you leave the house.
Step-by-step: changing your pad safely
Follow this simple routine every time you change your pad — at home, at school, or anywhere. It only takes 2–3 minutes and is the single best way to prevent infection, rashes, and bad smell.
- 1Wash your hands with soap and clean water before you touch a fresh pad.
- 2Go into a clean toilet or a private, dry space. Close the door.
- 3Take out a new pad and open the wrapper. Keep it aside on a clean surface — never on the floor.
- 4Gently peel the used pad off your underwear. Fold it in half with the soiled side inwards.
- 5Wrap the used pad tightly in its old wrapper, in newspaper, or in a small paper bag.
- 6Throw the wrapped pad in a covered dustbin. Never flush it in the toilet — it blocks drains.
- 7Wipe yourself from front to back with clean toilet paper or a clean cloth.
- 8Wash the outer area (vulva) with plain warm water only — no soap inside.
- 9Pat dry with a clean, soft cloth. Wetness can cause rashes.
- 10Stick or snap the new pad into clean, dry cotton underwear, soft side up.
- 11Pull your clothes back on, and wash your hands again with soap for 20 seconds.
Do’s
- ✓Change your pad every 4–6 hours, even on light days.
- ✓Change more often on heavy days or after sports.
- ✓Always carry 1–2 spare pads and a paper bag in your school bag.
- ✓Use clean cotton underwear and change it daily.
- ✓Store pads in a clean, dry place — not in a damp bathroom.
- ✓Wash the outer private area with plain warm water.
- ✓Dry reusable pads in full sunlight before reusing.
Don’ts
- ✗Do not wear the same pad for more than 6 hours (or 8 hours overnight).
- ✗Do not flush pads or wrappers in the toilet.
- ✗Do not use soap, gel, powder, or perfume inside the vagina.
- ✗Do not wipe from back to front — that spreads bacteria.
- ✗Do not share your pad, underwear, or towel with anyone.
- ✗Do not store used pads in your bag or pocket for hours — wrap and bin them.
- ✗Do not reuse a disposable pad, even if it looks clean.
Reusable pads — the Wings of Hope way
Wings of Hope provides reusable sanitary pads to young girls across India. These pads are made of cloth, can be washed and dried, and used again and again. They are soft, safe, and good for the environment.
How to use a reusable pad
- Place the pad inside your underwear with the soft side facing up.
- Fasten the wings around your underwear using the snaps or buttons.
- Change it every 4–6 hours, just like a disposable pad.
- When you change, fold the used pad and put it in a small bag or pouch.
How to wash reusable pads
- Rinse the pad in cold water first to remove blood.
- Soak it in water with a little soap for 30 minutes.
- Wash it gently by hand or in a machine with regular clothes.
- Dry it in direct sunlight — the sun helps kill germs naturally.
- Make sure it is completely dry before storing or reusing.
Remember
Reusable pads are safe and clean when washed properly. Many girls and women around the world use them. You are not doing anything wrong by using cloth pads — you are making a smart, healthy, and earth-friendly choice.
Hand washing — the most important step
Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after changing your pad. This prevents germs from spreading and keeps you healthy.
Proper handwashing steps:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water.
- Apply soap and lather well.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice).
- Clean under your nails and between your fingers.
- Rinse and dry with a clean towel.
Handwashing do’s
- ✓Wash before AND after every pad change.
- ✓Use soap — plain water alone does not remove germs.
- ✓Scrub for a full 20 seconds (hum “Happy Birthday” twice).
- ✓Clean between fingers, under nails, and the back of your hands.
- ✓Dry with a clean cloth or air-dry — wet hands pick up more germs.
- ✓If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with alcohol.
Handwashing don’ts
- ✗Do not skip handwashing just because your hands “look” clean — germs are invisible.
- ✗Do not use the same dirty towel that everyone else uses — keep a small personal one.
- ✗Do not rinse for only 2–3 seconds; that is not enough to remove bacteria.
- ✗Do not touch the pad’s soft (inner) side with dirty fingers when putting it on.
- ✗Do not dip your hands in a shared bucket of water — use a mug to pour instead.
Bathing and staying fresh
Bathing daily is important during your period. Warm water helps relax your muscles and can ease cramps. It is completely safe to bathe or shower during your period — water does not enter your body through your vagina.
- Wash your private area gently with plain water. Avoid strong soaps or scented products inside.
- Pat the area dry with a clean towel — do not rub harshly.
- Wear clean, cotton underwear every day. Cotton lets your skin breathe.
- Change underwear daily, and more often if needed.
Build your period kit
Keep a small bag ready with everything you need. This helps you feel prepared and confident, whether you are at school or anywhere else.
In your period kit:
- 2–3 clean pads (reusable or disposable)
- A small soap or hand sanitizer
- A spare underwear
- A small plastic bag for used pads
- Pain relief tablets (if approved by a parent)
At school:
- Keep your kit in your school bag
- Know where the clean toilets are
- Identify a trusted teacher or nurse you can ask for help
- Do not be shy — periods are normal
Myths vs. Facts
Myth:
“You should not bathe during your period.” — False. Bathing is safe and recommended. It keeps you clean and can help with cramps.
Myth:
“Period blood is dirty.” — False. Period blood is just the lining of your uterus shedding. It is a natural, healthy process.
Myth:
“You cannot play sports during your period.” — False. Exercise is great during your period. It can actually reduce cramps and improve your mood.
