The Truth About 5 Common Period Myths

It’s your period… Aunt Flow will be here for a while – To avoid mentioning the term “menstruation,” women utilize a variety of words.

Periods are a subject that many people would prefer not to discuss openly, although most women will have them at some time in their lives. It’s no surprise that there are many misconceptions about this monthly procedure, given the self-imposed quiet.

Since you first learned about menstruation in middle school, you’ve likely heard fallacies about period products, hormones, and pregnancy. Here’s what’s true about periods and what isn’t.

Myth #1: It is impossible to get pregnant when on your period.

Fact: Of course, the Islam religion prohibits sexual intercourse during your period. However, for other religions, this is accepted. What you need to know is that just because you’re on your period doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear condoms. While the odds of becoming pregnant while on your period are minimal, they still exist.

By releasing an egg and thickening the lining of your uterus, your body prepares for pregnancy. Many individuals believe that after your body has lost this lining, you will be unable to conceive.

While you can’t become pregnant while this is going on, sperm may stay in your body for up to 5 days. That means any sperm that enters your body may survive through your period and beyond, allowing you to get pregnant. Use protection whether or not you’re on your period if you don’t want to become pregnant while having sex.

Myth #2: When you’re on your period, you shouldn’t do things like exercise.

Stop using your period as an excuse to miss your exercise or spend the whole day sitting on the sofa.

Pamela Kurey, MD, is a medical doctor who specializes in women’s health issues.

“Exercise may aid in the relief of period-related symptoms. It may improve your mood, making it easier to focus, and give you more energy. It may help with cramps, back discomfort, and headaches, among other things, “Pamela Kurey, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Chester County Hospital, agreed.

Myth #3: Your period should be the same length every month.

Fact: Just because you’re usually punctual doesn’t imply you’ll be punctual throughout your period. Your monthly cycle, like your body, is distinct.

Periods are usually 5 days long and occur every 4 to 5 weeks for most women. However, periods might be shorter, longer, or more frequent, and they can vary from month to month. So, if you want to schedule your trip around your period or get rid of those extra tampons in your bag, think again. It’s important to be prepared if your period arrives when you’re not expecting it.

Myth #4: It’s all in your brain if you get PMS.

Fact: You are not alone if you start sobbing because your partner ate the last cookie or if you need to go to bed before you’ve finished supper.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that occur before or during your period, and it includes irritability, exhaustion, anxiety, and melancholy. About 90% of women in the United States suffer at least one when it comes to periods of symptoms.

“PMS isn’t always severe in women. On the other hand, maybe others are so severe that they force you to miss work or school. In any scenario, hormones are to blame, and they’re absolutely beyond your control. It’s not your imagination, and it’s perfectly natural. “Dr. Kurey went on to say something else.

When your body understands you’re not pregnant, hormones like estrogen and progesterone drop rapidly. As your hormone levels begin to rise again, these symptoms fade.

While you can’t even control your hormones, there are a few things you can do to alleviate PMS symptoms, including:

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout the month by getting adequate exercise, eating well, sleeping well, managing stress, and avoiding smoking.

To relieve physical symptoms, people use over-the-counter medications, including ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.

Prescription medications, such as hormonal birth control, antidepressants, diuretics (bloating drugs), or anti-anxiety medications

If PMS symptoms interfere with your everyday life, talk to your health care practitioner or gynecologist. They can assist you in identifying strategies to reduce your symptoms, whether via lifestyle modifications or medicine.

Myth #5: There’s just one way to handle it when it comes to menstrual blood.

Fact: Tampons, pads, and menstrual cups are only a few ways to absorb menstrual blood. Advertisements, friends, and even your own beliefs may lead you to believe that one strategy is more successful than another, while each has its advantages and disadvantages.

While these ways will keep your white jeans looking fresh, some may be more convenient for you. You may also change things based on what you’re doing or what you’re wearing on any day.

Pads and tampons are well-known to most women. Pads may be preferred to tampons or menstrual cups for young girls who have just started their period or for women uncomfortable with them. If you experience mild bleeding, pantsiliners, which are extremely thin pads, may help.

Because of the convenience, some women choose to use a tampon, particularly while participating in sports like swimming. However, don’t keep a tampon in for more than 8 hours since this might lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome, a serious illness (TSS).

Other options for dealing with menstrual blood include:

Menstrual cups, which are silicone cups that you place into your vaginal canal to collect blood until you empty them, are reusable after being cleaned. These are cost-effective and practical solutions.

Period underwear is reusable, washable underwear that absorbs the blood from your period. These might be a more eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to purchasing fresh period supplies every month.

 

The information in this article was interpreted from the following artifact: