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The Menstrual Cycle
Published in Jane M. Ussher, Joan C. Chrisler, Janette Perz, Routledge International Handbook of Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2019
Normal cycle lengths between 21 and 35 days are usual from the early 20s until the mid-30s or whenever perimenopause begins (Figure 3.3). Flow of 2–6 days is associated with 30–60 milliliters (ml) of blood loss, which requires 6–12 soaked normal-sized menstrual management products (each holding ~5 ml or a teaspoon) (Hallberg, Hogdahl, Nillson, & Rybo, 1966). However, menorrhagia, which almost always causes iron deficiency anemia, is associated with blood loss of >80 ml/period (>16 soaked products; Hallberg et al., 1966). Heavy flow is characterized by needing to change (often large or “maxi” sized) sanitary products every 1–2 hours (or empty a 30 ml menstrual cup every 8–12 hours), clotting, and often increased cramping. Although premenstrual symptoms may occur during the premenopausal years and be managed by increasing exercise (Prior, Vigna, & Alojado, 1986), intense symptoms (ascertained in a population-based cohort with its purpose masked) are quite rare (Ramcharan, Love, Frick, & Goldfien, 1992).
Adolescent contraception
Published in Joseph S. Sanfilippo, Eduardo Lara-Torre, Veronica Gomez-Lobo, Sanfilippo's Textbook of Pediatric and Adolescent GynecologySecond Edition, 2019
Hanna Goldberg, Jasmine Multani, Sari Kives
Other risks following IUC insertion include perforation, which is a rare complication occurring at a rate of 0.6 per 1000 insertions.37,38 Expulsion can also occur and appears to be most common the first year (2%–10%), especially in the first 3 months.20,39 The risk of expulsion does not appear to be higher with nulliparity, size of endometrial cavity, or concomitant use of tampons or menstrual cups.39 Insertion may also be more difficult in the nulliparous patient and adolescent. Preinsertion anti-inflammatories can be provided for analgesia. A paracervical block may also be considered, as it has been shown to decrease pain in a placebo-controlled trial in adolescents.41 However, the routine use of Misoprostol to soften the cervix is not recommended for assisting with insertion.42 Although the absolute risk of ectopic pregnancy is lower due to reduced fertilization, 15%–50% of pregnancies that occur with an IUC in situ are ectopic, and this must thus be ruled out.43,44 If an intrauterine pregnancy is confirmed, removal of the IUC is recommended.45 IUCs do not increase the risk of infertility.46
Products used on the vulva
Published in Miranda A. Farage, Howard I. Maibach, The Vulva, 2017
Miranda A. Farage, Lisa Lennon
Several alternative forms of reusable menstrual protection products are available from specialty shops or the internet. Some women see these as a more environmentally friendly alternative to disposable products. Examples are shown in Figure 37.4. Menstrual cups are flexible, nonabsorbent containers made of natural gum rubber or medical silicon inserted into the vagina that can collect about 1 oz of menstrual fluid. They can then be emptied, washed, and reused. Sea sponges are also sold for menstrual protection, as are interlabial pads sewn from fabric or made from absorbent yarn (i.e., knitted or crocheted). Disposable interlabial pads are composed of materials similar to modern tampons. These are worn externally and held in place by the labia. They are most suited for light menstrual flow. For any reusable device, care must be taken to thoroughly clean and sanitize the product between uses.
Exploring the barriers and facilitators to menstrual hygiene management for women experiencing homelessness
Published in Journal of Occupational Science, 2023
Laura Boden, Amanda Wolski, Abby S. Rubin, Luna Pfaltzgraff Oliveira, Quinn P. Tyminski
Managing one’s menstrual cycle is an occupation ‘that people, need, want or have to do’ and is impacted by surrounding contexts, including temporal, structural, cultural, and personal factors (Wilcock, 2005). Menstruation is managed differently depending on the unique interaction between a person and their environment. Certain menstrual products, such as cloth pads, may be deemed unsanitary by one person’s culture and embraced as the norm by another. Differences in environmental contexts such as the absence of clean water may make sanitizing products like reusable menstrual cups impossible. Due to contextual factors, MHM is not performed identically across individuals or even by one individual across time. Furthermore, research from other disciplines suggests inadequate MHM can decrease participation in other occupations such as attending work and school (Sumpter & Torondel, 2013). Inadequate MHM influences participation in other occupations including socializing, sexual activity, and leisure (Johnston-Robledo & Chrisler, 2013). These qualities legitimize MHM as an occupation justifying occupational science research and intervention.
A questionnaire-based survey to assess knowledge and practice of health care workers regarding genital hygiene: from a rural tertiary hospital in India
Published in Hospital Practice, 2022
PN Sreeramulu, A Varsha, Abhay K Kattepur, D Aswathappa
When the concept of physical hygiene is being considered in the purview of cervical cancer carcinogenesis, it becomes necessary to understand that in men, physical hygiene includes personal hygiene (bathing, grooming, wearing clean clothes), genital hygiene (washing genitals on a daily basis while bathing by retracting the foreskin and cleaning the preputial area), and sexual hygiene (involves washing the genitals after intercourse, avoiding high-risk sexual behavior, and using barrier methods of contraception whenever necessary). In females, physical hygiene includes personal hygiene, genital hygiene, sexual hygiene, and menstrual hygiene. The acidic pH of the vaginal epithelium and the presence of lactobacilli prevent ascending infections [18]. Hence, the body itself tries to clear off the infection without the need for using soap and water to clean the vagina! Menstrual hygiene involves use of sanitary pads/ tampons or menstrual cups during the period of flow. Frequent change of pads/tampons and keeping the area clean also necessary to avoid secondary infection. Therefore, these individual components of hygiene need to be evaluated.
A Comparison of the Menstrual Cup and the Intrauterine Device: Attitudes and Future Intentions
Published in Women's Reproductive Health, 2019
Jessica M. Milne, Jessica L. Barnack-Tavlaris
The menstrual cup is an alternative to the more commonly used pads and tampons. Tampons and pads are the norm in many countries around the world including, but not limited to, the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany (NonWovens Industry, 2016). In one study conducted with a national U.S. sample, researchers found that 62% of women reported use of pads, and 42% reported use of tampons (percentages include women who reported using both products; Branch, Woodruff, Mitro, & Zota, 2015). Although pads and tampons are the more popular products, they are not without physical, financial, and environmental drawbacks. For instance, because tampons are absorbent, they can deprive the body of fluids needed to maintain a regular pH level and, in rare cases, can cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS; DeVries et al., 2011). A study of surveillance data in the U.S. state of Minnesota revealed an annual menstrual TSS incidence rate of 1.41 per 100,000 among girls and women aged 13 to 24 (.69 were menstrual cases in women of all age groups; DeVries et al., 2011). In addition, a significant amount of money is spent each year (e.g., a personal average of $120 USD) on pads and tampons, and the disposable nature of these products has a negative impact on landfills (Schumacher, 2014).