Prime News Ghana

7 unhealthy habits you should avoid doing while on your period

By Bernice Ansah
7 unhealthy habits you should  avoid doing while on your period
7 unhealthy habits you should avoid doing while on your period
Shares
facebook sharing button Share
twitter sharing button Tweet
email sharing button Email
sharethis sharing button Share

When a woman is in her period during her month, there are a number of activities you definitely do not feel like doing because of how your body feels.

There are also a number of things you should not do, not just because they do not feel great, but because they could  harm your health or make you feel even worse. That time of the month is already a bummer as it is, so why make it harder on yourself.

Some unhealthy practices during a period are harmful as they can enhance the development of bacteria on your private organ. Ladies, there are unhealthy practices you should avoid during your period, including poor dietary plans. This is the reason why most ladies experience much pain during their periods.

1. Going to bed without a pad

Most ladies feel comfortable sleeping without a pad, but this is very bad. The pad might causes rashes and discomfort when been worn constantly, but try your try possible best to put it on before going to bed. You can also try a menstrual cup or tampon if you are tired of the pad. It is good to wear it to bed as it helps to control the flow of blood.

2. Having unprotected sex

Research has made it known that having intimacy while on your period is normal, but without protection during menstruation can be bad as it may lead to pregnancy. This is advisable for a married couple and not for unmarried couples. Apart from unwanted pregnancy, having intimacy without protection can prone to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD). Therefore, it is good to have protected sex before, during, and after your period.

3. Use the same sanitary product for long period 

It is easy to be caught up in your everyday activities, but do not leave the same pad or tampon in all day. Even if the box of pads or tampons says you can use each product for 8 hours straight, it is important to change it every three to four hours. This limits discomfort and prevents bacteria from developing, forming that nasty odour you know too well.

4. Skipping meals and eating junk food

Skipping meals during your periods isn’t a good idea because it can severely affect your energy levels, making you feel lethargic and irritable. This, however, doesn’t mean you replace actual meals with junk food. Junk food contains high amounts of salt and sugar, contributing to issues like bloating and discomfort. Drink lots of water too. This will keep you hydrated and help with the bloating and swelling that comes with hormonal fluctuation.

READ ALSO: 5 benefits of chewing gum

5. Waxing or shaving

When you’re on your period, avoid hair removal. The area is sensitive and the pull of the wax strips can hurt, adding to your discomfort. Shaving can prove to be an extremely messy affair due to the period flow. In case you end up with a cut due to the shaving, it might lead to infection. So, plan it after a week of your period to reduce the risk of pain and discomfort.

6. Smoking

This is another risky thing to do while on your period. The reason is that a study has verified that women who smoke during their periods have higher cramps or pain than women who don't smoke. So even if you are addicted to smoking, even though smoking is dangerous to the body naturally, make sure you don't smoke while on your period for your benefit.

7. Excessive consumption of coffee

Consuming excess coffee during one's period is very bad simply because the caffeine present in coffee is capable of increasing your pain and injury. So it is highly advisable not to take coffee, no matter how much you crave it.

Ladies, these small steps can ensure you don’t end up adding to your discomfort during your periods!