Growing up is challenging, especially for girls experiencing the physical and emotional changes of menstruation. Yet, many myths and misconceptions about periods persist, making it harder for girls and women to manage their menstrual health confidently. Today, we clear the air around the five most common menstrual myths.
1. Menstrual Cycles Are the Same for Everyone
Myth: Every woman’s period lasts exactly seven days and comes like clockwork.
Fact: Menstrual cycles vary widely. Some women have periods lasting 3 days, others up to 8. Irregular cycles are also common. After a girl’s first period, it’s important for mothers to take her to a doctor to ensure all is well.
2. Exercise Disrupts Your Period
Myth: Physical activity should be avoided during menstruation.
Fact: Moderate exercise can actually ease cramps and fatigue. Women can continue their usual activities, including walking, yoga, or light workouts. Only extreme, intense exercise might cause cycle irregularities.
3. You Should Avoid Certain Foods During Your Period
Myth: Foods like fish or greasy meat should be avoided during menstruation.
Fact: There’s no medical basis for avoiding specific foods. Eating balanced meals with proteins and carbohydrates helps maintain energy. Listening to your cravings in moderation is fine.
4. Bathing Can Stop or Slow Down Your Period
Myth: Bathing or washing hair during periods affects flow negatively.
Fact: This is false. Good hygiene is essential during menstruation to prevent infections, rashes, and bad odor. Girls should bathe regularly and maintain cleanliness.
5. Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) Is Not Real
Myth: PMS symptoms like mood swings and cramps are exaggerated or fake.
Fact: PMS is a medically recognized condition causing physical and emotional symptoms before periods. Exercise, healthy eating, and rest can help manage these symptoms.
Additional Myths Debunked
You can’t get pregnant during your period.
Sperm can live inside the body for days, and ovulation may occur during or soon after bleeding. So pregnancy is possible.
Irregular periods are always bad.
Irregular cycles can be normal, especially in the first year after menstruation starts. However, persistent irregularity should be checked by a healthcare provider.
You’re too young to use tampons.
If you have your period, you can safely use tampons following instructions or with adult guidance.
Menstrual blood is different from regular blood.
Menstrual blood is regular blood that flows from the uterus, with no special odor or properties.
Empowering girls and women with facts is the first step to breaking taboos and improving menstrual hygiene. Initiatives like Beti Padhao Beti Bachao encourage open conversations, better health, and dignity for every girl.
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