The Menstruation: Between Islamic Jurisprudence and Medicine

 The Islamic jurisprudence الفقه الإسلامي

Allah Almighty says:

﴿ وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْمَحِيضِ ۖ قُلْ هُوَ أَذًى فَاعْتَزِلُوا النِّسَاءَ فِي الْمَحِيضِ ۖ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوهُنَّ حَتَّىٰ يَطْهُرْنَ ۖ فَإِذَا تَطَهَّرْنَ فَأْتُوهُنَّ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَمَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ﴾

“And they ask you about menstruation. Say, ‘It is a discomfort, so keep away from women during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who repent and loves those who purify themselves.

The meaning is: They ask you about menstruation—which is the blood that naturally flows from the wombs of women at specific times—so tell them, O Prophet, that it is a repugnant discomfort that harms whoever approaches it. So, avoid sexual intercourse with women during menstruation until they are pure. The bleeding stops. Once the bleeding has stopped and they have performed ghusl (ritual purification), then have intercourse with them in the manner that Allah has permitted, which is the vagina, not the anus. Indeed, Allah loves His servants who frequently seek forgiveness and repent, and He loves His servants who purify themselves and avoid immorality and filth.

This document contains two main parts:

1- The Jurisprudential Section: consisting of questions and answers

2- The Health/Medical Section Related to the Topic

First: Some Common Jurisprudential Questions

What is menstruation?

The blood that comes out of the uterus of an adult woman who is not suffering from an illness or pregnancy and has not yet reached menopause.

What are the rulings regarding menstruation for women?

1- Regarding the prayer

A menstruating woman is prohibited from performing obligatory and supererogatory prayers, and they are not valid. She is only obligated to pray if she has completed a full rak'ah (unit of prayer) within the prescribed time. In that case, she should pray within that time, whether she has completed a full rak'ah at the beginning or end of the prayer time.

An example from the beginning

A woman begins menstruating after sunset and has completed one rak'ah. If she becomes pure, she must make up the Maghrib (sunset) prayer because she has completed a rak'ah before her menstruation began.

An example from the end

A woman becomes pure from menstruation and has completed one rak'ah before sunrise. If she becomes pure, she must make up the Fajr (dawn) prayer because she has completed enough of it within its prescribed time to perform one rak'ah.

But if a menstruating woman catches up on a portion of time that is not enough for a complete rak’ah, for example, if she menstruated in the first example a moment after sunset, or became pure in the second example a moment before sunrise, then prayer is not obligatory for her, because the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, said: “Whoever catches up on a rak’ah of the prayer has caught up on the prayer.” It is agreed upon, and the understanding is that whoever catches up on less than a rak’ah does not catch up on the prayer.

2- Remembrance of God and Recitation of the Quran

 Saying "Bismillah" (In the name of God) before eating and other activities, reading Hadith and Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), reciting during prayer, and listening to the Quran are all permissible for a menstruating woman. It is established in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, and other sources, that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would recline in Aisha's lap (may God be pleased with her) while she was menstruating and recite the Quran.

In the two Sahihs (Bukhari and Muslim), it is also narrated on the authority of Umm Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) say: “Women, menstruating women, and those who are deaf should go out—that is, to the Eid prayers—so that they may witness the good and the supplication of the believers, but menstruating women should stay away from the prayer area.”

As for a menstruating woman reciting the Holy Quran herself, if it is by looking at it with her eyes or reflecting on it in her heart without uttering it aloud, then there is no harm in that, such as placing the Quran or a tablet down and looking at the verses and reciting them silently. An-Nawawi said in his commentary on Al-Muhadhdhab: “It is permissible without any disagreement.”

If she recites it aloud, then the majority of scholars hold that it is forbidden and not permissible. Al-Bukhari, Ibn Jarir At-Tabari, and Ibn Al-Mundhir said: “It is permissible.” It was also narrated from Malik and Ash-Shafi’i, and in the earlier narrations, it was narrated from them in Fath Al-Bari. Al-Bukhari mentioned a commentary on the authority of Ibrahim An-Nakha’i: “There is no harm in reciting the verse.”

