A healthcare practitioner, Ms. Adedoyin Amurawaiye, has urged adolescent girls to maintain optimal hygiene during menstruation in order to prevent infections.
Amurawaiye, a Registered Nurse, offered this advice during an interview on Wednesday in Lagos.
She emphasized the importance of personal hygiene during menstruation, noting that the female body is particularly vulnerable to infections at that time. “This is why maintaining proper cleanliness is essential,” she said.
Amurawaiye recommended that women and girls bathe or thoroughly cleanse themselves two to three times daily during their menstrual period. She also advised changing sanitary pads at intervals of no more than six hours to ensure proper hygiene.
Highlighting the biological significance of menstruation, Amurawaiye explained that it signals a girl’s ability to become pregnant, underscoring the need for comprehensive education during puberty.
“Menstruation is a natural and unique growth process for females. It’s normal and nothing to be ashamed of,” she said. “It teaches resilience and strength. Science confirms that menstruation is a fundamental part of being a woman.”
She called for increased education around menstrual pain management, to ensure that women and girls receive accurate information about their health.
According to her, while some menstrual pain is normal, others may be caused by underlying conditions such as infections, fibroids, or other diseases. Many people, however, assume that all menstrual pain is natural and do not seek medical help.
Amurawaiye explained that primary menstrual pain is natural, while secondary pain is typically caused by medical issues that require attention from a specialist or gynecologist.
She encouraged young girls and women experiencing severe menstrual pain to seek medical evaluation, as it could be a sign of a more serious health condition.
