7 Common Period Myths on Mensuration: You Need To Know

Menstruation (period) is an integral natural process in humans with the uterus but is often misunderstood and allied with taboos and cultural beliefs. Even in this era of advancements, myths, and wrong beliefs have been standing in the way of women reaching the top. So, it prompts us to put an end to this social stigma that has long been associated with period or menstruation. Well, fret no more, as we have debusted some of the most common myths about periods to clear all the hush-hush!!

Myth: Bloodshed during periods is “IMPURE”

Fact: This happens to be the most common misconception, that period blood is impure or dirty, this results from failure to understand that, the menstrual cycle is a part of a female’s reproductive system, and the bloodshed is the same that circulates throughout the body.

Though for some women the blood may appear darker in color, or shed out as clots, that also carries a scientific reason to it. The change in blood color is owed to the reaction of oxygen with blood, whereas the clot consists of blood and tissues.

Myth: Missing of a period = Pregnant!!

Fact: Late occurrence or missing a month’s period does not always mean being pregnant. Causes of irregular periods have been related to hormonal imbalances, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), weight gain, disproportionate diet, stress, or any other illness.

In either case, only a lab test is a sure shot to confirm pregnancy, in case of missing periods.

Myth: Use of sanitary products – Tampons and menstrual cups may result in losing virginity!!

Fact: There goes the next misconception, which is more prevalent among women. Unlike sanitary napkins, tampons and cups are inserted vaginally during menstruation. Though these products may or may not cause the hymen to stretch a few times, to accommodate the tampon, which may lead to the hymen breaking, it does not cost one their virginity. Virginity happens to be a notion that is looked beyond the hymen. Breaking of the hymen can also occur when a female is involved in energetic activity like cycling.

Myth: Chance of pregnancy - low during periods

Fact: Well, the fact is, it is unlikely for a woman to conceive, but not impossible. The bottom line is unprotected sex, at any time of the month, will present with a real

possibility of pregnancy. Chances are that the fertility window may overlap with menstruation time, as they keep changing from one period to the other. It is best advised to keep in mind that no daytime is safe for having unprotected intercourse, until and unless the female is on an IUD, pills, or hormonal contraceptives.

Myth: Period sex = “UNHEALTHY”

Fact: The only downside of intercourse during periods is, it is sloppier and messier. Sex during periods helps in relieving cramps, boosting mood, and has increased lubrication.

Myth: Is PMS a thing???? Nah!

Fact: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is hormonal, is real, and starts off usually a week or two before periods. This includes cramps, bloating, headache, mood changes – irritation, depression, etc., The symptoms intensify around 3-4 days before periods and start reliving from the 3rd after periods begin.

Myth: Not allowed in the kitchen, religious places, to have intense workouts

Fact: The fallacy that girls are impure during their periods as they shed dirty blood has been a traditional belief that has been followed through generations and even to date. This notion, during early times, led to implementing rules from prohibiting them at sacred places of worship or even in one’s own kitchen, and not to consume specific food. Well, neither the girl nor the blood is impure, is a fact that we all know now.

Exercising on the other hand has only been shown to relieve the symptoms and not intensify or cause anything else. Even a brisk walk is advised during periods, rather than being completely devoid of any physical activity.

Steer and stay clear of these misbeliefs!

We have all come a long way in the history of embarrassment, and there is still more to go! Periods are a very normal physiological process, nothing out of the ordinary, and there is no shyness or whispers needed to talk about it. A menstrual cycle tells a lot about our health, and the last thing we should be doing is believing in false information without any scientific evidence, that supports it.

Let us all together take the initiative, collectively, to ditch this stigma and create scientific awareness of healthcare among all!!