Periods can be tough. Whether it is enduring the emotionally heavy symptoms or dealing with painful cramps, bloating, and moody vaginal health, one cannot ignore the fact that there are so many dilemmas and problems that we shy away from discussing with our gynecologists.

But did you know there’s a long list of things that could be making our periods worse? We spoke to doctors, gynecologists, and personal trainers about what to avoid when you’re on your period. Here are 5 specific things to avoid.

1. Waxing or shaving.

According to “Healthline”, It says that when you’re on your period, avoid hair removal. The area is sensitive and the pull of the wax strips can hurt, adding to your discomfort. Shaving can prove to be an extremely messy affair due to the period flow. In case you end up with a cut due to the shaving, it might lead to infection. So, plan it after a week of your period to reduce the risk of pain and discomfort.

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2. Using a douche.

According to ” WebMD”, It says that the use of douching to clean yourself down there can prove to be very harmful. It can cause several health issues like infections and an increased risk of developing STDs by interfering with the vagina’s natural barriers against bacteria.

3. Alcohol.

According to ” Healthline”, It says that alcohol can have several negative effects on your body, which can exacerbate the symptoms of your period. Alcohol can dehydrate you, which can worsen headaches and cause bloating and it also leads to digestive issues, such as diarrhea and nausea.

4. Giving in to salt cravings.

According to “WebMD”, It says that foods with a high salt content are not good for you when you’re menstruating because they can worsen your cramps. What’s more, it can cause severe bloating and add to discomfort.

5. Wearing the same sanitary product all day long

According to ” Healthline”, It says that it doesn’t matter if you’re using a sanitary pad or a tampon, wearing the same product for more than 4 to 6 hours will prove to be a breeding ground for bacteria and will lead to the development of bad odor. In addition, doing so can also cause skin rashes and TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome).