The journal

Period Hygiene Mistakes You Didn't Know You Were Making

Many of us make simple period hygiene mistakes without even realising it — and they could be affecting our health. From leaving products in too long to using harsh soaps or scented items, this blog breaks down the top 10 common slip-ups and how to avoid them. Plus, discover how Annahitah’s Pro Flo period pants can help you stay fresh, comfy, and confident throughout your cycle.

Period Hygiene Mistakes You Didn't Know You Were Making

When it comes to that time of the month, staying super fresh and comfy is a top priority. But even with the best intentions, many of us unknowingly make hygiene mistakes that could impact our health. At Annahitah, we want to guide you through some of the most common period hygiene mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. Wearing a Pad or Tampon for Too Long

Changing your pad or tampon regularly is crucial to prevent bacterial growth and infections. Experts recommend changing tampons every 4-6 hours and pads every 4-8 hours, depending on your flow. Leaving them in for too long can lead to irritation, bad odours, and even the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). By the way, if you’re in your mid 40’s and you used to read Just 17 magazine (we were obsessed!), TSS was the hot topic and it’s still a thing even now.

With Annahitah’s Pro Flo period pants, you can stay protected for longer without the discomfort of disposables. Our absorbent, leak-proof design ensures maximum freshness and breathability throughout the day.

2. Using Scented Products

Scented pads, tampons, and wipes may seem like a great way to stay fresh, but they often contain artificial fragrances that can disrupt your vaginal pH and cause irritation. Stick to unscented, hypoallergenic options to keep your intimate area healthy. Annahitah period pants are made without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances, ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience for your body.

3. Not Washing Your Hands Before and After

It’s easy to forget, but washing your hands before inserting or changing a menstrual product is just as important as washing them afterwards. Your hands come into contact with countless bacteria throughout the day, and you don’t want to transfer them to your sensitive areas.

4. Doubling Up on Tampons

If your flow is heavy, you might be tempted to use two tampons at once to avoid frequent changes. However, this can increase the risk of infections and make removal difficult. Instead, opt for a higher-absorbency tampon or pair

 it with a reusable period panty like Annahitah’s Pro Flo for added protection. With multiple layers of absorbent fabric, you can stay comfortable and dry without compromising your health.

5. Not Changing Underwear or Period Pants Regularly

Even if you’re using high-quality period pants, it’s important to change them regularly and wash them properly. Bacteria and moisture can build up, leading to discomfort and potential infections. Annahitah period pants are designed for easy care - simply rinse, wash, and reuse, making them a sustainable and hygienic alternative to disposable products.

6. Using Harsh Soaps for Cleaning

Your vagina is self-cleaning, and using harsh soaps or douching can disrupt its natural balance. Stick to warm water or a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser if needed. Avoiding strong soaps helps prevent dryness and irritation.

7. Ignoring Unusual Symptoms

If you notice unusual smells, itching, irritation, or changes in your flow, don’t ignore them. These could be signs of an infection or an underlying health issue that needs attention. Trust your body and consult a healthcare provider if something feels off.

8. Storing Period Products Incorrectly

Leaving your tampons or pads loose in your bag or bathroom without proper protection can expose them to bacteria and dust. Keep them in a clean, dry place, preferably in their original packaging or a sanitary pouch. Annahitah period pants eliminate this issue by offering a reusable solution that doesn’t require excessive storage precautions..:just keep them in a breathable pouch until your next wash.

9. Not Staying Hydrated

You might not think hydration has anything to do with period hygiene, but drinking enough water helps your body flush out toxins and maintain overall vaginal health. Staying hydrated can also help with cramps and bloating!

10. Skipping Period Care When Not on Your Period

Good period hygiene isn’t just for when you’re bleeding. Practising daily intimate care, wearing breathable cotton underwear, and maintaining a balanced diet all contribute to a healthier cycle overall. Annahitah’s period pants are made with ultra-breathable fabrics, reducing moisture build-up and keeping you comfortable even between cycles.

