"Is Bathing During Menstruation Acceptable?"

Menstruation Period Showering

One can take a shower during menstruation, but it is important to note that showering should be chosen instead of sitting in a bath or using a bathtub to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina. After showering, it is crucial to keep warm, especially the abdomen, to prevent the invasion of cold air. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and maintaining a balanced diet is also recommended.

1. Showering and Hair Washing During Menstruation

Whether women can take a shower and wash their hair during menstruation is an important question. During menstruation, women's resistance is indeed lowered, and if their bodies are exposed to cold, it can lead to stagnation of qi and blood, resulting in menstrual disorders or dysmenorrhea. Therefore, avoid getting chilled by wind or washing your feet with cold water during menstruation to prevent menstrual disorders. However, taking a shower and washing your face with warm water has no adverse effects on health.

2. Hormonal Imbalance and Menstruation

Hormonal (endocrine) imbalance is not directly related to physiological, psychological, environmental, or genetic factors. However, living environment, lifestyle, and other factors can potentially contribute to health risks, including cancer. Women who do not pay attention to their lifestyle during menstruation may experience stagnation of blood, which can cause lesions over time, but this does not necessarily mean cancer. Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that during menstruation, women's resistance is lowered, and exposure to cold can lead to stagnation of qi and blood, causing menstrual disorders or dysmenorrhea. Therefore, avoid getting chilled by wind, getting wet in the rain, washing your feet with cold water, taking a cold shower, or consuming cold food during menstruation.

3. Bathing Versus Showering During Menstruation

It is generally acknowledged that showering or sponge bathing is preferred during menstruation. During menstruation, the endometrium sheds, leaving wounds in the uterine cavity. Cervical mucus and menstrual blood flush out, leaving the cervical os slightly open, and menstrual blood stays in the vagina, creating a favorable environment for bacteria. These conditions temporarily weaken the local protective barrier of the reproductive tract. Additionally, the overall resistance of the body decreases during menstruation. When taking a bath, bacteria from the water and vagina can ascend through the cervical canal into the uterine cavity, causing infection. Therefore, bathing should be avoided during menstruation. Similarly, activities such as uterine surgery, miscarriage, and childbirth should also involve avoiding bathing for a short period afterward.