Despite the abundance of information available on periods, there are still a lot of misconceptions surrounding this natural bodily function. In this post, we will debunk five common period myths that many people with periods still get wrong.
- Myth: you should get your period exactly every month
Female beings have existed for as long as mankind has existed. Still, so many people get the wrong idea that a period must always happen exactly every month.
Exactly and without any miss. The idea is that this is a healthy cycle. And so, if you don’t get your periods on the same exact date every month, there is something wrong with your health.
This is total hogwash and it is time this myth went out the window and towards the garbage. The female body is more complex than a clock. Your body is not a clock or a machine.
A woman’s cycle typically lasts for 28 days, but even this is an average. Some women tend to have cycles that are shorter or longer than 28 days. That said, your period will not always come on the same date every month.
Planned Parenthood states that in regard to menstrual cycles, diversity is considered normal. To begin with, it might take some time for your body to establish a consistent and regular pattern. During the initial months or even years of experiencing menstruation, the duration of periods and the intervals between them may vary. It’s possible that you might even skip some months. Generally, as you mature, your periods and menstrual cycles are likely to become more predictable and regular.
- Myth: missing a period is a sign of serious illness
That said, sometimes women can also skip an entire period. Some women may freak out when this happens, but this is hardly a sign of serious problems.
This is especially the case if it’s just a one-time occurrence. In fact, younger girls tend to experience skipped periods more often because their hormones are still unstable.
Young girls tend to have many irregularities with their periods due to hormonal changes and imbalances—after all, their bodies are still growing. An unhealthy diet and lifestyle can also contribute to irregularities.
However, your cycles should generally balance themselves some 6 to 12 years after your first period. Isn’t that amazing? It takes that long to have a ‘regular’ cycle, so be patient with yourself.
If your irregularities happen too often, though, you can have a check-up with your gyno. Maybe it is a sign of a more serious health issue.
- Myth: you can’t get pregnant if you have sex on your period
Of course, we have all heard about how pregnant women don’t have a period. After all, when you are on your period, your uterus is literally throwing away unfertilised eggs that your body no longer needs.
That said, some people believe that if they have sex during their period, they can’t get pregnant. While there is some truth to this idea, this isn’t entirely true either.
The thing is, most women have their periods lasting anywhere from 3 to 7 days. Meanwhile, sperm cells can remain alive in the female body for up to 7 days as well. Some really strong ones can indeed live that long.
Also, according to Kids Health, ovulation occurs before the cessation of bleeding during a girl’s menstrual period. Ovulation generally takes place a few days after the conclusion of a girl’s period. Sperm retains the ability to fertilize an egg for about three days. Therefore, if a girl engages in sexual activity on the final day of her period and subsequently ovulates within the upcoming days, there remains a possibility for the sperm to fertilize the egg.
What if some sperm cells are still alive when your period is over? Do the math. But the risk is still too high, so it is best not to gamble on this!
- Myth: you should totally avoid sex if you’re on your period
On the other hand, some women also believe that sex should be avoided at all costs when they are having their period. Some people may wonder if sex during a period will be painful. Some also think it is gross.
The thing is, none of that is true. Well, except for the last one because it is also a matter of personal style. But sex during your period can actually be a pleasant experience. Some people actually like it.
When you are on your period, natural lubrication is generally not a problem. Also, there is some benefit to having sex on your period as it can relieve symptoms of menstrual pains.
Still, period or no period, practice safe sex and don’t forget that you must not let your partner cum inside just because you’re bleeding. You could still get pregnant!
- Myth: periods should last exactly 7 days
We don’t really know who perpetuated this idea that a period should last exactly 7 days. For all we know, that number isn’t even the average. The average days for a period are 5 days. Most people have their periods last for 5 days.
But many also have their days shorter and longer than that. That said, the most common days for a period are between 3 to 8 days. Some people experience spotting a couple of days after their period has ended, too.
That said, you don’t have to think that your period should last 7 days for you to be healthy. That is not the standard at all. If you want to be clearer, it would be helpful to check with your gyno for any abnormalities and irregularities.
As outlined by the National Health Service (NHS), a woman’s menstrual cycles are considered irregular if the interval between them is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days. Irregular periods can impact individuals who menstruate. It’s particularly common for periods to be irregular when they initially commence during puberty and as menopause approaches.
However long or short your period lasts, if your gyno says you’re healthy, there is no need to worry.
All in all, we provided information regarding period myths that people still like to believe and get the wrong information about periods. With the provided information, you can learn about those myths and learn to differentiate myths from facts.
Nine Things You Didn’t Know About Menstruation
Menstruation, or a woman’s monthly period, is a natural and normal part of the reproductive cycle. It is a process that most women experience from adolescence until menopause. However, despite being a common occurrence, menstruation is still shrouded in stigma, taboo, and misinformation. In this paper, we will uncover nine things you probably didn’t know about menstruation.
1. Menstruation is not just about the uterus
Many people believe that menstruation is just the shedding of the uterine lining. While this is partly true, there is more to it than just the uterus. Menstruation is a hormonal and physiological process that involves the entire reproductive system, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina.
2. Periods can be different for every woman
Every woman’s body is unique, and so is her menstrual cycle. While the average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days, it can range from 21 to 35 days, and some women may even have irregular cycles. The length and flow of menstruation can also vary from woman to woman.
3. Menstruation can affect a woman’s mood and emotions
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect a woman’s mood and emotions. Many women experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can cause symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and bloating. In severe cases, these symptoms can significantly impact a woman’s daily life.
4. Menstruation can be painful
For some women, menstruation can be a painful experience. Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, can be felt in the lower abdomen and can range from mild to severe. These cramps are caused by contractions of the uterus as it sheds its lining.
5. Menstruation can be affected by lifestyle factors
Many lifestyle factors can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, such as stress, diet, and exercise. Extreme weight loss or gain, as well as excessive exercise, can disrupt the hormones that regulate menstruation. Stress can also cause irregular periods or even stop them altogether.
6. Menstrual products have evolved over time
Sanitary products have come a long way since the ancient Egyptians used papyrus as a tampon. Today, there are a variety of menstrual products available, including pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwear. These products have become more convenient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly.
7. Menstruation is not just a monthly occurrence
Menstruation is not just about bleeding for a few days every month. It is a continuous process that involves different phases, including the follicular phase, ovulation, luteal phase, and menstruation. These phases are controlled by hormones and play a crucial role in a woman’s fertility.
8. Menstruation can be a sign of reproductive health issues
Irregular or absent periods can be a sign of underlying reproductive health issues such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or thyroid problems. It is essential to track your menstrual cycle and seek medical advice if you notice any changes or abnormalities.
9. Menstruation is still a taboo topic in many parts of the world
Despite being a natural and normal bodily function, menstruation is still a taboo topic in many parts of the world. In some cultures, menstruating women are considered unclean and are excluded from daily activities. This stigma and shame surrounding menstruation can have a negative impact on women’s physical and mental well-being.
In conclusion, menstruation is more than just a monthly period. It is a complex physiological process that can vary from woman to woman and can be affected by various factors. It is time to break the silence and educate ourselves and others about menstruation to remove the stigma and empower women to take control of their reproductive health.
