During a period always change tampons or sanitary towels every 2 to 4 hours or during a heavy period as frequently as required.

Do not leave tampons inserted in the vagina for days at a time because this can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) which can potentially be fatal.

Douching is only really necessary if a woman has a vaginal discharge.

The best time for a woman to douche is first thing in the morning after rising because mucus from the neck of the womb tends to collect at the top of the vagina during the night. A douche does not destroy infectious organisms but will help to wash away the collected discharge from the vagina.

Personal Hygiene

While good hygiene practices are important at all times, the need for more careful attention to personal cleanliness before and during menstruation will contribute to a girl's comfort and confidence. Once menstruation begins, the body's production of both oil and perspiration may increase during the days before the period is due. A review of good diet and hygiene practices can be found in the Teaching Puberty section of this website.

Proper hygiene and the use of menstruation protection products are subjects of keen interest to young girls. This information is seldom included in other health-related classes and may or may not be discussed adequately at home.

The following tips can be helpful for girls as they begin to develop personal care habits:

Girls should gently cleanse the external genitalia with soap and water as part of their daily bathing to help eliminate odor.

Following each toilet use, girls should wipe the genitals from front to back to avoid the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vulva. They should wash their hands before and after using the bathroom and whenever changing menstrual protection.

Underwear should be changed daily. Some physicians recommend cotton panties or those with a cotton crotch because of cotton's superior absorbency. If undergarments become soiled during menstruation, presoaking in cold water will help loosen stains.

Girls should change sanitary pads every three or four hours, or as often as needed, to feel comfortable and to prevent odor from forming. Odor develops when the menstrual flow leaves the body and comes in contact with air. Tampons should also be changed as needed - about every three to four hours or sooner - to avoid undergarment stains resulting from a tampon reaching its maximum absorption level. However, do not leave it in more than eight hours. Read the package insert for directions. Many girls use a pantiliner with a tampon. Also, girls should not forget to remove a tampon. A forgotten tampon may cause an odor or may lead to irritation or possible infection.

Girls should wrap pads and tampons in toilet paper and place them in the wastebasket or disposal container. Tampon applicators, unless they are biodegradable, should also be wrapped in tissue and thrown in the wastebasket.

Young girls should plan for their menstrual protection needs when away from home. Special purse cases for menstrual pads are available, and a supply of products can be stored conveniently in a school locker. Many girls carry a pad in their purses at all times. Using a light protection product, such as a pantiliner or mini-pad, can help prevent staining on days when the period is expected, when flow is light or when wearing tampons.

For many girls there is a thin, clear vaginal discharge that occurs up to a year before the first menstrual period. This discharge is very common and normal. This same discharge may continue up to 4 years after beginning their period. A pantiliner may be worn daily to protect underpants from this wetness.

Girls should be encouraged to ask for help and to discuss their personal care needs with a parent, teacher, physician, school nurse, or other adult.