Menstruation is one of the most fascinating yet underappreciated phenomena in women's lives. The process that occurs when a woman sheds her uterine lining monthly has been misunderstood for far too long, often leaving people unaware of its importance to reproductive health. One common misconception about menstruation is that it causes vaginal odor - but this isn't true! In fact, vaginal discharge can have a natural scent depending on the time of your cycle and dietary habits. Another misconception is that douching will cleanse or freshen up the vagina during menstruation, but it actually strips away the natural bacteria balance needed to keep things healthy. As the body prepares for pregnancy each month, hormones signal for the uterus to shed its lining, which then passes through the cervix and out of the vagina as blood flow. It's important to understand how menstruation works because it affects more than just your reproductive system; it also impacts mood swings, skin conditions like acne, and even heart disease later in life.
During menstruation, the vagina goes through several changes that may leave you feeling uncomfortable or even painful at times. The first change is a decrease in pH levels from acidic to basic, which can cause irritation or itchiness in some women. This shift happens due to the release of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) by cells called macrophages found within the uterine wall. Prostaglandins trigger muscle contractions to help expel old tissue from the body, leading to cramping and heavier periods with more clots and spotting between cycles if left unchecked over time. Another reason why this occurs is because estrogen levels drop dramatically during menstruation, allowing other hormones like progesterone to take control, resulting in thicker discharge that can lead to infections if left untreated properly.
To maintain optimal vaginal health during menstruation, avoid using douches or scented products near your vulva since these will kill off beneficial bacteria that protect against yeast infections and UTIs (urinary tract infections). Instead use mild soaps containing tea tree oil or witch hazel extract for cleaning purposes only - not as an intimate perfume! You should also avoid wearing tight jeans, underwear, and spandex materials since they trap heat inside and create an environment where bacterial growth thrives best. Finally, stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water; dehydration increases blood flow throughout all areas including your reproductive organs, making them work harder than usual while also increasing cramps when resting on heavy days.