Myths And Facts About Periods You Need To Know

Payal Bhattacharya

Myths And Facts About Periods You Need To Know

Periods have been a hush-hush topic for a while now. Presumably so, the patriarchal world didn’t want women talking about blood flowing from the vaginas as a normal bodily function. Thus, began the rise of periods myths and facts that aren’t scientifically proved. From avoiding pickles and curd during menstruation to not having head baths, these interesting facts about periods have unknowingly spiralled out of control. Hence, we have taken it upon ourselves to squander some of these myths and facts about menstruation.

1. Menstrual Blood Is Dirty:

Period blood isn’t the rejection of bodily fluids or something like vomiting. It is the vaginal secretion with blood, uterine tissue and mucus lining that is evicted from the body as a part of body functions. It is the very blood in a more concentrated form that moves along our veins and carries nutrients to our organs. So for those calling it dirty, impure, unhygienic, perhaps need to get their facts checked. Being ashamed of periods should not be a stigma since it is nothing but an ordinary biological process.

2. Periods Can Make Us Emotional:

Women have been quite emotional during their periods. Hence, the phrase, “she might be on her period” is referred to, every time a woman is agitated over something. Many a time the statement is used as a scapegoat, to silence women, especially at workplaces. Although there are studies that show women undergo hormonal changes before or after their period (generally known as PMS); the one thing that people fail to understand is how the statement belittles women. So yes, periods can make women emotional but they in no manner hinder their cognizance.

3. Performing Rigorous Physical Activity On Periods Can be Dangerous:

While performing physical activity can be painful to some menstruating women, there is no hard and fast rule to eliminate any kind of physical activity. Women can easily jog, play and travel during their periods. After the advent of menstrual cups and tampons, people can also swim while menstruating. Furthermore, one can also try performing sexual activities on periods as it is not unhealthy and is scientifically proven to also help relieve cramps.

4. Tampons And Menstrual Cups Can Make You Lose Your Virginity:

In many cultures around the world, being a virgin is a sign of purity and innocence. It’s shameful for a girl or woman to have lost virginity or have sex outside of marriage. The general idea is that virginity is associated with the hymen that is broken (like a seal) during penetrative sex or when anything enters the vagina. Therefore, inserting a menstrual cup is an accessory to “breaking the hymen” and losing one’s virginity. However, the concept of breaking hymen is just an old wives tale and it is simply a tissue of thin layers that disintegrated through adolescence. So, to simply answer the issue, NO! Using a menstrual cup will not make one lose their virginity

5. Heavy Periods Are A Cause Of Concern:

The amount of bloodstream fluctuates from one lady to another and it can likewise change at various times in the menstrual cycle. Yet, abnormally heavy bleeding, known as menorrhagia, is certainly a reason for worry. They can prompt confusions like iron-inadequacy paleness or dysmenorrhea (serious difficult feminine spasms). Also, heavy bleeding can "cramp" your way of life by restricting your longing or actual capacity to participate in ordinary exercises, cause shortcomings, weakness, and cerebral pains, and cause you to feel hesitant. If weighty periods put down your life consistently, seek help from a specialist for diagnosis and treatment alternatives.

6. Period Pain Is Not Normal:

Contrary to popular belief, it is quite normal to have cramps during your periods which can be painful. It is a normal part of your menstrual cycle and can even extend to your back and thighs. Most times the pain can be dull and constant but rarely it does come as intense spasms, especially during the initial days of your cycle. The reason for this pain is that a hormone called prostaglandin triggers muscular contractions of the uterus to ensure that your period blood is flushed out properly and at regular intervals. Precautionary measures include a hot bag, cramp relief roll ons and spray, rest and only in intense cases where it is unbearable a visit to the gynaecologist. Keeping the intimate area clean using a good intimate wash or wipes are also necessary to avoid vaginal infections. Many people are unaware about intimate wipes. Here is everything you need to know about intimate wipes.

Looking back at most of these period myths, it appears that most of them were created keeping the “period stigma” in mind. However, now that we have entered the time and age where women are being more upfront about their problems and sharing them with others, the taboo regarding period and the surrounding misinformation also need to be discarded. These period hacks will make you feel alot better. Do check them out!