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said in his Fatawa: “There is no Sunnah prohibiting a menstruating woman from reciting the Quran, because the statement, ‘A menstruating woman should not recite anything from the Quran,’ is a weak hadith, according to the consensus of hadith scholars. Women menstruated during the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). If reciting the Quran had been forbidden to them, like prayer, then this would have been something the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) explained to his nation, and the Mothers of the Believers taught it, and it would have been something they transmitted among the people. This would constitute a prohibition that cannot be imposed, especially since he did not forbid it. Even though menstruation was common during his time, it is clear that it was not forbidden.” This is what should be said after we have seen the difference of opinion among the scholars.

This is what we can say after the scholars have differed: It is best for a menstruating woman not to recite the Holy Quran orally except, when necessary, such as if she is a teacher and needs to teach students, or if a student needs to recite for an exam, and so on.

3- The Fasting

It is forbidden for a menstruating woman to fast, whether obligatory or voluntary.

It is not valid for her to fast during menstruation. Rather, she must make up the obligatory fasts, based on the hadith of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): “We used to experience that—meaning menstruation—and we were commanded to make up the fasts but not the prayers.” (Agreed upon).

If she begins menstruating while fasting

her fast is invalidated, even if it begins a moment before sunset, and she must make up that day if it was obligatory.

If she feels the onset of menstruation before sunset

but the blood does not flow until after sunset,

her fast is valid and is not invalidated, according to the soundest opinion

 This is because the blood inside the uterus has no legal ruling, and because when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about a woman who sees in her dream what a man sees—is she obligated to perform ghusl (ritual purification)?—he said, “Yes, if she sees the fluid.” He linked the ruling to seeing the semen, not to its transmission. Similarly, menstruation is only established by seeing the blood externally, not by its transmission.

If dawn breaks while she is menstruating

 her fast is invalid even if she becomes pure a moment after dawn.

If she becomes pure before dawn and fasts

 her fast is valid even if she does not perform ghusl (ritual purification) until after dawn. This is similar to a person in a state of major ritual impurity (junub) who intends to fast but does not perform ghusl until after dawn; his fast is valid. This is based on the hadith narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who said: On the authority of Aisha and Umm Salamah: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would sometimes be in a state of major ritual impurity (junub) from intercourse (not from a wet dream) and then fast during Ramadan. (Agreed upon).

4- Staying in the Mosque

It is forbidden for a menstruating woman to stay in the mosque until the Eid prayer, and it is forbidden for her to remain there. On the authority of Umm Atiyyah, she said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded us to bring out the young women, the menstruating women, and those who were secluded in their homes for the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha prayers. As for the menstruating women, they should refrain from the prayer but should witness the good and the supplication of the Muslims. I said: O Messenger of Allah, what if one of us does not have a jilbab (outer garment)? He said: Let her sister lend her one of her jilbabs.

Obligation: Ghusl (Ritual Bathing) After Menstruation

If a menstruating woman becomes pure, she must perform ghusl by washing her entire body. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Fatimah bint Abi Hubaysh: “When menstruation begins, stop praying. When it ends, perform ghusl and pray.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari) The minimum requirement for ghusl is to cover her entire body, including what is under her hair. Asma’ bint Shakl asked him about ghusl after menstruation, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “One of you should take her water and lotus leaves and purify herself with them. Then she should pour water over her head and rub it vigorously until it reaches the roots of her scalp. Then she should pour water over herself and take a cloth containing musk and purify herself with it.” Asma’ asked: “How do I purify myself with it?” He replied: “Subhan Allah!” Aisha told her: “Follow the traces of blood.” (Narrated by Muslim)

If a menstruating woman becomes pure during prayer time,

 she must hasten to perform ghusl so that she can pray on time.

