Common period myths surrounding us!

Be it our grandmothers or the internet, we are constantly surrounded by these misconceptions about periods! Despite its existence since the beginning of human life, periods are still extremely misunderstood by men and women alike. We bring you some of the most common stereotypes, half truths, and myths surrounding our menstrual cycle!

Common period myths surrounding us!

Be it our grandmothers or the internet, we are constantly surrounded by these misconceptions about periods! Despite its existence since the beginning of human life, periods are still extremely misunderstood by men and women alike. We bring you some of the most common stereotypes, half-truths, and myths surrounding our menstrual cycle!

 

  1. You can’t get pregnant on your period. The reason this comes first on the list is not only because it is one of the most floated myths but also because it is extremely important to debunk this myth. Though it is unlikely for you to get pregnant during your periods, it isn’t entirely impossible. The Science behind this is simple – it is possible for one’s ovulation dates to clash with their period and hence, it is possible to get pregnant when you have your period!
  2. PMS is only psychological. Women who have gone through menopause mood swings and heat flashes will probably understand the effect hormonal changes can have on a person. These hormonal changes occur in a female’s body every month and PMS is not an imagined, exaggerated disease. It is legit and is experienced by a vast majority of females. Symptoms may be emotional (irritability, mood swings, fatigue) and physical (cramps, headaches, backaches)
  3. If you didn’t get your period, you’re pregnant. While this may be a possibility, it is only one of the reasons you didn’t get your period. There are umpteen factors that can cause a delay in your periods such as stress, traveling between time zones, strenuous exercise, and illness among many other reasons.
  4. Your period must come every 28 days. Cycles vary from person to person, especially in the beginning few months or years of your period as ovulation hasn’t really started. 28 here is an average. Your body tells you what your menstrual cycle is, nothing or no one else.
  5. Menstrual blood is dirty blood. Menstrual blood is neither dirty nor impure. Menstrual blood is normal blood that is shed when the uterus lining breaks down.
  6. Menstruating women shouldn’t wash their hair or even bathe. This myth probably started when it was common for people to take a bath in the open in bodies of water such as rivers and lakes. However, this is not the case anymore. There is no reason as to why one should change their daily routines of personal hygiene due to periods. In fact, a warm bath will help stay not only clean but also relax and alleviate some of the pain caused by cramps.
  7. One must get bed rest during the period. While enough sleep is essential during periods, you should make it a point to get plenty of exercises. Exercising doesn’t just brighten your mood, it is also one of the most effective cures for menstrual cramps.
  8. Your period must last exactly a week Since not all women’s bodies are the same, their menstrual cycles are different too. In the same way, the 28-day cycle is only an average, and so is this. Especially amongst younger women, periods are irregular.

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