11 Common Menstruation Myths Debunked
Who else isn’t allowed to eat pickles, enter the kitchen, cook food or sleep on the same sheets your family people sleep, while you are on your period? Well, you are not alone ladies! In fact, we all have heard these insane things at least once in our lifetime. I feel sad to say but accordingly, to a lot of cultures, it is considered “bad” to do all these things. It’s surprising that even in today’s time many countries around the world hold these beliefs. It won’t come as a shock if I say that our country is at the top when it comes to holding such beliefs. But, it’s difficult to generalise what’s true and what’s probably made up by people. We get it, it all seems so bizarre and annoying, and that’s why we did the digging for you, to layout the 11 most popular period myths— and the scientific truth that discredits them.
Myth #1: You lose a lot of blood during your period
This idea is totally a fiction you guys. An average woman only loses 16 tablespoons of blood, even though if you are a person who experiences heavy bleeding, your uterus still only releases about 16 tablespoons of blood.
Of course, this number doesn’t have to be accurate to each and every woman. But if you think your flow cycle is really long, that is for more than 6 days and you have to change your sanitary pads quite often then we recommend you to consult a doctor. Heavy flow is definitely not a healthy sign, and more women do not lose even close to too much blood during their period.
Myth #2: You cannot get pregnant while you are on your periods
My dear, we know this idea sounds really convincing but it’s nowhere true. Some people believe that one cannot get pregnant just because their inner layer is shredding. You would be surprised to know that, your body isn’t gonna say “No baby here,while you are on periods”.
While the average menstrual cycle is 28 days, most women have cycles that last between 21 to 35. So ovulation also varies, which means whether you have a long or short cycle, the egg you release can live between 12 to 24 hours. Sperm can live for up to 3 days which is 72 hours, now you do the math! In a nutshell, the closer you are to your period the higher is the chance for you to get pregnant. So if you are not ready for birth controls, make sure your partner wears a condom.
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Myth #3: Period sex is gross
Every fan of the book version of 50 Shades of Grey remembers that much-talked-about tampon scene, where Christian removes Anastasia’s tampon before they have sex. it probably made you wonder: Should I be having sex on my period? Is it safe? Does it feel gross? While the truth is it’s completely natural and safe. Studies also say that one of the mood swings during periods is being sexually aroused. Although, it isn’t subjective but more precisely a personal preference. The idea that menstrual blood is somehow considered to be gross or unhygienic than the blood flowing from any other body part is because it flows out of the vagina and which is probably considered gross in many brains due to centuries of menstruation being a taboo.
Myth #4: Period blood has a bad smell
Well if you ever caught a whiff from your period pants before you threw them to laundry and thought, “OMG, l hope no one else can smell that I’m on my period,” you are not alone. I know it’s hard to believe that the idea of period blood having a bad smell is a myth. while it does smell like rotten eggs but that is totally because of the bacteria in your body.
While we all have our own unique scent, period blood doesn’t really have an odour! It’s just that, when it is mixed with naturally occurring bacteria in your body, of course, it may seem to smell a little pungent. But have you ever been able to smell when someone else is on periods? Doubtful.
Also, vaginas aren’t meant to smell like a bed of flowers. Make sure you keep yourself clean and if you feel any bad odour down there, we suggest you to consult a doctor, it could be indicative of a yeast infection.
Myth #5: A tampon can get lost in your vagina
Okay, we’ll make this crystal clear that a tampon is not going to get lost in your vagina, like a wanderer getting lost in the woods. While there are possibilities of getting a tampon stuck in your vagina, you definitely don’t lose one. If you put a tampon in and can’t find it, you have to insert your fingers and search for the string. While this may feel embarrassing and uncomfortable but it’s definitely not the end of the world— also you are not the first woman to experience it.
Myth #6: PMS is all in your head
According to the less-conscious dudes on our planet, PMS is a self-fulfilling prophecy, this myth totally has no credit guys. PMS is not a made-up concept and frankly, this myth doesn’t justify mood swings, cravings and crying over puppy commercials. Sorry guys, you can spectacle all you want but, the pain is real and so is the PMS.
Throughout your menstruation cycle, your hormones constantly change. Varying levels of estrogen and progesterone affect both your body and brain, causing cramping, irritability and other unpleasant symptoms. Gynaecologists also stated that women suffer from at least one PMS symptom every month, and boy! you can’t argue with a known fact or a woman who’s on periods 🙂
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Myth #7: You can use tampons for vaginal discharge
Well, the idea of using tampons for vaginal discharge may sound fascinating but it may cause a lot of damage. Tampons are meant to be used for absorbing period blood. When you are not on your period, you aren’t producing enough fluid to justify the use of a tampon. When you use a tampon in a dry vagina, you put yourself in a risky situation of developing toxic shock syndrome, a rare but life-threatening infection. So it is well-advised not to use tampons for regular discharge, you can instead go for panty liners if you don’t want to ruin your favourite underwear.
Myth #8: Eating sour food will lessen/increase the flow
Seriously? there is no reason to not eat sour foods/drinks during your period. Technically there’s no biological connection between sour food and menstruation. Sourness is a taste experienced in your mouth, but period pains can be caused due to hormonal imbalances and the release of chemicals as the lining of the uterus breaks down. It is possible for some people to find that sourness affects their period, but this may be caused by some other factors.
Myth #9: Physical activities increase the cramps
Well, most of the people out there think that if a woman does any kind of physical activity it might result in the increase of her crampings. Basically this idea is not true at all, in fact physical activities are widely accepted to help with many of the symptoms of PMS, including cramping. Physical activities can actually boost energy levels instead of lower them during a period. Exercises may also help to lift mood when a person has feelings of sadness, irritability or anger during their period.
Myth #10: You should not wash your hair while you’re on your periods
There is absolutely no reason not to wash your hair, take a bath or shower during menstruation. In fact, a nice warm bath can do a lot to relieve menstrual cramps and premenstrual tension. Although, if you suffer from extreme painful cramps, you might not be able to shower and that’s completely fine. Try freshening yourself up with some feminine wipes, they will help you smell and feel clean. Many myths from the past are obsolete. Today, the woman who’s menstruating is a healthy woman and can engage in any activity she prefers.
Myth #11: Virgins should not wear tampons
Many people have a lot of doubts regarding this idea, so we’ll make this easy for you to understand. Any girl who has a period can use a tampon. Tampons work just as well for girls who are virgins as they do for non-virgins. And even though using a tampon can occasionally cause a girl’s hymen to stretch or tear, it does not cause a girl to lose her virginity. It is perfectly fine for any woman to use a tampon, also if you prefer tampons over pads.
Vyshnavi
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