If she is traveling and does not have water

, or if she has water but fears for it, or if she is ill and water would harm her, then she should perform tayammum (dry ablution). Instead of performing ghusl (ritual bath) until the impurity is removed, then perform ghusl.

The ruling on delaying ghusl

 Some women become pure at the time of prayer but delay ghusl until later, saying, "I am not completely pure at this time." This is not a valid excuse, because she should perform the minimum required ghusl and pray on time. When the time comes, she should perform ghusl completely.

Second: General Information You May Find Interesting

How does a girl reach puberty, and what are the signs?

When a girl reaches puberty, several physical changes occur, such as:

Underarm hair growth

Breast development

Menstrual bleeding, also known as the menstrual period, which occurs as a result of the release of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, two female hormones.

What happens inside the uterus during menstruation?

During menstruation, the uterus begins to build up a thin lining in preparation for a fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized by sperm, pregnancy does not occur. The uterus then sheds this lining through monthly bleeding, or menstruation.

What is the normal duration of a menstrual cycle?

A normal menstrual cycle lasts from 3 to 7 days for most women. Bleeding is heaviest during the first few days and gradually decreases towards the end of the cycle.

Does the number of days in a menstrual cycle vary from girl to girl? The number of days of the menstrual cycle varies according to the nature of each girl's body, but if the menstrual cycle lasts for more than 7 consecutive days, a doctor should be consulted, as this indicates a problem. Also, the time interval between one menstrual cycle and another is not fixed for all girls, as it varies from woman to woman, occurring every 21 to 35 days, with the normal rate being every 28 days.

How much blood is lost during a period?

Blood loss varies from woman to woman. A normal period is considered to be when the amount of blood lost is between 20 and 60 milliliters, while a heavy period is considered to be when the amount lost is between 60 and 80 milliliters or more.

What is the correct way to clean the vagina during a period?

Do not use toilet paper, tampons, or scented pads. These can be very irritating to your skin and may cause burning-like symptoms. Make sure all your products are fragrance-free and do not contain additives such as aloe vera. For some women, organic products may be a better option as they do not contain other chemicals.

Do not douche

This can disrupt your pH balance, making you more susceptible to yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Try an oral female probiotic if you think you might be prone to these infections. It is important to remember that vaginal discharge will change throughout your menstrual cycle and your life. Sometimes there may be more discharge, and sometimes less. Discharge is not always a cause for concern. Rinse the vagina and vulva with water only, and the pubic area can be washed with a natural, fragrance-free soap.

Don't change your tampon too often. 

You definitely don't want to leave a tampon in for more than eight hours. Ideally, you should change it every three to four hours. The risk is toxic shock syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal infection that spreads through the bloodstream. This occurs more frequently in women who use super-absorbent tampons.

I need general information about vaginal hygiene as I age—especially cleaning.

Using warm water and a washcloth, gently clean the front and back of your vagina, making sure to apply very light pressure. Clean around your bikini line, then move to either side of your clitoris, and finally to your anus. This will help prevent any germs from being transferred to your vaginal area. When you're finished, rinse the washcloth thoroughly and dry it.

Avoid using any harsh soaps or shower gels to clean your vagina. These can cause dryness, itching, and excessive vaginal discharge because they disrupt the vaginal pH balance. It's best to consult your gynecologist to choose a suitable body wash that you can use to clean your vagina.

If you experience any vaginal itching after your period, try sitting in a warm, salty bath. Fill the bathtub with warm water and add half a cup of salt, then squat. A salt bath will help cleanse your vagina and relieve the itching. After cleansing your vagina, whether with a washcloth or a salt bath, be sure to dry the area gently and thoroughly. A wet vagina can easily lead to infection, so it's best to avoid it.

How to care for your pubic hair regularly during and after your period: Regular pubic hair care promotes vaginal health, as it reduces the risk of yeast or bacterial growth. Wearing 100% cotton underwear helps keep your vagina fresh and healthy, as it's breathable and helps eliminate any unpleasant vaginal odor. Drink pomegranate, berry, or pineapple juice, as these fruits are beneficial for your vagina.

