Menstruation is something all women live with and although mothers might tell their daughters about the same, there still circulate plenty myths about menstrual cycle. It is important to segregate myths from the actual facts, because learning about the same is what allows for better feminine hygiene and health. 

Periods myths and facts – Here it is all! 

At Tulsi Clinic, we go beyond just offering you medical services; we also make an honest attempt to offer information and education. Here are some of the most common myths and the actual facts behind them:

1. Menstruation is dirty or impure:

   FACT : Menstruation is a biological gift from nature to all mammals so we can reproduce to propagate our species. We only menstruate because we CHOOSE not to get pregnant every month!

The menstrual blood is only the uterine lining getting discarded so a new, fresh lining can take its place.

2. You can’t get pregnant during your period:

   FACT : While it’s less likely, it’s still possible to get pregnant during menstruation, especially if you have a short cycle of 21 days. This is because sperms are known to be viable in the female reproductive system for anywhere between 3-7 days. So fertilization can theoretically occur as long as sperm is present in the reproductive tubes.

3. Periods should always be regular:

   FACT : The normal length of a menstrual cycle is from 21-35 days. External factors like sleep irregularities, emotional stress and physical stress like prolonged hospitalization can affect these timings in a perfectly healthy woman. One of the facts about menstrual cycle is that it can vary in length and flow especially in adolescence too due to irregular ovulation and growth spurts till about 18 years of age.

4. You should avoid physical activity during your period:

   FACT : Exercise has multiple benefits on the menstrual cycle. Regular exercise before , after & during periods helps in keeping the prostaglandins secreted during the periods lower and reducing the pain. Consistent exercise also alleviates the mood, reduces the PMS symptoms like anxiety, irritability & depression. It also helps in reducing the excess estrogen that causes heavy menstrual flow by diverting the parent compounds to muscles for growth. During your period, while it may not be possible to the full scope of your workouts, some amount of activity like light cardio, or stretching is always recommended for the above reasons.

5. Tampons or Menstrual Cups can get lost inside you:

   FACT : A tampon or a menstrual cup cannot get lost inside the body through the vagina. Because it is attached to the cervix and the uterus like a pouch. The only opening that leads to another pouch is the cervix heading in to the uterus. The cervical mouth is closed at all times except to deliver a baby and the opening is less than a millimeter wide even during periods. It definitely wont admit even a finger much less a foreign body like a tampon!

6. Women on their period attract sharks:

   FACT : This is another one of those unsubstantiated period myths, because there is absolutely no scientific evidence to support this. Menstrual blood in the water is minimal and unlikely to attract sharks.

7. You should not bathe or wash your hair during menstruation:

   FACT : There is no connection of your scalp to your vagina or the uterus. In fact, not washing your hair will make the scalp oily and make you more distressed during an already difficult time. In fact, taking a good hot water soak and a relaxing head massage will go a long way in soothing you and relaxing your body especially during the first few days of your periods.

8. Menstruation should be painful:

   FACT : While most women have menstrual cramps, there are some who have never had them but have had perfectly regular periods and pregnancies. It is one of those menstrual cycle myths that there cannot be a period without pain. All bodies are not the same and hence, neither are all periods. While mild discomfort is common, severe pain is not normal and could indicate a condition like endometriosis or fibroids, which may require medical attention.

9. You can’t swim during your period:

   FACT : Thanks to tampons and menstrual cups, you can swim without fear! In fact, swimming works perfectly as a cardio exercise during periods and is known to relieve menstrual cramps while you are in the water.  

10. Irregular periods mean you are infertile

FACT : While it is true that irregular periods are usually because of irregular ovulation, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t ever get pregnant. It simply means that you are going to have to put in a little bit more time at the gynecologist’s to figure out why you are not ovulating monthly and correct it. Even then, sonographies accurately predict developing follicles and ovulation can occur with the help of injections to help have timed intercourse and achieve a pregnancy.

Not understanding the menstrual cycle can perpetuate misunderstandings and stigmas about the same, so it’s important to dispel them with accurate information.

If you have any more doubts, queries or concerns, feel free to walk into Tulsi Clinic, where you can consult with the best gynecologist in Mumbai!