Many misconceptions and facts are associated with menstruation, and most women are confused and scared about what to believe. However, we have found five interesting myths that you must leave behind to understand the concept of menstruation.
- Myth#1: “You can’t have sex on your period”:
This one is the most common myth that we, especially women, have heard all their lives. The reason why some women avoid having sex during their period is that they are in pain. The pain is real! It is not like the normal headache or bumping your toe to the door or table corner. The myth that a woman can’t get pregnant while she is on her period, is a false idea.
The pregnancy depends on the woman’s menstrual cycle that different from a bleeding period. Yes, it is true that the most chances of a woman getting pregnant are during her ovulation phase which includes 12-16 days before her next period. On average, a menstrual cycle can be of 28 days or less. In addition to that, sperm has a tendency to stay in a female’s body for up to 7 days that can cause fertilization, leading to pregnancy.
According to an article on the Everyday Health Group website, some women find that sex during menstruation can be exceptionally pleasurable compared to other times of the month. During this time, the need for lubrication may decrease, and experiencing an orgasm can alleviate period-related symptoms like cramps. Importantly, there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that engaging in sex during menstruation is harmful to one’s health.
- Myth#2: Avoid taking baths during the period
Another common myth that we, women, have always listened to is that it is unsafe to have a bath during the period. In fact, taking a bath during menstruation is not only healthy, it also enhances the blood circulation hence ease your pain. A woman experiences bloating and blood clotting during her period that causes her pain. In fact, taking a warm shower is recommended to ease the pain and prevent menstrual cramps.
For relaxation and lighten up the mood, a woman can also take a bubble bath to relieve stress and muscle tension. In addition to that, it is recommended to use soap or body wash gel that is not fragranced. Some products disrupt the balance of good bacteria that are required in the genital area. This is why you need to be careful about the product you are using in that area as you do not want any infections.
- Myth #3: Women are hormonal all the time:
This might trigger many of us as we, women, listen to things like “you are acting this way, are you on your period?” Or “you are hormonal right now!” These statements are hard to hear all the time, especially from men as they can never experience or understand how much pain our period causes. The hormones in the body of a woman increase that cause her stress and depression while she is already experiencing pain.
According to MSD Manuals, estrogen levels in the menstrual cycle undergo two distinct changes. They rise during the mid-follicular phase and subsequently drop significantly after ovulation. Following this, there is a secondary increase in estrogen levels during the mid-luteal phase, followed by a decrease towards the end of the menstrual cycle. These fluctuations play a crucial role in ovulation and can lead to various symptoms such as acne, negative mood, headaches, weight gain, bloating, and changes in appetite.
These statements are the last thing that a woman wants to hear. A woman is not hormonal all the time! In fact, every human being has hormones, even men. A study published in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”, showed that healthy men from the age of 18 – 45 were given male contraception and they couldn’t handle the side effects that included mental stress, depression, and acne. Now imagine what a woman goes through while she is on birth control or during her period.
- Myth #4: Avoid Exercise during your period:
Another most common myth that we hear all our lives is that exercising is not healthy during our period. The reality is the opposite of it. In fact, according to the study in the Journal in Education, exercise is recommended to women during their period as it eases their menstrual cramps. It showed the benefits of how exercise is important for women. It increases the blood circulation in the body, reduced weight, and releases stress.
As many women feel pain during their period, they can do gentle movements like yoga, walk, or low impact exercises. If you choose to go swimming, do not forget to wear a tampon as you do not want any infection going inside your genital area. A period can be a stressful and hard phase that a woman experiences every month but the best thing is to take care of yourself and avoid any myths like this.
According to Healthline Media, Inc., incorporating gentle stretching exercises like yoga and tai chi can effectively reduce tension, enhance blood flow, and contribute to an overall sense of well-being during menstruation. A study conducted in 2016 revealed that individuals who engaged in regular yoga classes experienced fewer premenstrual (PMS) symptoms and reported reduced period pain. Furthermore, multiple studies demonstrate that exercising during periods can alleviate pain and improve mood.
