Growing up is a tough time for children, especially young girls. They are
on an emotional roller-coaster, coming to terms with their biological changes
but not quite comprehending why those changes are occurring in the first place.
Add to this a plethora of misinformed old wives tales about menstruation and a
general reluctance to speak about it openly and we have a long list of period
myths that have become the uncontested truth. Today, however, the truth shall
be contested as we delve into the five most common misconceptions regarding
menstruation and check whether they are valid or not.
cycles are the same for everyone:
gynaecologist Dr Shamim Jafri, “Many women are of the view that one
menstruation cycle is always of an exact seven days for everyone.” In reality,
however, the duration of a cycle varies from person to person, depending on the
health of the girl. “One cycle may last just three days for someone and eight
for another, it doesn’t matter,” explains Jafri. Many women also experience
irregular cycles with no set monthly dates either. Nonetheless, it is advisable
for mothers to take their daughters for a general check-up following their
first menses to ascertain that all is well.
Unless one is a
heart patient or suffers from any other medical condition that could worsen due
to exercise, there is absolutely no reason why they should discontinue their
exercise regime during that time of the month. In fact, exercise has been
proven to regulate menstruation and help soothe the symptoms of pre-menstrual
syndrome (PMS) such as cramps and fatigue. Jafri recommends exercise to those
who suffer from muscular pain to relieve the tension, provided that it is toned
down a bit. “You can do any kind of exercise you like, even hand-stands, so
long as it isn’t extreme.” Extreme exercise or physical activity can deregulate
one’s period and lead to fertility problems in the long run, as experienced by
many female athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
shouldn’t eat certain foods during that time of the month:
menstruation, many women experience low energy levels and the hormonal changes
give rise to cravings for certain foods, especially carbohydrates.
Unfortunately, there is a long list of food items we are told to avoid while on
our period, such as fish or other greasy meat. However, there is little or no
medical evidence which supports this assertion. Jafri clarifies that, “Food is
digested in the stomach which has no link to menstruation as such.” Of course,
this does not mean women have a free card to consume unhealthy food products as
it is always better to eat healthy. The aim should be to consume the right
amount of proteins and carbs to maintain sugar levels and keep you going
through the week.
4- Bathing can
halt your period:
The idea that
water temperatures can affect menses adversely is prevalent throughout
Pakistan. Many women avoid bathing – or at least, washing their hair – during
their cycle for the fear that their period may slow down or stop completely.
“Once again, there is no medical evidence to support this idea whatsoever,”
says Jafri. “In fact, I would recommend women to bathe as per normal during
menses because hygiene is of utmost importance then. Lack of hygiene can lead
to other related issues, such a rashes or bad odour.”
Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is a myth:
According to a
study published in the American Family Physician Journal 2003, PMS is a
“Common cyclic disorder in young and middle-aged women characterised by
emotional and physical symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual
cycle.” The disorder manifests itself in a variety of physical and mental
symptoms, such as depression, mood swings and abdominal pains, headaches and
fatigue. According to Jafri, “The symptoms arise due to the constriction of
blood vessels in the pelvic region,” and the physical pain only furthers the
emotional volatility. Women can adopt small lifestyle changes to help alleviate
their symptoms, such as exercising and eating healthy.
Myth:You shouldn’t wash your hair during your period.
Thank goodness this is a myth, since I
can’t imagine giving up my daily shower, especially during my period. There’s
no reason for you to change any of your regular grooming and hygiene habits
just because you’re having your period. In fact, a warm bath or shower will
help you stay clean, and some girls say it helps with their cramps, too.
Myth: Bed rest is a must during your period.
Sure, you should get plenty of sleep
during your period, but you should always get plenty of exercise, too. You’ll
feel better if you get up and get out there (especially since exercise has been
shown to alleviate cramps and brighten your mood)!
Myth: Hot water increases period
The good news and the bad news: pretty
much the only thing that will change your flow is your own body. So you can’t
make it lighter (sorry!), and you can’t make it heavier. And a nice warm bath
or shower, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel can help with cramps.
Myth: You cannot get pregnant during your period.
This isn’t true, despite what a lot
of people believe. Tell your friends. Tell every female you know who’s sexually
active or plans to be any time soon. You CAN get pregnant during your period.
Once inside you, sperm can live for 3-5 days. Ovulation can occur during, or
soon after, the bleeding phase. If you don’t want to get pregnant, either don’t
have sex, or use birth control every single time you do.
Myth: Irregular periods are bad for your reproductive health.
First, talk to your health care provider
if you’ve missed your period. It can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to
become regular after the first time you get it. And, for some girls, it never
becomes completely regular. There are lots of things, including stress, illness
and intense exercise, that can mess with your cycle. That’s why you should
consult a heath professional first.
Myth: You shouldn’t use a tampon until you’re old enough.
If you’re old enough to have your period,
you’re old enough to use a tampon. Just read the instructions and warnings and
be sure to use it correctly. It helps to ask your mom or another trusted adult
for guidance. Tampons shouldn’t cause pain or discomfort.
Myth: Menstrual cycles are 28 days.
That’s only an average. Days in the
menstrual cycle vary from woman to woman. Your body will tell you what your
cycle is, not other people.
Myth: You can shorten or delay a
period by _________.
Don’t bother filling in the blank. You
shouldn’t try to fight your body’s natural menstrual cycle. Doing so could
potentially cause other health problems.
Myth: Menstrual blood is different from regular blood.
Menstrual blood is regular blood.
This myth probably gained traction because menstrual blood flows from the
vagina. And because vaginas are a normal part of the female body, there’s
nothing unusual or wrong with menstrual blood. And did you know it has no odor?
Now that’s a fact!