Expert harps on menstrual hygiene management for adolescent girls

Mrs Christy Awunor, a State Nursing Coordinator with the AIDS Health Care Foundation (AHF), an NGO, has advised adolescent girls to maintain high level of hygiene during their monthly menstruation periods.
Awunor gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
She said poor menstrual hygiene could result in stigma, ill health and infection.
The expert said that it was important for adolescent girls aged 10 to 19, to be knowledgeable, informed and confident in managing menstruation with safety and dignity while using safe hygienic materials.
She said adolescence stage was a transitional period between childhood and adulthood, in which they experience the first occurrence of menstruation also called menarche.
Awunor defined menstruation as a biological process in women and girls where each month blood and other materials discharge from the lining of the uterus.
She explained that menstruation occurs from the onset of puberty till menopause, except during pregnancy, hence the need to create more awareness on menstrual hygiene management among young adolescent girls.
“When menstruation begins, it is important for them to discuss it with a trusted female like their mother, older sister, aunt, grandmother or a female friend.
“They need not to be scared or ashamed when they see the blood stain but rather to feel proud as their body is developing into that of a young woman.
“Secondly, the need to place a clean pad, cloth, cotton or tissue paper inside their under wear, while they change it every two to six hours or more as the flow gets heavier.
“Thirdly, maintaining hygiene by washing their genitals every morning and evening with soap and clean water, pat dry before placing another absorbent material.
“Finally, the need to dispose off properly by wrapping it in a clean paper bag and putting it in a waste bin to be burnt later or wash and dry used cloth if reusable,’’ she added.
Awunor further advised young girls who experience menstrual cramp to place hot water rubber bottle on their stomach, keep the body active by exercising, take painkillers, eat well and keep the body hydrated.
She urged government at all levels to priorities the needs of women and girls by providing sanitary facilities, access to water and sanitation, as menstrual hygiene was an integral part of every woman’s live. (NAN)