7 Common Myths About Periods That Should Be Addressed
Periods are associated with numerous misconceptions. Some of these seem irrational like intercourse during periods causing malformed infants. Others cause us to think twice about what is true. Today, many internet sites are still full of strange misconceptions that force women to follow strict limits for sleeping, eating, and living their lives. It's time to dispel the most popular period myths and discover the reality of periods. Here is a list of seven myths about periods that may surprise you.
1. Severe period pain is normal
Due to the long-held belief that women should be able to tolerate the discomfort of their periods, this misunderstanding has become extremely common. However, significant period pain might indicate a variety of underlying health issues, including endometriosis and uterine fibroids. If left untreated, these health issues can worsen over time and have a severe impact on your fertility. If you have heavy periods and painful cramps, you need to visit a gynecologist.
2. Period blood is dirty
Blood from your periods is not something your body eliminates every month, and it contains no toxins or other harmful substances. This is just a vaginal discharge composed of a small amount of blood, uterine tissue, mucus, and bacteria. Indeed, menstrual blood differs from the blood that circulates through your veins. It is less concentrated blood and contains fewer blood cells than your blood.
3. Regular menstruation shows female fertility
It is essential to understand that having periods every month doesn't necessarily mean that you are fertile. While regular menstruation indicates that you are ovulating (which is necessary for pregnancy), fertility is more than that. It needs a healthy egg, sperm, uterus, and fallopian tubes. Consult a doctor if you've been trying to conceive for more than six months and are experiencing regular periods.
4. Delaying your menstruation with hormonal birth control is dangerous
This misconception is widely believed in many areas of the world, including the United States, although delaying menstruation can help manage a variety of health conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids. This also reduces the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer. Women who want to achieve the desired relief from painful or heavy periods can consult their doctors about hormonal birth control pills.
5. Taking a bath during periods is dangerous
Some women think that taking a bath or even showering during menstruation is unsafe. That's either because hot water causes bleeding or because it prevents bleeding. There is no need to worry; you may take a bath at any moment. It will just make you feel better. Warm water helps relieve period cramps and muscle stress. Taking a bubble bath and feeling fresh will improve your mood and help you cope with symptoms of menstruation better.
6. You can't work out or swim during your periods
Physical exercise and swimming are believed to worsen menstruation discomfort and bleeding, and women were supposed to rest during their periods. But this is not true. Exercising before and during your period might help relieve discomfort. Regular exercise has a beneficial impact on hormone levels, which lowers menstruation discomfort and prevents excessive bleeding. Another reason to exercise during menstruation is that it increases endorphin levels. These chemicals work as natural painkillers.
7. It is impossible to get pregnant during menstruation
That's not quite accurate. Your uterine lining sheds during your period, which is not the phase of the cycle when you can conceive. However, healthy sperm can stay in your reproductive system for days, and cycles can differ in length from month to month. As a result, if you engage in unprotected intercourse during menstruation and ovulate early, you may still become pregnant.
