Monthly bleeding 109
Monthly bleeding
During monthly bleeding, most women and girls use pads of folded cloth or wads
of cotton to catch the blood coming from the vagina. They are held in place with
a belt, pin, or underwear. The pads should be changed several
times each day, and washed well with soap and water if they
are to be used again.
pad If possible, after washing the cloths, dry them in the sun,
or iron them with a very hot iron. The heat will dry them and
will also kill germs and prevent infection when they are used
again. Between bleedings, keep the cloths in a clean, dry place
tampon
away from dust, dirt and insects.
Some women put something inside the vagina that they buy or
make from cotton, cloth or a sponge. These are called tampons. If
you use tampons, be sure to change them at least 3 times each day.
Leaving one in for more than a day may cause a serious infection.
Wash your genitals with water each day to remove any blood
that is left. Use mild soap if you can. If you pass urine with a
catheter, pay special attention to cleaning the area around your
urine hole when you are bleeding. If you get blood in the tube of
the catheter, rinse it out right away. The blood can block the tube
and prevent the urine from coming out.
Some women with disabilities may need extra help when they
have their monthly bleeding. Do not feel bad if you sometimes
get blood on your clothing or bedding. This happens to ALL women sometimes.
If you need assistance to pass urine and stool, then your pads can be changed at
that time. If it is difficult for you to change pads during the night, sleep with a towel
or cloth underneath you that you can wash easily if blood gets on to it.
If you are blind
When you first start to get your monthly bleeding, because you cannot see the
blood, it may be difficult to tell when you have it. But after a few months, it will
become a regular part of your life, and you will probably have feelings in your body
that will tell you. During the time you are bleeding, make sure to change your pads
or tampons as often as possible. Wash your hands after each time you change your
pads or check to see if you are bleeding. Ask family members or someone you trust
to check that you do not have any blood on your clothing. And if you do, ask them
to help you make sure you have been able to remove the blood stains from your
clothing when you wash them.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007