By Elijah Ugani – Calabar
The face of International Law Student’s Association, University Of Calabar chapter, Miss Elizabeth Idiku in collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Cross River Chapter, Miss Maryann Mgbado and the Director of Socials of the University of Calabar Law Student’s Association, Miss Lenora Nwadibie Favour has embarked on a sensitization outreach and distributed sanitary pads to young girls at the Cameroonian refugees settlement at Adagom, Ogoja and Modern Primary Health Care center at Abuochiche, Bekwarra local government area of cross river state.
The sensitization was part of their reaching back to the society in line with their vision in commemoration of the 2020 world Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Menstrual Hygiene Day is an annual event initiated by the German-Based non governmental organization, WASH United in 2014 to create awareness on the importance of good menstrual hygiene and aims to benefit women and the girl child, the world over.
Speaking on this year’s theme, periods in pandemic, the Face of International Law Student’s Association, Miss Elizabeth Idiku admonished the young girls to rise to the challenge of the corona virus pandemic and ensure a healthy menstrual hygiene, as the periods can’t stop because of the pandemic.
Her words “Poor feminine hygiene during one’s periods can lead to vaginal irritation, urinary tract infections (UTI), and even cervical cancer.
Keeping yourself clean is key to good menstrual hygiene.
“Physical health and personal hygiene are an intrinsic part of a woman’s well-being, especially during menstruation. Although periods are a biological process, it is important to ensure personal hygiene during these days. In our everyday life, while activities such as brushing, bathing, and wearing clean clothes are a given, we tend to forget that intimate hygiene is important as well. Poor feminine hygiene during one’s periods can lead to vaginal irritation, urinary tract infections (UTI), and even cervical cancer.
The Director Of Socials, Law Student’s Association, University of Calabar, Miss Lenora Nwadibie averred that “when you are on your periods, take note of these tips:
“Change your sanitary pad regularly
Keeping yourself clean is key to good menstrual hygiene. Make sure to change your sanitary pads every four to six hours. Using the same pad for an entire day is not only unhealthy but can also lead to irritation, infection or even UTI. You can use a good organic and biodegradable sanitary pad or menstrual cups, both of which are environmentally sustainable as well. The menstrual cup should be sterilised before every use, emptied as frequently as possible, and stored in a hygienic way after use. Go for the appropriate size of the cup as per your age, flow, and depth of the vagina.
“Wash yourself properly. Wash the vaginal area properly at least twice a day. This will help in removing all the harmful bacteria and ensure that your genitalia are clean. A natural intimate wash can be used to clean the area. Use panty liners to help absorb the excess discharge and ensure better hygiene.
On her part, the Red Cross Ambassador, Miss Maryann Mgbado, called on the young girls to “Wear clean undergarments
Wear fresh and clean undergarments everyday and change if you feel the panties are soiled from discharge. Unclean underwear can produce a bad odour during periods and put you at risk of infections. Use organic panty liners for absorbing discharges in the initial days and ensure that your undergarments are made of cotton or other soft breathable fabrics to prevent skin irritation.
Mgbado mentioned the two types of menstrual cycle to include the 28 and 30 days menstrual cycles. And held that “Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary to fallopian tube for fertilization to occur. Menstrual cycle is the regular natural change that occurs in the female reproductive system that makes pregnancy possible. The cycle is required for the production of oocyte and for the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy. The menstrual cycle occurs due to rise and fall of estrogen.
“The length of your menstrual cycle is the number of days from the first day of your bleeding to your last period to the first day of bleeding in your next. When you subtract 14 days from the end of your current cycle to determine the approximate day you ovulate. The first two days and last two days of the ovulation days are termed the window period too because fertilization can also occur at these days, reasons being that the sperm cells last 72 hours in the woman system before weary out, so there is 95 percent changes of pregnancy. Hence, abstinence begins from 2 days to the ovulation day and 2 days after the day”
Another speaker during the event, Mrs. Juan Alims held that “A key step to menstrual hygiene is to discard sanitary napkins or tampons properly.
“Dispose of sanitary pads properly. Make sure that you do not flush them as they may clog the sewage pipes and drains. Always wrap them properly and throw them in the designated bin to avoid the spread of harmful bacteria. Do not forget to clean your hands after you dispose of it. Wash your hands well with a liquid soap before and after changing sanitary pads. Make sure that your hands are clean when touching or washing your genital area. If you are travelling, or on the go, carry a good hand sanitiser to clean your hands”
Miss Peace Onyi advised the young girls to “consume balanced and nutritious diets, especially during your periods, is of utmost importance. Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking at least four to six litres of water. This will ensure there is no bloating sensation and help you feel at ease.
“Menstrual hygiene must be made an intrinsic part of your monthly cycle. In case there is any strong abnormal smell or change in flow or colour of discharge or menstrual flow, make sure to contact a specialist immediately”
The team also distributed sanitary pads to the young girls.
On his part, the Clan Head of Itekpa -Abouchiche, HRH Chief Clement Obogor, commended the inspiration of the organizers of the sensitization especially at this global challenging period, and advised the organizers to keep the fire burning as the sky is their starting point.