Evaluation of the relationship between genital hygiene behavior and premenstrual syndrome in women of reproductive age

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that can affect women of reproductive age worldwide. It is characterized by physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms that begin in the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and end with menstrual bleeding. An important part of women's health is also genital hygiene behaviors and their implementation as daily habits. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between genital hygiene behaviors and PMS. Our cross-sectional study included 416 women aged 18-49 years with ongoing menstruation who visited the Family Medicine Clinic at Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine Hospital. A questionnaire containing sociodemographic and gynecological data forms, the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) and the Genital Hygiene Behavior Scale (GHBS) was used to collect data. The participants' total genital hygiene behavior score was 95,9±9,2; the total PMSÖ score was 128,2±35,7 and the prevalence of PMS was found 49%. PMS symptoms were more severe in young, single, unemployed women living alone or with a roommate. While a significant difference was found between daily pad use and PMSÖ score among genital hygiene habits, no significant difference was found with underwear washing method, bathing habits, or use of genital cleaning products. No significant difference was found in GHDÖ scores between groups with and without PMS. Proper application and habitual practice of menstrual hygiene reduces the risk of PMS. Therefore, new studies on the effectiveness of genital hygiene behaviors are needed to enrich the data pool. In the first step of PMS treatment and to reduce risk, it is important for women to know and practice proper genital hygiene behaviors in their daily lives. To facilitate habit formation, it is important to educate every woman starting at the onset of puberty. Key Words: premenstrual syndrome, genital hygiene behaviors