Introduction: A completely natural process, periods or menstruation comes with many cultural taboos and beliefs. These misconceptions and myths are holding back our women in the society. There are many young and old, educated and uneducated women in the world who feel ashamed talking about periods. They still follow strict instructions for eating, sleeping, walking, and living life in a certain way. It’s high time we should break down these stereotypes and set our women free. Let’s normalize periods as a part of our life without getting ashamed of it.
Here are some of the most common myths and misconceptions about the periods:
1. Tampons can lead to losing your virginity: The most common myth about the period is that if you use tampons, you can lose your virginity. Yes, it can break your hymen as it causes stretch to hymen but this doesn’t mean you are losing your virginity. Virginity is much beyond this. The hymen can also be broken naturally by doing physical activities such as cycling, lifting weights, and others.
2. During your periods, you can’t get pregnant: Generally, it is very uncommon to get pregnant during your periods but it is also not impossible. If a woman has a short menstruation cycle, there is a risk of getting pregnant. It is founded that men’s sperm can last up to ten days after intercourse. In this case, women with short menstruation cycles can get unwanted pregnancies.
3. One should not take a bath during their periods: Many people think that having a bath is unsafe during periods because hot water can stop the period’s blood. But the reality is that hot water will help you to stimulate the blood flow which will ultimately relieve the period cramps. Taking a hot water shower will make you feel better as well as it will keep you clean.
4. Don’t involve in physical activities: Being physically active can relieve your period pain, cramps, and back pain but one should also avoid high-intensity workout during this time. Certain physical activities like walking and yoga will help you to feel better. You can talk to your fitness team that what exercises can be safely done during periods.
5. You are pregnant if you miss your period: This is the most untrue myth about periods that missing the month means you are pregnant. Hormonal imbalances like unhealthy diet, stress, excessive weight gain, and polycystic ovary syndrome can affect your period cycle. Every woman’s body is unique and different and so on their period’s cycle. It can change every month and if you feel that your period is abnormal, you should consult a gynecologist near you or can have medications as well.
Still many women around the world feel uncomfortable talking about blood, and their reproductive organs. We are living in the 21st century and it’s completely normal to talk about it. Women should feel confident about the experiences that they are having every month of their life. You can make this month easier while having conversations with your mother, grandmother, sister, or even your gynecologist.
Do let me know what myths you have experienced during your period days.