9 Common Misconceptions About Periods
1. Period pain is normal.
Some extent of abdominal cramping and discomfort is normal during periods
because of uterine muscle contraction. Your womb has to contract and relax
vigorously to shed the newly constructed lining (known as the endometrium).
But experiencing excessive and debilitating pain just before and during the period can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. The commonest cause of severe period pain could be endometriosis, a common but serious medical condition. Apart from this, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), uterine fibroids, abnormal pregnancy (miscarriages, ectopic pregnancy), infections, tumors, or polyps in the pelvic cavity can also be the reason of excessive pain during periods.
But experiencing excessive and debilitating pain just before and during the period can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. The commonest cause of severe period pain could be endometriosis, a common but serious medical condition. Apart from this, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), uterine fibroids, abnormal pregnancy (miscarriages, ectopic pregnancy), infections, tumors, or polyps in the pelvic cavity can also be the reason of excessive pain during periods.
2. Don’t take painkiller medicines for period pain.
This is not correct. Mild doses of painkillers can help in easing menstrual
cramps and are considered safe by doctors. For menstrual cramping or period
pain, taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen helps.
The severity of period pain should also be monitored and considered. If the pain is unbearable and has started happening in the last few cycles, a gynecologist’s advice should be taken to rule out any other underlying medical condition.
The severity of period pain should also be monitored and considered. If the pain is unbearable and has started happening in the last few cycles, a gynecologist’s advice should be taken to rule out any other underlying medical condition.
3. Eating sour/cold foods will worsen menstrual cramps.
Like seriously? There is absolutely no connection between menstrual cramps
and eating sour/cold foods. On the contrary, sour foods are full of Vitamin C,
which helps in boosting immunity. But everything works well when done in
moderation. And same goes for the consumption of sour or cold food, whether
you are in your period or not.
However, women need to maintain a healthy diet during periods. Eating bananas, beans, pulses, roti, brown bread, and yoghurt are good.
However, women need to maintain a healthy diet during periods. Eating bananas, beans, pulses, roti, brown bread, and yoghurt are good.
4. Period blood is dirty blood.
Period blood is not excreta of the body like urine or stool. It is not dirty in any
way. Think of it as vaginal secretion which is part blood and part uterine tissue
and mucus lining.
5. Women lose a lot of blood during menstruation.
You might end up finishing packets and packets of sanitary pads or freak out
looking at the sheer amount of blood in your pad, but in reality (and
measurement), it is not much.
The amount of blood lost during a normal cycle is only up to 30 to 80 ml, which is around 2 to 5 tablespoons. Yes, you read it right, only 2 to 5 tablespoons, not teacups full!
The amount of blood lost during a normal cycle is only up to 30 to 80 ml, which is around 2 to 5 tablespoons. Yes, you read it right, only 2 to 5 tablespoons, not teacups full!
6. Only women can get periods.
Not every woman gets a period and not everyone who gets a period recognizes
itself as a woman. Apart from women, transgender men, non-binary,
genderfluid, and nonconforming people can also get periods. Be respectful,
accommodative, and inclusive in your approach towards menstruators in
society.
7. If you miss your period, you are pregnant.
Indeed, pregnancy is the commonest reason for a missed period but there can
be several other causes to have a missed period. Excessive stress, sudden loss
of weight loss, being overweight, indulging in too much exercise, being on
contraceptive pills, menopause, and having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
can be some of the common reasons for missing your period. Don’t wait for
too long. Consult a gynaecologist after 6 weeks of a missed period.
8. You can’t get pregnant while on your period
Although unlikely but you CAN get pregnant while menstruating. Ovulation
(release of female egg cells) can be unpredictable. If your period is irregular,
ovulation happens before, during, and after the bleeding days.
If a woman having a shorter menstrual cycle have intercourse towards the end of the six-day-long period, followed by ovulation shortly after, there are chances of some of the sperm surviving, leading to pregnancy.
Therefore, make sure to use protection even during periods if you are not intending to get pregnant.
If a woman having a shorter menstrual cycle have intercourse towards the end of the six-day-long period, followed by ovulation shortly after, there are chances of some of the sperm surviving, leading to pregnancy.
Therefore, make sure to use protection even during periods if you are not intending to get pregnant.
9. If you use a tampon/cup, you will lose your virginity
First of all, let’s see what medical science has to say about losing virginity. Loss
of virginity, in medical terms, is the breaking of the hymen due to ‘sexual
intercourse'.
While inserting a tampon/cup in the vaginal canal may also cause the hymen to stretch or tear (which can also happen due to excessive exercising, cycling, horse riding, and other rigorous activities), it does not technically cause someone to lose her virginity. Virginity is way beyond just a piece of tissue, the hymen. Also, why make a huge issue for such a small tissue?
Stay away from colloquial misbeliefs and everything you ‘hear’ from your peer and elders. Think logically, read scientific and authentic reference material and ask the experts.
Don’t just fall for the Chinese whisper.
While inserting a tampon/cup in the vaginal canal may also cause the hymen to stretch or tear (which can also happen due to excessive exercising, cycling, horse riding, and other rigorous activities), it does not technically cause someone to lose her virginity. Virginity is way beyond just a piece of tissue, the hymen. Also, why make a huge issue for such a small tissue?
Stay away from colloquial misbeliefs and everything you ‘hear’ from your peer and elders. Think logically, read scientific and authentic reference material and ask the experts.
Don’t just fall for the Chinese whisper.