The stages of the menstrual cycle

: There are two important hormones that govern the menstrual cycle: estrogen and progesterone. Hormones are chemical messengers that the body uses to send instructions from one part of the body to another. Estrogen and progesterone levels indicate the changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. It's important to remember that these hormones also affect other parts of the body. For example, estrogen helps a woman retain calcium in her bones. The effects of these hormones are also believed to cause many of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). 

A woman's menstrual cycle is said to begin on the first day of her period. Estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest during this time, as the uterine lining sheds, or is expelled as menstrual blood. This also includes the unfertilized egg produced in the previous cycle. Menstruation lasts three to six days for most women. When menstruation begins, a new egg starts maturing in the ovaries. The follicle surrounding the maturing egg produces estrogen, which leads to increased estrogen levels in the body. This, in turn, causes the uterine lining to thicken, starting around day nine. If a woman becomes pregnant, this nutrient-rich lining supports the development of the embryo.

The vagina

The uterus is the largest organ in the female reproductive system. It is usually relatively small, about the size of your fist. In a normal pregnancy, the fetus grows inside the uterus, expanding to its normal size several times over. The uterus is the tube in female mammals that receives the male reproductive cells, or sperm, and is part of the birth canal during childbirth. In humans, it also serves as the exit channel for menstrual blood. A girl's ovaries begin releasing eggs at puberty, initiating menstruation, until she reaches menopause. Tubes connected to the ovaries, called the fallopian tubes, allow the egg to travel to the uterus.

Some functions of the vagina

Menstrual blood is expelled from the body through the vagina. When a baby is born normally, it passes through the vagina.

Changes in a woman's hormones that occur each month

 These changes trigger the release of an egg, or ovum. The different stages of ovulation are used to describe a woman's menstrual cycle. On average, the body releases an egg once every 28 days, which is the average length of a menstrual cycle. Some women have longer or shorter cycles, and menstruation begins at these times. To measure your menstrual cycle, record the date of the first day you see blood during your period. The time from the first day of bleeding in one cycle to the first day of bleeding in the next is your menstrual cycle length. Women typically begin menstruating in early adolescence, but a woman's period can start as early as age 9 or later, or as late as 16 or 17. The onset of menstruation means that a woman's menstrual cycles have begun.

Does the vagina age as you approach menopause? 

Just like the rest of your body, the vagina ages. As you approach menopause, its parts may not look or function the same way they did when you were younger. Dryness, sagging, and lack of lubrication are all common issues at this stage of life. There is also less hair there. Your hair goes through natural cycles, growing for a while and then falling out. As your hair ages, its growth cycle shortens. At the same time, the decline in estrogen leads to the production of the dominant hormone, testosterone. Testosterone fuels hair loss. When you lose more hair than your body can replace, you'll start to see thinning patches. This can occur on the scalp. The chances of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) also increase. A sudden urge to urinate or pain when urinating can be signs of a UTI. The vagina is home to many bacteria—some beneficial, some harmful. The loss of estrogen during menopause changes the environment there, leaving more harmful bacteria than beneficial ones. This is why women get UTIs more often as they age. Vaginal estrogen therapy can increase beneficial bacteria and reduce the number of infections.

Vaginal Bacteria

When an adult woman's vagina is healthy, it contains many types of harmless bacteria. Some of these bacteria are similar to those found on the skin, but others, called lactobacilli, are found mainly in the vagina. These bacteria help protect the vagina from yeast infections and other bacteria.

Maintaining Vaginal pH Balance

Probiotic supplements can help maintain this balance. Probiotics, also known as "friendly bacteria," have become a popular treatment against "bad" bacteria that can harm the body. Some evidence suggests they aid digestion and combat diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease. Some studies have also indicated that using probiotics can help fight vaginal infections, such as yeast infections, but according to Barnes, "there isn't enough evidence to make a specific recommendation." She said, "More research needs to be done to determine when, how much, and what type of probiotic is beneficial." Barnes said she has patients who suffered from chronic vaginal infections and felt better after taking probiotics. “If I had a patient with recurrent vaginal infections, I would recommend a probiotic in the form of fermented goat’s milk,” she said, but it’s not suitable for everyone, including people with lactose intolerance.

