You may have come across multiple myths related to periods over the years and most of them have been passed through generations. However, the truth is that most of these myths stem from the fact that menstruation was once considered a taboo or something that is dirty.
That is why some people still have a common question: can I have a bath on my period? In some cultures, the answer will always be no because a few think it will stop periods completely or make the flow heavier. However, the reality is that anyone can have a bath during their periods, only if they follow the correct way to get done with the process.
Let’s learn more about the same in this guide on menstrual hygiene and get our hands on a few more tips and tricks.
How to Bath During Periods?
Apart from keeping you clean, bathing, in general, has many positive effects on your mood and stress levels. But there are certain things you need to be careful about while taking a bath when you are on your period.
Dr. Sarita Channawar, Gynecologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, explains what you need to remember:
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Remove Your Pad, Tampon, or Menstrual Cup Before Bathing
It’s okay to let the vagina bleed in the shower. The blood will run right down the drain. Clean the old blood stuck to your pubic hair. Dispose of the pad, or tampon properly and wash the menstrual cup from time to time to avoid infections.
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Have a Bath Twice a Day
Regular showers are necessary to prevent odor and lower the risk of infection during menstruation.
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Clean the Bathtub
If you want to use a tub, clean it before entering it and definitely after using it too!
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Avoid Scented or Chemical Products Down There
Use plain water to clean the vagina. Do not use harsh products that can irritate the vagina and lead to allergies and infections.
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Rinse From Front to Back to Prevent Infections
This can help to prevent the spread of bacteria to your vagina.
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Clean the Vagina From Outside
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Cleaning from inside can disturb the pH balance, and result in an infection. Rinse the outer part of the vagina with water.
If the question on your mind is if you can really use a bathtub during periods, here’s what a doctor has to say:
Dr. Manisha Singh says, “It is an individual’s choice to take a bath in a tub during periods. You may have to deal with a pool of blood around you (if you don’t use a menstrual cup as you do in a swimming pool). If you are okay with it, then you can. However, it’s not ideal to have a bath during your periods in a bathtub.”
What Are the Benefits of Bathing During Periods?
Bathing during periods can have multiple benefits, but the primary one is menstrual hygiene. Other benefits include:
- No Irritation or Infections: It generally helps prevent different skin irritation and infections, such as vulvovaginal yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Zero Odors: Bathing is a good way to get rid of any funky odors that your body imparts during the menstrual cycle. Apart from that, it also provides you with sufficient relaxation.
- Natural Pain Relief: A hot bath can easily help you relax your tense muscles and provide natural relief from cramps, headache, or back pain, which are quite common in periods.
- Increased Blood Circulation: Taking a bath can also increase blood circulation in your pelvis. This helps reduce blood and fluid retention, and takes pressure off the nerves in the area.
What About Blood?
Many people may find it a little unsettling or inconvenient to have a bath during periods, especially due to the amount of blood flowing out. However, period blood is not ‘dirty’ and actually contains very little blood. Instead, it is constituted of various vaginal secretions and cells associated with the uterine lining.
If you are still uncomfortable, consider wearing a menstrual cup, tampon, or disc while having a bath. In another case, if you have heavy bleeding, consider taking a shower instead of bathing inside a bathtub.
How to Maintain Proper Menstrual Hygiene?
Besides bathing, there are a few things women need to do to maintain period hygiene, according to Dr. Singh:
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Change Sanitary Napkins on Time
Change their sanitary napkins or tampons every 3 to 4 hours.
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Don’t Forget to Remove the Tampon
People must remember to take out their tampons from the vagina when they’re going to bathe. There have been cases where people have forgotten to remove their tampons, and it has led to infections in the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes and can have severe consequences like toxic shock syndrome, and abscess formation inside the pelvis.
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Try to Use a Menstrual Cup
For people who are sexually active and those who are not afraid to touch their private parts, the hygienic way to go about managing periods is to use silicone-based menstrual cups. These can also be used for longer hours than a sanitary napkin.
All you need to do is clean it, dry it, and reuse it. The cup can be used for up to two years, and you don’t have the headache of buying sanitary towels or tampons if you have a period. They are completely safe & hygienic. Visit a gynecologist to know the right size that fits you.
Also, Follow These Tips During Periods
Simply having an answer to ‘can I have a bath on my period’ is not enough. You must also follow some tricks to ensure you face no discomfort during this time:
- Stay well hydrated (drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily) and consume a nutritious diet.
- Take a break from work for a couple of days, if needed.
- People with heavy periods and severe pain need to visit an expert at the earliest because they might be missing conditions like fibroids and endometriosis.
Hygiene Tips and When to Visit a Gynecologist?
Taking a bath during periods is absolutely safe. In fact, it can help with some of your periods-related symptoms too. The correct thing to do is to have a bath in a way that is comfortable for your body. Make sure to keep your vagina and labia clean during menstruation. That’s because extra bacteria always leads to infections, such as pelvic inflammatory diseases and urinary tract infections. So, it is always recommended to maintain good menstrual hygiene and keep yourself healthy.
However, if you still have questions regarding bathing, especially during your periods, approach our specialists at the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Wockhardt Hospitals, for consultation now.
FAQs on How to Bath During Periods
1. Can I have a bath when on my period?
Yes, you can easily have a bath when you are on your periods. Always opt for a warm water bath to relax and lessen the pain in your abdomen. Always make sure to use warm water to reduce pain and have a comfortable bath.
2. What happens if you take a bath on your period?
Taking a bath helps reduce any cramps and encourages relaxation during your menstrual cycle. It also reduces the chances of getting any infections or diseases. You can say that it cleanses your body by getting rid of menstrual blood as much as possible. Taking a bath and maintaining good cleanliness are two of the most important aspects of menstrual comfort and well-being.
3. Can I wash my hair when I am on my period?
Yes, you can do it and follow your usual hair regimen to maintain menstrual hygiene. Do not forget to maintain good hair hygiene to stop any kind of bacterial or fungal development, something that becomes more prevalent during menstruation.
4. What should you not do during this period?
There are several things to keep in mind when you are on periods but the first thing to do is to have your meals on time. Skipping them may impact your energy negatively and also make you feel tired. Do not use any strong soaps or scrub too much because that might irritate delicate areas in your body. You should also not stand under hot water for a long time because that may increase your cramps or pain.
5. Can I use a tampon or cup when bathing during periods?
Yes, you can wear a tampon, menstrual cup, or disc when taking a shower or bathing during your periods. A few women may not be comfortable wearing a tampon because they want to clean their vagina during a shower. A few others are comfortable with the blood leaking out so that they can avoid infections in the future. Hence, it’s completely your choice to wear or not to wear anything when bathing during your periods.
6. Will my period leak in the bath?
That might happen at times but remember that the water pressure from the bath temporarily slows or stops visible flow while you are submerged. However, make note of the fact that your body is still shedding its lining. If you have a heavier flow, cough, or even stand up, some blood or clots can still be released into the water.
