A Pad for Her: Her Hygiene is a Shared Responsibility -By Esther Pius Ekong

The 28^th of May is a day dedicated as Menstrual Hygiene Day. It focuses on the importance of good menstrual care, management and practices, during and immediately after each menstrual flow of the month. It also lay emphasis on the fact that,  Salus populi suprema lex esto (The welfare of the people is the supreme law).

Menstrual cycle is the regular cyclical event which culminates in the shedding of the endometrial lining resulting in menstrual bleeding. The bleeding is a phase of the whole menstrual cycle. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, +/- seven days, which means that more than 90% of females have a circle that is within the range of 21 days to 35 days. There are regular and irregular menstrual cycles, which may be determined by the duration of the cycle, volume of blood (30 to 80 ml) and number of days (usually three to 7 days). It is sometimes or often accompanied by Pre – Menstrual Syndrome which differs from individual to individual before and during the flow. Whatever it may be, a discussion with a physician or experienced hands timeously forestall any medical issue or correct one.

Typically, the first menstrual period starts between ages 9 to 16 (average age of 12 to 13 years). The onset of the first menstruation (Menarche) depends on general health and welfare of the female, such as psychological state (stress, extreme exercise), biological (hormonal, constitutional/genetic make-up) and nutritional state.

During this period, to assist the body gain relaxation, adequate hygiene which involves, bathing at least twice a day, drinking warm water, because drinking of cold water affects some persons, avoidance of sugary food and drinks, reduction of strenuous work or chores etc. Ideally, the use of soap or feminine wash is not advisable, regular change of pad and washing with clean water improve overall hygiene. Keeping the private region well shaved at least two weeks before the menstrual flow, helps to prevent skin irritation and aid proper cleaning of non-viable tissue/cells, blobs of coagulated blood (menses/menstrual fluid) which cling to unshaved hair. When this is not properly managed may cause foul smell or body odour. It is important to observe the colour of the blood and smell emanating from each menstrual flow, because this may be an indicator of the health status of the body. More so, the colour and smell is unique.

Most mothers were taught menstrual hygiene with the use of cloths, which they remove and wash thoroughly as soon as it is soaked, then spread outside for proper sun drying for next usage. The clothes were replaced when necessary, which underscore the societal importance of Munda res est sanitas (Health is a clean thing). Despite the wider acceptance of sanitary pads, there are females who still prefer the use of clothes for their menstrual period. This may be due to skin irritation or reaction from chemicals embedded in treated sanitary pads. After the menstrual flow, the used sanitary pads should be properly disposed of.

Menstrual cycle is as old as man, which ensures the continuity of human existence. The menstrual hygiene of every female must be considered a shared responsibility, it is a collective societal responsibility. There are females who find it difficult to discuss important moments of their lives with their parents, guidance or mentors, and become victims/survivors of their male counterparts. The inadequate explanation of the meaning of “touch” in the context of some mothers results in avoidable pregnancy.

Sometimes in 2025, as a speaker at an event organised by Mrs. Toritseju Ikime, the Executive Director of Network for Justice and Inclusion Foundation (NJIF), which took place at one of the government owned Secondary Schools in the rural communities. Despite awareness on proper menstrual hygiene, there were students who still did not understand the whole essence of menstrual cycle and care. This might be attributed to abandonment, neglect and negligence. During the interactive session and to ensure freedom of expression, students wrote their concerns on piece of paper such as, is bloated tummy normal during menstrual flow, does infection and stress affect menstrual cycle, at 16 years old, I have not started my menstrual period and it is advisable to use soap and wash the private part during menstrual flow? From the aforementioned questions, it is crystal clear that menstrual hygiene is a topic that needs public attention. Even though the questions were adequately addressed, reference to medical consultation was advised in extreme cases. After the session, Softcare sanitary pads were distributed to the students, a gesture I once enjoyed as a student.

It is imperative for the government to ensure a uniform and stable price for sanitary pads. It should be treated as an essential commodity not be affected by inflation. Also, agencies saddled with the responsibility should ensure that sanitary pads conform with expected standards, to guarantee a healthy society.

Finally, Sanitas est fundamentum vitae (Health is the foundation of life).

Esther Pius Ekong, a legal practitioner, can be reached via, idangbenedicta@gmail.com