Good and Bad Bacteria: It’s normal to have bacteria in the vagina

In fact, there are certain bacteria known as lactobacilli that help maintain the vagina’s pH within a normal range. But sometimes the balance between good and bad bacteria can become disrupted.

The Diet and the Vaginal Microbiome

Yogurt

Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria. Regular yogurt consumption promotes a healthy intestinal barrier and overall well-being.

Cranberries

Cranberries are known for their ability to prevent or speed up the progression of urinary tract infections. They contain compounds that prevent bacteria from adhering to the vaginal walls. They are also a diuretic, helping to maintain optimal pH levels and protecting against bacteria.

Garlic

Garlic has natural antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Adding garlic to your diet is a great way to support vaginal health. Garlic is also known to improve vaginal odor.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene and vitamin A, which contribute to the health of the vaginal mucosa. A deficiency in these vitamins may increase the likelihood of developing bacterial vaginosis, one of the most common vaginal infections.

Almonds

Almonds are rich in vitamin E. This antioxidant helps Powerful in maintaining the health of the vaginal walls, fighting free radicals, and preventing vaginal dryness.

Avocado

Not only does avocado add a distinctive flavor to any salad, but it also contains healthy fats and vitamin B6, which is recommended for treating fatigue and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, especially bloating.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc. Zinc is not only essential for immune system function but is also important for reproductive health.

Fatty fish

Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation and support overall health.

Papaya

Papaya is rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and reduces the likelihood of infection. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and magnesium, which improve blood circulation and reduce oxidative stress—two key factors for supporting libido and fertility. It also significantly contributes to improved mood and overall well-being. General.

The Changes in the Menstrual Cycle

Sometimes a woman's cycles are irregular, meaning they come at different times each month. This is especially common for teenagers; however, most women will miss a period or experience other variations in their cycle at some point in their lives. You might miss a period because your body is still maturing; you are under stress at work, home, or school; you are approaching menopause; you are exercising intensely; you have lost a lot of weight in a short period; or you have a hormonal imbalance.

Around day 14, the follicle containing the mature egg splits and releases it from the ovary. This is called ovulation. Some women experience mild pain when this happens. This is called mitral reflex. Some women also experience spotting (light bleeding). Although some of these changes are part of a woman's normal life cycle, it is always wise to discuss changes in your menstrual cycle with your doctor.

The Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a poorly defined condition used to describe symptoms that occur after ovulation and before a woman's menstrual period. These symptoms are usually most severe in the week immediately preceding a woman's period when estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest.

The Symptoms include

Migraines

Bloating

Irritability

Mood swings

Weight gain

Fatigue

Fatigue

Tension

Breast tenderness

Back pain

Many women experience some of these symptoms as well.

Depression

Seizures

Irritable bowel syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Over-the-counter pain relievers may help.

These conditions must be ruled out before diagnosing PMS.

If symptoms resembling those of the period occur outside of the two weeks before the period, a doctor should check for other conditions.

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea has several symptoms, especially common in young women.

Cramps are often felt in the lower abdomen, but they can also occur in the lower back or radiate down the legs. The medical term for menstrual cramps is dysmenorrhea. If you experience severe cramps that regularly disrupt your life, you should see a doctor. Severe menstrual cramps can be a sign of more serious conditions such as endometriosis (especially if they started after age 25). If there is no other underlying issue besides the cramps, your doctor can prescribe pain relievers or birth control pills to alleviate the symptoms.

