Why Using Diapers for Menstruation Can Trigger Vaginal Infections – Expert Insights and Health Risks
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Why Using Diapers for Menstruation Can Trigger Vaginal Infections |
Using diapers for menstruation can cause serious vaginal infections. Learn from medical experts why sanitary pads remain the safest option for menstrual hygiene.
A Costly Shortcut That Could Harm Women’s Health
Due to the rising cost of sanitary pads in Nigeria, many women are turning to baby diapers as an alternative for managing heavy menstrual bleeding. While this may seem like a cost-effective solution, health experts warn that using diapers for menstruation can lead to vaginal infections, skin irritation, and dermatitis due to lack of ventilation and the materials used in diapers.
Menstrual hygiene is a vital aspect of women’s health, and cutting corners with inappropriate products can have long-term consequences. Let’s explore what medical professionals are saying and why sanitary pads remain the recommended choice for menstrual care.
Why Some Women Use Diapers During Menstruation
Economic hardship and inflation have made essential hygiene products increasingly expensive. According to a report by UNFPA, millions of women worldwide lack access to affordable menstrual products, forcing some to use unsafe alternatives like rags, tissues, or even diapers.
Women who choose diapers often cite reasons such as:
- High absorbency: Diapers can hold more liquid, reducing frequent changes.
- Longer wear time: They last longer than most sanitary pads.
- Affordability: A pack of diapers may seem cheaper than multiple packs of pads.
However, these perceived benefits come at a significant health risk, as diapers are not designed for absorbing menstrual blood but for urine, which is a sterile fluid — unlike menstrual discharge.
What Experts Say About Diaper Use for Menstruation
In an interview with PUNCH Healthwise, Dr. Stanley Egbogu, a Consultant Gynaecologist at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Awka, emphasized that using diapers for menstruation can cause diaper dermatitis — a skin infection usually found in infants.
He explained:
“If one wears a diaper for a longer time, there could be a change in the organisms in the vagina. This imbalance can cause bacterial vaginosis due to lack of air circulation.”
This lack of aeration (oxygen) can destroy beneficial bacteria that help maintain vaginal acidity, increasing susceptibility to infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Dr. Lilian Ekpo, Director at the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority–LUTH Cancer Centre, added that using diapers for menstruation is “unsanitary and unsafe,” warning that it can expose women to multiple vaginal infections due to moisture buildup and chemical exposure.
The Science Behind the Health Risk
A study published on ScienceDirect revealed that both sanitary pads and diapers contain synthetic plastic materials that can release harmful chemicals like phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds can be absorbed through the genital skin when in prolonged contact.
The research found:
- Phthalate content in diapers is higher than in many commercial plastic products.
- VOCs such as toluene and xylene, when absorbed, can interfere with hormonal balance.
- Continuous use over years increases chemical exposure risk.
While sanitary pads are designed with menstrual flow in mind, diapers trap heat and moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.
Recommended Safe Practices for Menstrual Hygiene
To maintain good menstrual hygiene and prevent infections, medical experts recommend the following:
- Always use sanitary pads or menstrual cups – designed specifically for menstrual blood.
- Change pads every 4–6 hours to prevent moisture buildup.
- Avoid scented pads or wipes as they may disrupt vaginal pH balance.
- Wash hands before and after changing pads.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear to allow airflow.
- Dispose of used pads properly to maintain hygiene and prevent odor.
You can find affordable and reliable menstrual hygiene products on trusted platforms like Jumia Nigeria and Amazon.
Government and NGO Roles in Menstrual Health
Healthcare experts are urging the Nigerian government to subsidize sanitary products to make them accessible to low-income women and girls. According to UNFPA data, over 500 million people globally lack adequate menstrual hygiene products and facilities.
Public health initiatives promoting menstrual education and access to sanitary pads can reduce infection rates and empower women to manage their periods safely.
Why You Should Avoid Using Diapers for Menstruation
Despite their high absorbency, diapers should never replace sanitary pads because:
- They restrict airflow, increasing moisture and heat.
- They alter vaginal pH, promoting bacterial overgrowth.
- They contain chemicals not suitable for menstrual use.
- They cause skin irritation and potential dermatitis.
Switching to menstrual cups or reusable cloth pads may be more cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives.
Choose Health Over Convenience
While financial challenges may push some women to improvise with diapers during menstruation, the long-term health consequences outweigh the short-term savings. Always opt for approved menstrual hygiene products to protect your reproductive health.
Governments and organizations must continue advocating for affordable menstrual care options to ensure that no woman is forced to compromise her well-being.
If you want to learn more about safe menstrual hygiene practices, visit the World Health Organization’s page on reproductive health.
Protect your health — choose sanitary pads over diapers. For reliable information on menstrual hygiene, bookmark AndroidPols.com.ng and stay updated with health and wellness insights.
