Many people don’t talk openly about menstruation and so it has been long masked in misconceptions and myths. From cultural taboos to outdated beliefs, menstruation myths persist and often lead to misinformation and stigma.
In this article, we delve into 5 menstruation myths, debunking falsehoods and shedding light on the realities of menstruation:
You cannot get pregnant on your period
While it may be true that you cannot get pregnant while menstruation is happening. Sperm can live in your body for up to 5 days which means it can hang around beyond the time of your period at which point it is very possible to get pregnant. Having unprotected sex towards the end of your period increases the chances of you getting pregnant.
Your menstrual cycle can synchronize with others
I am sure you are aware of the common belief that if women spend enough time together; for example, as roommates, their period cycles can synchronize. Recent studies have shown that there is no real evidence to support this belief. Rather, it is more likely to be due to chance as period cycle lengths can vary in different individuals so with time, menstrual cycles may naturally overlap.
You should just rest and cut down on exercise during your period
Your period is not an excuse to skip the gym or lay in bed all day. Exercise can actually help to relieve menstrual symptoms such as cramps, headache, tiredness, etc. It can leave you feeling more energized and release endorphins that improve your mood.
Period blood is ‘dirty blood’ or the body’s way of flushing out toxins
Period blood is not a way of removing toxins from the body, rather, it is a way to keep the lining of the uterus healthy. Menstrual blood is the exact same blood that circulates throughout the body. The color of the blood can range from light red to dark brown and the change in color from normal red usually happens due to a reaction of the blood with oxygen when it is exposed to air.
Premenstrual syndrome is ‘all in your head’
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is very real. it is a combination of different symptoms that are associated with menstruation. Some symptoms can include fatigue, cramps, headache, bloating, back pain, mood changes such as depression, irritability, anxiety and many more.
Symptoms typically start 1 to 2 weeks before your period. For some women, PMS may be mild, but for others it may have a significant impact on your day to day life and may sometimes require you to take time off school or work.