Beware of Toxic Shock Syndrome

Women who use tampons may be at increased risk of developing a rare but serious illness called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). This syndrome is caused by a bacterial infection. If you experience symptoms of toxic shock syndrome during your period or in the days immediately following it, remove the tampon and seek immediate medical attention at a doctor's office or emergency room. Symptoms include contractions of the muscles in the outer third of the vagina in a series of rapid pulsations; a sudden rise in temperature to 39°C (102°F) or higher; vomiting; diarrhea; muscle aches; dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness upon standing; and a rash resembling sunburn.

You can reduce your risk of toxic shock syndrome by doing the following

Change your tampon every 6-8 hours.

Wash your hands before changing your tampon.

Everything You Need to Know About Period Sponges

We're so lucky to have access to so many alternative periods care products that allow us to have a more comfortable period—reusable cloth pads, menstrual cups, period underwear, and even period sponges! They're a less common option that many people appreciate because they allow them to exercise and maintain their lifting routine during their period. How do period sponges work?

The Period sponges (or period sponges) 

are an alternative to tampons, worn inside the body to absorb menstrual flow. You can choose from soft, bleached or unbleached natural sea sponges, synthetic sponges, reusable sponges, or disposable lubricated sponges. Sponges can also be used to support your pelvic organs if you have prolapsed. Many people choose period sponges because they are invisible from the outside of the body (unlike tampons).

The Wrapped Menstrual Sponge

You may want to choose an individually wrapped menstrual sponge, like these from Beppy. Beppy sponges are available in dry or pre-lubricated varieties and are designed to fit your body. Some have loops for easy removal and are popular during exercise as an alternative to tampons. Remember that Beppy sponges should be disposed of after use and should not be reused.

How to Clean Your Menstrual Sponge

If you choose a reusable sponge, it's important to clean it properly. It will need to be sterilized before first use and then between periods. There are several different ways to clean a menstrual sponge:

Wash it with a mild (unscented) soap under clean, warm water (try using a period wash cup). Soak it for 10 minutes in a 1:10 water:vinegar mixture. Avoid harsh soaps or chemicals that

can damage the delicate fibers of the sponge. Chemicals left on the sponge may disrupt the pH balance or cause skin irritation. Therefore, we recommend washing your period sponge with a menstrual cup.

Soak it for 10 minutes in a cup of water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Whichever method you choose to clean your sponge, make sure it is completely dry before storing it away in its storage bag.

What is the best period sponge?

It comes down to personal preference and what you want to use the sponge for. For periods: We recommend choosing a natural sea sponge such as the PS Soft Silk Sponge or the Natural Sea Pearls Menstrual Sponge (available bleached and unbleached) or the ultra-soft sea pearls sponge. For extra soft sea pearls: Choose a disposable sponge such as the Baby Baby Sponge or the Baby Dry Sponge, which come individually wrapped. For prolapse: It's best to ask your doctor what's best for your individual situation. In most cases, a large, dense, and firm sponge is best for prolapse, such as the Jade & Pearl Natural Reusable Sea Pearls XL + Firm Sponge or the Jade & Pearl Synthetic Reusable Pink Pearls Plus Extra Dense + Firm Sponge.

How long can you wear period sponges?

Period sponges are a great option for many people because they are invisible from the outside of the body (unlike tampons).

How long can you wear period sponges? The sponge should be changed every 8 hours, or sooner if the flow is heavy. This is a similar timeframe to other period products like menstrual cups and tampons.

Natural Sea Sponges vs. Natural Sea Sponges

Another reusable option for light flow or prolapse is the Jade & Pearl synthetic sponge, which is very dense and firm. It works similarly to a natural sea sponge but is less absorbent and provides more support for conditions like organic pelvic prolapse. If you prefer an eco-friendly and compostable option for your period, you may want to choose a natural sea sponge, which is sustainably harvested from the Mediterranean Sea. It is naturally absorbent, can be cut to size, and can be cleaned and reused for 3–6 months, then composted at the end of its lifespan. Simply wet the sponge, squeeze it (so it becomes soft), and insert it as you would a tampon. It will absorb your menstrual flow and should be rinsed before reinsertion.