__________________________________

How Annahitah Can Help You Stay Clean, Comfortable, and Confident

At Annahitah, we believe that period hygiene shouldn’t come with compromises. That’s why we’ve created period pants that prioritise:

✅ Hygiene & Comfort – Our fabric is designed to wick away moisture, keeping you fresh and odour-free.

✅ Sustainability – Unlike disposable pads and tampons, our reusable period pants reduce waste while providing long-lasting protection.

✅ Chemical-Free Protection – We avoid harmful chemicals like silver nanoparticles and synthetic fragrances, ensuring your body stays balanced and irritation-free.

✅ All-Day Confidence – With leak-proof technology and breathable materials, you can go about your day worry-free, knowing you’re protected.

__________________________________

Final Thoughts… because we care 💝 

Period care isn’t just about comfort. It’s about protecting your body and keeping things balanced. Avoiding these common mistakes can make a huge difference in your overall well-being. At Annahitah, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge to care for your body in the best way possible, while offering high-quality products that make periods easier and healthier.

Have you made any of these period hygiene mistakes before? Let us know in the comments!

Nina Alexander
About the author

Nina Alexander

Founder of Annahitah

Nina founded Annahitah to bring more choice, comfort and style to reusable period care. Inspired by her Persian heritage, she created Pro Flo with a focus on women, community and the planet.

Share this story
Find your everyday favourites

Good to your body. True to your flow.

Shop the collection
A little more reading

Keep going with your flow.

Back to the journal
Nina Alexander
Meet the author

Nina Alexander

Founder of Annahitah

Nina founded Annahitah to bring more choice, comfort and style to reusable period care. Inspired by her Persian heritage, she created Pro Flo with a focus on women, community and the planet.

Her founder story explores the idea behind Pro Flo: leakproof underwear designed to feel like the underwear women already enjoy wearing. Through Annahitah, she shares the brand’s perspective on reusable care and the different chapters of womanhood.

Meet Nina on Annahitah

In the journal

Period Pants: The Complete UK GuideHow Do Period Pants Work? The Science of the LayersWhat Are Period Pants Made Of? Materials ExplainedAre Period Pants Hygienic?Can You Wear Period Pants All Day?Do Period Pants Contain Silver? Why We Are Silver-FreeDo Period Pants Contain PFAS? Toxins & Chemical SafetyHow to Choose Period Pants: Flow, Style, Size & LifestyleWhich Absorbency Do I Need? Light to Super Heavy ExplainedPeriod Pants Size Guide: Your Perfect UK Fit (4–18)How Many Period Pants Do I Need?Period Pants Styles Explained: Thong to High-WaistBest Period Pants for Heavy Flow UKBest Period Pants for Sleeping & OvernightBest Period Pants for Sport, Gym & RunningTeen Period Pants & First Periods: The Guide for Girls and ParentsBest Period Pants for School: All-Day ConfidencePeriod Pants for Tweens: Sizing from XXXSFirst Period Kit ChecklistWashable Incontinence Pants: The UK Guide for Bladder LeaksWashable vs Disposable Incontinence Pads & PantsHow Much Liquid Do Leak-Proof Pants Hold?Stress vs Urge Incontinence: Know Your LeakPeriod Pants vs Pads, Tampons, Cups & DiscsPeriod Pants vs PadsPeriod Pants vs TamponsAnnahitah vs Other UK Period Pant BrandsHow to Switch to Period Pants: A 30-Day PlanHow to Wash & Care for Period PantsHow Long Do Period Pants Last?How Period Pants Support Women After Pregnancy and Through PerimenopauseFive Ways to Honour Every Version of YouWhat the Beaver Moon Teaches Us About RestThe Hidden Risks in Period Care: Why It's Time to Demand BetterHow to Handle Heavy Periods with ConfidencePeriod Hygiene Mistakes You Didn't Know You Were MakingEndometriosis: 'It’s Just a Bad Period'—Except It’s Not.The Ultimate Guide to Annahitah Period PantsWhy the Leakproof Underwear Market Was Crying Out for AnnahitahHow a Simple Fact (about tampons) Sparked a Movement