Menstruation is essential because it plays a crucial role in a women’s reproductive health. Inadequate knowledge and education are the primary causes of adverse issues associated with menstruation. In this case, I would educate the girls about the importance of hygiene during periods. Genital areas’ cleanliness reduces infection incidents by up to ninety-seven percent (Unemo et al., 2017). Additionally, using the appropriate sanitary towels reduces menstruation-associated risks. Therefore, pads should be changed after four hours, after which the hands should be washed to maintain hygiene.
An individual’s body has an excellent defense mechanism that protects them during menstruation. However, Arora (2017) expounds that inappropriate hygiene can result in fungal or urinary tract infections. This happens when a soiled or dirty cloth remains intact with the body for a lengthy period. The girl experiences untoward reactions, such as friction between the thighs and foul odor. I would explain to the girls that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur through sexual contact.
The illness is passed when individuals have unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected person (Unemo et al., 2017). However, using contraceptives such as condoms reduces the risks of contracting STIs. If symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, itchiness, rashes, or lumps occur, girls should visit healthcare organizations but not self-medicate (Unemo et al., 2017). Failing to seek medical help can result in long-term adverse effects, including blindness.
Menstruation practices are different between India and the United States because Indian girls experience significant discrimination. These women are prohibited from attending social and religious events and are kept out of the kitchen (Arora, 2017). Additionally, the girls fear speaking to family members but instead talk to teachers or healthcare professionals. In contrast, females in America can openly talk to their parents but avoid informing the boys.
References
Arora, N. (2017). Menstruation in India: Ideology, politics, and capitalism. Asian Journal of Women’s Studies, 23(4), 528-537.
Unemo, M., Bradshaw, C. S., Hocking, J. S., de Vries, H. J., Francis, S. C., Mabey, D., Marrazzo, J. M., Sonder, G. J. B., Schwebke, J. R., Hoornenborg, E., Peeling, R. W., Philip, S.S., Low, N., & Fairley, C. K. (2017). Sexually transmitted infections: Challenges ahead. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 17(8), e235-e279.