May 28, 2023, is the International Menstrual Hygiene Day, a time to remember that, worldwide, many women still lack access to proper conditions to care for themselves. It is also an opportunity to overcome discrimination and prejudices surrounding menstruation, which negatively affect the growth of millions of girls. Why, in 2024, is it still not possible to offer adequate education about menstruation?

What are the main global causes preventing adequate menstrual hygiene?

• Lack of access to menstrual hygiene products: Many women and girls cannot afford or do not have access to sanitary pads, tampons, or other necessary products to manage their menstrual cycle. In emergency contexts, such as refugee camps, basic sanitation services are often lacking, making it very difficult to maintain menstrual hygiene.

• Insufficient healthcare facilities: In many countries, the lack of clean water and adequate sanitation services in schools, workplaces, and public spaces makes it difficult for women and girls to maintain good hygiene during their menstrual cycle. Girls often miss classes during their periods. According to UNICEF data (2022), absenteeism was higher among younger girls and women: 15% of girls in Burkina Faso, 20% in Ivory Coast, and 23% in Nigeria missed school in the last 12 months due to menstruation. Additionally, there is a lack of access to healthcare services and proper medical advice to manage menstrual health issues.

• Limited education: The lack of education on menstrual health and proper hygiene practices can lead to bad habits and misconceptions about how to manage the menstrual cycle. According to UNICEF, in Bangladesh and Egypt, “only 32% and 66% of girls were aware of menstruation before their first period. In Egypt, 74% of the girls who were unaware felt shocked, scared, or cried when menstruation first appeared. Similarly, in Bangladesh, 69% felt scared.”

• Stigma and cultural taboos: In many cultures, menstruation is a taboo subject, which can create shame and embarrassment for girls and women, preventing them from seeking information or help. For example, in some areas of India and Nepal, women and girls are literally expelled from their homes during their menstrual period and are hosted in huts. This psychological violence is something efforts are being made to eliminate.

• Poverty: Economic difficulties can make it impossible to purchase menstrual hygiene products and access proper facilities.

• Poor policy and governance: The lack of policies and regulations that promote access to menstrual hygiene products and adequate infrastructure.

• Misinformation and myths: The spread of incorrect information about the menstrual cycle can negatively affect hygiene practices.

A lot of progress is being made in menstrual hygiene awareness, but as we’ve seen, there is still much to be done to ensure that every woman can access these rights equitably.

In terms of hygiene, another important aspect is raising awareness about waste creation. In countries where women have the opportunity to take care of themselves with access to adequate services and alternative solutions, it is often overlooked that proper hygiene can be practiced while also minimizing one’s environmental impact.

What are the sustainable alternatives?

On average, every woman uses between 11,000 and 16,000 pads throughout her life, all of which are disposed of as general waste. This is truly an astonishing figure when you consider that a single pad takes nearly 500 years to decompose, practically 20 generations. But today, fortunately, there are many more sustainable alternatives that also help save money.

• Reusable underwear: These are washable and reusable lingerie items lined with an absorbent layer on the inside. Aesthetically, they look like simple panties, available in various styles (high-waisted, briefs, and boyshorts), but they function as pads.

• Reusable pads: Reusable pads have a similar shape and use to disposable ones, but they stand out due to the materials used and their ability to be reused. Various models are available, primarily made from certified organic cotton, bamboo fiber, fleece, or microfiber, often reinforced with a layer of laminated polyurethane (PUL) to ensure the fabric’s waterproofing.

• Menstrual cup: A valid alternative to traditional pads is the menstrual cup. This reusable solution fits the body’s shape and can be easily sanitized and washed by simply boiling it. Unlike other alternatives, it doesn’t absorb the flow but collects it, preventing leakage. Its unique design makes it practical for sports activities and helps prevent irritation.

The Natù Greenatural menstrual cup is made from soft, 100% hypoallergenic platinum medical silicone and is available in two sizes to meet different needs. If you’re curious, check it out here!

There is still so much culture to be built on this topic. Families and schools are the first places where education and information should be conveyed. Dialogue breaks down taboos, stereotypes, and raises awareness. For this reason, we have decided to dedicate an entire week of insights and curiosities about menstrual hygiene in honor of Menstrual Hygiene Day. Stay tuned on our channels!

Other tips for your intimate hygiene:

• Dailycare Intimate Cleanser pH 4.3: gentle, made with naturally derived surfactants.

The calming properties of Calendula, combined with the normalizing and refreshing qualities of Blueberry berries, make the product gentle and fresh even on the most sensitive skin. Scented with organic Lavender essential oil, it leaves the skin protected, soft, and hydrated.

• Proactive Intimate Cleanser pH 4.3: it respects the mucous membranes and has a protective action, enriched with Peruvian Ratania extract, known for its astringent and soothing properties, and Plantain extract, often used for inflammatory conditions of the skin and mucous membranes.

• Balance Intimate Cleanser pH 5.0: soothing and emollient action, ideal for mucosal irritations and during menopause. Thanks to its pH and the addition of MUCO SAVE ® active ingredient, derived from Mediterranean extracts of Prickly Pear and Olive leaves, it helps restore the natural hydration of even the most sensitive mucous membranes.

• Sensitive Intimate Cleanser pH 5.5: ideal for the gentle cleansing of the whole family. Its physiological pH respects the mucous membranes, providing a pleasant sensation of hygiene and well-being. Formulated with Organic Aloe Vera juice, Organic Pansy extract, and Althaea, known for their emollient, soothing, and protective properties for the mucous membranes.

• Bio Intimate Gel: moisturizing and lubricating action with aloe vera extract, panthenol, and calendula extract from organic farming. Greenatural’s moisturizing intimate gel provides effective lubrication and active protection, along with a deodorizing and refreshing action that lasts over time.