Menstruation is an essential part of the life of anyone with a uterus. Pregnancies, births, and the survival of the human species would all be impossible without it. However, among all of the amazing truths about periods, there are a few myths.

Most period myths are superstitions that not only perpetuate gender-based discrimination and behavioral restrictions for women. These myths make it more difficult for people to discuss their periods or determine whether their menstrual cycle is normal and healthy. Myths can even cause feelings of confusion and shame in some people.

Breaking down the most common myths about periods can help normalize a necessary part of life. So let's get started !

Tampon use will rob a woman of her virginity

This is an extremely damaging myth that many people in the United States and the United Kingdom still believe. It makes people afraid to use tampons because they believe they will break the hymen, a fleshy piece of tissue that surrounds the vaginal opening.

While it is true that tampons can cause hymen rupture when inserted, this does not imply that the individual is no longer a virgin. It is becoming sexually active that causes you to lose your virginity, not the disruption of a piece of tissue. Having said that, the definition is complicated and may differ for different people. However, one thing is certain: using a tampon does not imply losing your virginity.

If you have sex during your period, you cannot become pregnant.

While it is unlikely that a woman will become pregnant if she has unprotected sex during her period, it is not impossible. The bottom line is that pregnancy is always a possibility with unprotected sex, regardless of the time of month. More specifically, the fertility window (the days when pregnancy is possible) can overlap with a period.

According to new reproductive health and fertility research, sperm can survive in the uterus for up to ten days after intercourse. Those with shorter menstrual cycles may become pregnant if they engage in unprotected sex at the end of their period. Even people who have regular cycles are vulnerable because fertility windows vary from cycle to cycle.

Sexual partners should assume that unless the woman is using a hormonal contraceptive such as the pill, ring, or IUD, no day is safe for unprotected sex. However, there is a distinction to be made between lowering the risk of pregnancy and preventing the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). To avoid STIs, even if you use hormonal birth control, you must use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms.

Having sex while on your period is harmful.

While having sex during one's period may be uncomfortable, it is not harmful. Period sex has numerous benefits, including increased lubrication, decreased cramp intensity, and improved mood. The main disadvantage is that it is much messier than regular sex because of the presence of menstrual blood.

Periods are a disgrace

Periods are a sign of good health and should be celebrated because they are essential to the survival of the human species. No part of a natural human body should be regarded as morally or spiritually 'wrong.'

Shame is extremely damaging to one's self-esteem as well as one's mental and physical health. Shaming an entire gender is also extremely harmful to society; it can lead to violence, unequal rights and opportunities, a lower quality of life for all, and difficult interpersonal relationships.

Everyone has the same period

Periods are very common, but they are never exactly the same. Making broad assumptions about 'women' or 'people who menstruate' based on their shared experiences with periods or the menstrual cycle is inaccurate and likely sexist.

Even for one person, cycle length, blood loss, period-related symptoms, fluid color, and consistency are all highly variable! Because experiences cannot be easily generalized, make sure you understand what is normal for you so that you can spot any signs of illness.

Every month, your period should last exactly one week

Even if you are always punctual, this does not guarantee that your period will be. Your body, like your monthly cycle, is unique.
Most women's periods last 5 days and occur every 4 to 5 weeks. However, periods can be shorter or longer, more or less frequent, and vary from month to month. So, if you want to plan your vacation around your period or empty your purse of extra tampons, think twice. Your period may arrive when you least expect it, so it's best to be prepared.

Eating sour foods will worsen menstrual cramps

Seriously… there is no connection between menstrual cramps and eating sour foods. However, it is essential for women to maintain a healthier diet during this period. It is best to eat beans, pulses, roti, brown bread, and yogurt.

During each menstruation, you lose gallons of blood

You may appear to be losing gallons of blood, but in reality, you only lose about 60 ml during each period. A woman's body contains approximately 4 units of blood, so the few tablespoons you lose are insignificant to her body.

PMS does not exist and is only between your ears

PMS is often mocked, and many people claim it does not exist, but it is a real condition. The level of hormones in your body rises before your period, which can cause symptoms such as irritability. Did you know that up to 85 percent of women experience PMS symptoms in some form or another?

Period pain is similar to any other pain you have felt

The pain we experience during our periods is real. We're not talking about getting a headache or running into a sharp corner. Because the pinching cramps are so severe, some of us have to take time off work and curl up in bed, hoping they will go away. Dysmenorrhea is a medical term for this condition.

Period blood is dirty blood

In fact, approximately 20% of women have dysmenorrhea severe enough to interfere with their daily activities. This condition impairs our ability to concentrate, increases our anxiety, and can even make us unpleasant. It's also unlike anything you've ever experienced.

Period blood isn't a byproduct of the body's rejection of body fluids or a means of flushing out toxins. Consider it evolved vaginal secretion — there's blood, uterine tissue, mucus lining, and bacteria.

However, this does not affect whether or not we can have sex, nor does it imply that conditions are less than ideal down there.

Period blood is not the same as blood that circulates continuously through the veins. It is, in fact, less concentrated blood. It contains fewer blood cells than normal blood.

  

It is forbidden to offer prayers and puja or enter the temple.

Women are not impure during these times, contrary to popular belief. It is a biological process that has nothing to do with religious feelings or hygiene.

It is forbidden to touch the pickle because it will rot.

Many women used to, and still do, use cloth to deal with their periods, which is an unsanitary practice. This causes the growth of microorganisms in your intimate areas and on your hands. As a result, touching the pickle and other kitchen ingredients was once considered unsanitary. So, if you're using a sanitary pad, which you should, there's no reason to avoid entering the kitchen and cooking.

Should not sleep in bed during menstruation

Previously, when women used cloth instead of sanitary pads, they were not permitted to sleep in bed due to leakage issues. However, because many women now use hygienic and safe methods during their menstruation cycle, they no longer need to adhere to the norm of not sleeping in bed.

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