Are Natural Menstrual Sponges Sustainable?

It really comes down to personal preference. Unbleached, light brown menstrual sea sponges are a good choice for those who want a completely natural option for their period, while some prefer the "clean", yellowish look of bleached sponges. Natural, unbleached sponges typically deteriorate at a slower rate than bleached ones. Boiling the sponges will firm them up and shrink them. Avoid soaking the sponges for longer than the recommended time, as this can cause them to spoil.

We only stock menstrual sponges that have been sustainably and ethically harvested from the Mediterranean Sea. This is done by carefully monitoring the harvesting areas and allowing time for the sponges to regrow before any reharvesting. When the sponges are harvested, they are trimmed in a way that doesn't damage the stem or sea sponge, allowing it to regrow.

Your Panty Guide to Cleaning, Wearing, and Living

Generally, choose natural fabrics—especially cotton. You’ve probably heard this before, but with all the lovely patterns in the variety of fabrics out there, it’s worth saying it again: cotton is the best underwear fabric. "The vulva is a very delicate and sensitive area, much like the lips on your face. You want to treat it gently. And the simplest and gentlest fabric to touch your skin? Yes, cotton. It's also breathable and absorbent, which can help prevent yeast infections. "Since it's healthy to have vaginal discharge—similar to the moisture you always have in your mouth—you want your underwear to gently absorb any excess moisture," explains Kelly-Jones. "Synthetic materials like nylon and spandex don't allow the area to breathe. Instead, they trap heat and moisture, creating a perfect breeding ground for yeast infections."

Aim to change your underwear every day

 or even more often if you like. "We often seem to wear one pair of underwear a day and then toss it in the wash. This may not always be necessary. On the other end of the spectrum, you shouldn't feel restricted to just one pair a day, as some doctors say you can get away with wearing the same pair of underwear two days in a row if there isn't much discharge or sweat. But if you start to feel uncomfortable due to buildup..." Vaginal discharge means you can change your underwear more than once a day, as Kelly Jones reminds her patients all the time. “It’s not the healthiest behavior because the linings can cause irritation and chafing. Cotton-lined underwear will solve this problem, and it’s fine to change it more than once a day.” After wearing it, toss it in the laundry basket to wash. Unlike jeans, underwear shouldn’t be reworn just to save on pregnancy.

Well-fitting, moisture-wicking underwear is best for exercise.

It’s often assumed that thongs can’t be good for lower-digestion health; however, studies have found no evidence that thongs cause yeast infections (YV), bacterial vaginosis (BV), or urinary tract infections (UTIs)—three of the major issues women face.

Washing your panties

 All types of underwear should be treated more gently than the rest of your wardrobe, not just your tape-on thongs. This isn’t because they’re “thinner” than yours. This is mostly because they sit on your most sensitive skin area for extended periods. Kelly Jones recommends using a gentle, hypoallergenic soap to wash them because "any soap or chemical near the vulva can lead to irritation, itching, and allergic reactions."

After washing, tumble dry on low heat for 30 minutes.

One doctor told The New York Times that tumble drying for 30 minutes or ironing after washing can help reduce new bacteria picked up during the wash cycle. She told the publication, "The heat from a low-heat drying cycle or iron was enough to remove the bacteria in question." Sick roommate or family member? Don't mix your underwear in the same load: Since bacteria are already swimming in the washing machine, there's no need to take any further risks. Don't mix contaminated underwear with other pairs or pants if you have bacterial vaginosis: This is especially important for people who do laundry less often. Wash separately to keep bacteria levels low and avoid cross-contamination. Wash underwear separately from clothes that come with other bodily fluids.

Worried about your washing machine?

Use hot water and bleach (about half a cup of bleach to a full wash and spin cycle) to sanitize the machine before putting in the laundry.

Consider replacing your underwear every year.

