Dr Sabikun Nahar, a gynaecologist at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, told TBS that women who do not use period proof underwear during their periods can experience various problems, including infections and septicaemia due to the use of unsanitary cloth. Often, poor women in rural areas use the same cloth over and over again and don't dry it in the sun, which is why they get different types of vaginal infections.

Dr Sabikun Nahar has also observed that children who go to school now are very conscious and therefore the rate at which they use pads is increasing.

"However, the use of period proof underwear is much lower among adults and rural women. Most patients with cervical cancer have never heard of period proof underwear. Infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Therefore, cleanliness is very important during menstruation. ."

Data from the 2018 National Health Survey showed that about 8 percent of women and 6 percent of adolescent girls reported discomfort, such as itching, irritation, redness, swelling or lump-related health problems. About 5% of women and 4% of adolescents report odor or abnormal secretions. A higher percentage of adolescents (28%) reported lower abdominal pain compared to females (15%).

Today, May 28, is menstrual health Day. This year's theme, "Normalizing menstruation by 2030," aims to contribute to an overarching goal -- a world where no one is held back by menstruation by 2030.