- Myth #5: A tampon can damage your vagina!
No, that is not correct! If you haven’t used a tampon yet, it may seem scary but it is not. If you insert a tampon in your vagina, it will not damage your hymen. That is another myth that keeps many women from using a tampon. A tampon is specifically made to be used during the period. Whereas, a hymen is a membrane that is stretchy and cannot be broken by inserting a tampon. In fact, during menstruation, a woman’s vagina is lubricated by the period of blood that will easily allow you to insert a tampon.
In addition to that, women also get scared of losing their tampon inside. A tampon comes with a string that makes the removal easy and it is not possible for a tampon to go deep inside as an average vagina is only 3.77 inches. A myth like this might get into your head but it is important to do your research before believing anything you hear.
To summarize, we have talked about five myths about menstruation you should abandon now. With this knowledge, you can understand why and what myths about menstruation were present and how you can leave behind those myths for this era.
What Is Forbidden During Menstruation?
Menstruation, also known as a woman’s period, is a natural and normal bodily process that occurs in females. It is a monthly cycle in which the uterus sheds its lining, resulting in bleeding from the vagina. While menstruation is a normal part of a woman’s life, there are certain restrictions and prohibitions that are observed during this time. These restrictions, known as menstrual taboos, vary across cultures and religions, but they all have a common purpose – to protect women during this vulnerable time. In this paper, we will explore the various beliefs and practices that surround menstruation and what is considered forbidden during this period.
One of the most common beliefs surrounding menstruation is that it is impure and unclean. This belief stems from the ancient notion that a woman’s body is dirty and contaminated during her period. As a result, many cultures and religions have developed strict rules and regulations for women to follow during menstruation. One of the most common prohibitions is the restriction on entering places of worship, such as temples, mosques, and churches. In many cultures, women are not allowed to enter these sacred spaces while they are menstruating. This is because menstruating women are seen as impure and are considered to be in a state of ritual impurity.
Another common prohibition during menstruation is the restriction on cooking or handling food. In some cultures, women are not allowed to cook or touch food during their period because their impurity is believed to contaminate the food. This belief is deeply rooted in the idea that women’s bodies are unclean during menstruation, and any contact with food can make it impure. This restriction can often result in women being isolated during their period, as they are not allowed to participate in daily household activities.
In many cultures, menstruating women are also forbidden from touching or interacting with men. This is because women are seen as vulnerable during their period, and any contact with men can lead to impurity. This restriction can have a significant impact on women’s daily lives, as they are often isolated from their families and communities during this time. It can also lead to women feeling ashamed and embarrassed about their natural bodily process.
In some cultures, women are also prohibited from participating in certain religious or cultural rituals during menstruation. For example, in Hinduism, a woman is not allowed to perform puja (ritual worship) or visit a temple during her period. Similarly, in Islam, women are not allowed to fast or perform prayers while menstruating. These restrictions are based on the belief that menstruating women are unclean and are not in a state to participate in religious activities.
Apart from these cultural and religious beliefs, there are also some practical reasons behind the restrictions during menstruation. For example, women are advised to avoid strenuous physical activities during their period, as it can lead to complications and discomfort. Similarly, there is a risk of infection during menstruation, so women are advised to maintain proper hygiene and avoid swimming or taking a bath in public places.
In conclusion, menstruation is a natural and normal process that has been surrounded by taboos and restrictions for centuries. These restrictions are based on cultural and religious beliefs, as well as practical reasons. While some of these prohibitions may seem outdated and discriminatory, it is essential to understand the cultural and historical context in which they exist. However, it is also crucial to challenge and break the stigma and shame associated with menstruation and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women during this time. Women should not be made to feel impure or ashamed of their natural bodily process, and it is time to break the silence and start a conversation about menstruation and the taboos surrounding it.
