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5 common myths about menstruation - and why they aren´t true

Menstruation is a natural part of women’s lives, yet several myths and misconceptions can create confusion and unnecessary shame. For example, have you heard that you can´t bathe during your period? Or that if your period is absent, you must be pregnant?  In this post, we will debunk five common myths about menstruation and explain why they are not true. Ready to get the facts on the table? Let’s debunk some myths! 

 

Myth 1: If I don’t get my period, I’m most likely pregnant 

Fact: This myth is not true. A missed period can be caused by several factors other than pregnancy. Hormonal imbalances, stress, or weight loss are some of the factors that can affect a missed period. While pregnancy is a possible cause, it is not a given. Therefore, it’s best to take a pregnancy test to be sure. 


Myth 2: Periods last exactly seven days. 

Many believe that a "normal" period lasts exactly seven days and that anything different indicates a problem. However, this is not true. 

Fact: Menstrual cycles vary from person to person. A period can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days, and it is completely normal for some people to have shorter or even longer bleeding depending on their flow. The length of a period is also influenced by factors such as hormones, stress, contraceptive use, diet, and underlying health conditions. Those who use hormonal contraception may experience lighter and shorter periods than usual. If your period suddenly changes drastically, lasts significantly longer than usual, or becomes extremely irregular, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. A period does not have to last exactly seven days—there is no single "correct" length. The most important thing is to understand your cycle and what is normal for you. 


Myth 3: You can´t get pregnant while on your period 

Many believe that having unprotected sex during menstruation means you can´t get pregnant. This is one of the most common myths, and while it is not a typical scenario, it is still a possibility. 

Fact: The menstrual cycle is the body's way of preparing for a potential pregnancy. Within this cycle, there is a fertile window that lasts approximately six days. Sperm can survive inside the uterus for up to five days, so if you have unprotected sex towards the end of your period and ovulate early, pregnancy can occur. Sometimes, one might think they are having their period, but it could be breakthrough bleeding or another type of bleeding that occurs around ovulation, which can lead to misunderstandings about where they are in their cycle. While the chances are low to become pregnant while on your period, it´s not impossible. 

Myth 4: A tampon can get lost inside your body. 

It´s a normal myth for young girls to believe that a tampon can get lost inside your body and that you won´t be able to get it out. This is understandable as tampons can look intimidating for girls who are not experienced with their periods. According to dailymail.co.uk, 70% of women admit they were afraid to use a tampon for the first time. It is sad to see that such a large number of girls are fearful of tampons as they are missing out on how it can make their period a lot easier. Hopefully, debunking this myth will help young girls understand how tampons can be extremely useful during their periods. 

Fact: First of all, by looking at the anatomic structure of the body, tampons can't migrate from the vagina to other parts of the body. There is no opening to other parts of the body for the tampon to migrate to, and therefore the tampon can be safely placed in the vaginal canal. It is also important to remember that tampons are designed to be placed and removed from the vagina safely. Tampons have a string that you can pull to get it out.  


Myth 5: premenstrual syndrome (PMS) isn´t real

Many believe that Premenstrual syndrome, also called PMS is just an excuse to be “moody”. One of the reasons for this belief is, because the symptoms vary widely from person to person, making it seem inconsistent or unreliable. Furthermore, the lack of awareness about the scientific causes behind PMS symptoms doesn´t help. 

Fact: However, PMS is a real medical condition that affects both the body and mind due to hormonal fluctuations before menstruation. PMS symptoms appear during the 5 days before the period starts and end within 4 days of when the period begins. The symptoms usually interfere with daily life to various degrees.  

Research shows that PMS can cause real physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. These include mood swings, fatigue and sleep disturbances, cramps and bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, and food cravings. As previously stated, the length and severity of the symptoms vary. Some have a lot of different symptoms, while some have few. Some don´t even get PMS symptoms, however, as many as ¾ women experience PMS symptoms. So, PMS and PMS symptoms are indeed a real thing! 


Summary:

Many myths and misunderstandings around periods can cause shame and uncertainty. It´s important to do proper research and if you have questions, refer to reputable sources such as healthcare professionals, medical websites, or educational organizations focused on reproductive health. Menstruation is a natural and normal part of life, and no one should feel ashamed or embarrassed about it. Understanding the facts about menstruation helps break taboos and empowers people to make informed choices about their health.



 

 
 
 

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