It sounds a bit overkill, especially for items you wash regularly. But according to the Good Housekeeping Institute, even clean underwear can harbor up to 10,000 live bacteria, thanks to the bacteria in the washing machine water—about a million bacteria in just two tablespoons of used water! Furthermore, about 83 percent of "clean" underwear contains up to 10,000 bacteria. Besides bacteria, there's also the possibility that your underwear contains feces. According to Dr. Gerba, who told ABC News in 2010, "There's about a tenth of a gram of feces in the average pair of underwear." Disposing of your underwear every year is not the most environmentally friendly option, and if you don't have bacterial problems down there, you may not have to clean the drawers annually. However, if you suffer from bacterial vaginosis or other symptoms frequently, experts say you may want to replace your underwear every year.

Natural Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most popular natural remedies for vaginal dryness. It contains a unique blend of fatty acids that help moisturize the vaginal area. It also has antifungal properties, which may benefit women experiencing certain vaginal infections.

Almond Oil, Olive Oil, and Vitamin E

Other options worth exploring. These oils are rich in antioxidants and have been shown to be effective in moisturizing and soothing dry skin.

Evening Primrose Oil

Essential oils such as lavender and tea tree are known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help keep the vaginal area clean and prevent infections. Applying diluted tea tree or lavender oil to the skin around the vagina may temporarily relieve dryness.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil or plant sources such as flaxseeds or chia seeds, have anti-inflammatory properties, which support hormonal balance and alleviate vaginal dryness.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a popular remedy for vaginal dryness. It's an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration. It has been used for years to treat dry skin problems and is beneficial for the overall health of mucous membranes.

L-Arginine

This amino acid promotes blood flow, which helps increase lubrication and reduce vaginal discomfort. While studies have shown promising results, experts caution against high doses as they may lead to unwanted side effects.

Probiotics

Beneficial bacteria strains found in supplements or fermented foods like yogurt help maintain a healthy vaginal flora by preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and restoring pH balance. Think of it as adding skilled soldiers to your army to repel invaders!

While these supplements may be helpful, they should not replace proper medical care or consultation with your doctor. In addition, making certain changes to your diet and lifestyle can significantly impact your vaginal health.

General Medical Advice

Reduce Salt

Reducing salt in your diet may reduce water retention and bloating.

Anti-Spasm Medication

Over-the-counter medications for menstrual cramps may help. There are many over-the-counter medications available for menstrual cramps. The medications used vary in each formulation, so read the label carefully and try to find the product that best suits your symptoms. Some women find non-specific pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen equally effective and less expensive.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining the natural moisture of the mucous membranes and overall vaginal health. Dehydration can lead to dryness and discomfort, so it's important to drink two liters of fresh water daily.

Wear Breathable Underwear

Loose-fitting cotton underwear helps prevent sweating, which can cause vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

Personal Hygiene

How do you keep your vaginal area clean? Wash your vulva gently with warm water and use a special soap containing lactic acid, which helps maintain the vagina's pH balance. Avoid perfumed soaps, shower gels, and douches, which can disrupt this natural balance. Remember that over-washing (three or more times a day) can cause vaginal problems.

Remove stress. 

High stress levels can affect hormonal balance and vaginal health. If you frequently experience stressful situations, incorporate relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and physical activity into your daily routine.

Use repHresh vaginal gel to lower vaginal pH.

Use a natural vaginal moisturizer three times a week. Olive oil or vitamin E oil is the only suitable oil to use with petroleum-based products (such as Vaseline®). These can cause irritation and yeast infections.

Use tampons instead of sanitary pads to control menstrual bleeding. (Do not use antiperspirant tampons.) Do not leave tampons in for extended periods due to the risk of toxic shock syndrome. Do not leave tampons in overnight.

Use a mild soap for washing underwear. Do not use detergents or fabric softeners (including dryer sheets).

Use soft toilet paper (white only).

Gynecological checkups: Visit your gynecologist annually for preventative care to detect any signs of serious illnesses early. Keep track of your family medical history and inform your doctor of any illnesses in your relatives.