Menstruation
Menstruation is a natural and healthy part of women’s existence. But unfortunately, there still exist some misconceptions and myths surrounding menstruation in the advanced world. The idea that periods are shameful to the misconception that certain activities should not be performed during menstruation not only imposed restrictions on the life of menstruating women but also made them feel less empowered about themselves.
As modern responsible individuals, everyone must be aware of the age-old menstruation myths to spread awareness among people. Here are the top 10 myths associated with periods.
10 myths about periods:
1. No exercising during your period:
There is no proven reason to refrain from sports or physical activity during periods. If you are unwilling to indulge in physical activity, that’s different. However, exercising will also help relieve your period cramps.
2. Don’t not swim during menstruation:
Why would swimming be if physical activity is not a problem during periods? Ensuring the proper protection will never let anyone know it’s ‘that’ time of the month. Don’t let your periods spoil your fun; dive in!
3. You won’t get pregnant:
One can get pregnant even during menstruation, as the cycle of ovulation is primarily unpredictable. Therefore one doesn’t know when the egg will be released. Therefore if you have no intention of pregnancy, use contraceptives even while having sex during menstruation.
4. You can’t have sex:
Using the proper precautions while having sex doesn’t allow menstruation to stop enjoying a great sex life. Just be careful about getting your bed sheets dirty. Take safety measures to prevent a mess.
5. You’ll get your period every 28 days:
The cycle of menstruation not only varies from one woman to the other but also from one month to the other. Therefore the cycle does not always repeat strictly after 28 days. It is pretty standard for the cycle to get postponed for 2-3 days.
6. Young women shouldn’t use tampons:
Losing virginity using tampons is a misconception that needs to be corrected as early as possible. The loss of virginity is primarily associated with sex and is not with using tampons. Therefore young girls can use tampons as per their choices and preference.
7. Don’t wash your hair during your periods:
Although this myth dates back to ancient times and has been transferred to people across generations, everyone must be aware that taking a hot shower during periods can help a menstruating individual feel relaxed and clean. Moreover, washing your hair while showering is not a big deal.
8. Avoid eating certain food:
It is often claimed that cold drinks and fried food are unsuitable during menstruation. None of these are true, as you can have whatever you feel like. However, eating healthy is always recommended.
9. Women lose gallons of blood during their menstruation:
This is the biggest misconception among people as they think women lose gallons of blood during their periods. While the fact is during menstruation, the average woman loses around 60 ml of blood with each cycle which equates to a few tablespoons.
10. PMS isn’t real:
It is indeed a myth that PMS or pre-menstruation syndrome is a myth. People often tend to disregard this condition, but in reality, it is true and must be taken care of with the help of medications.
Conclusion:
These are some common menstruation facts that need to be corrected to destroy age-old myths and beliefs. However, if you notice a sudden change in menstrual cycle length or brown discharge after the periods, you must consult a healthcare professional as early as possible to stay safe and healthy throughout.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.