Using Baby Diapers for Periods May Increase Risk of Vaginal Infections — Experts Warn

Health practitioners in Nigeria are expressing concern that women who use baby diapers as menstrual hygiene products, especially those with heavy menstrual bleeding, may be putting themselves at risk of skin and vaginal infections.

The shift towards using diapers is largely driven by the high cost of sanitary pads. Diapers are prized for their greater absorbency and the fact that they may stay on longer without needing to be changed, which users say reduces overall cost.

A consultant gynaecologist at Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Awka, Dr Stanley Egbogu, noted that although diapers are technically "sanitary products", they are not designed for menstrual purposes. He warned that prolonged wear of diapers reduces air flow to the vaginal area, which can upset the natural balance of organisms in the vagina. Without proper aeration, the skin may suffer conditions like dermatitis, and there is risk of bacterial overgrowth, potentially leading to bacterial vaginosis.

Another health professional, Dr Lilian Ekpo of LUTH Cancer Centre, stated using diapers in place of sanitary pads is unsanitary and increases the risk of vaginal tract infections.

The problem is not just theoretical. Repeated use of diapers over long duration without changing, using less clean or lower-quality diapers, and generally poor menstrual hygiene in these contexts can combine to create conditions favourable to infection.

Experts nevertheless acknowledge that if one uses a very clean diaper and changes it frequently, infection risk may be lower, though they emphasise that sanitary pads remain the preferred option for menstrual care.

To help mitigate the issue, health professionals are calling for sanitary pads to be made more affordable and accessible, especially for low-income women and adolescents.

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