You most likely have a basic idea of why women get periods. Do you, on the other hand, have a thorough understanding of the menstrual cycle? Understanding how the menstrual period works can help you stay healthy for the rest of your life. You can also avoid future health concerns. Despite the fact that over half of the world’s population is experiencing, will undergo, or has undergone menstruation, there are still many misunderstandings surrounding this biological process. In this blog, we address some of the most common myths and facts about menstruation.
It’s best to throw out some old wives’ tales and myths about menstruation and see how much you truly know. The menstrual cycle is a natural process that approximately all women go through during their reproductive years, from adolescence to menopause. Although there are still a number of misconceptions regarding menstruation, partly due to the fact that many women and men feel uncomfortable discussing it.
Myths And Facts About Menstruation
Menstruation, on the other hand, is fraught with myths. Let’s look at some myths and facts about menstruation that can help you alter your perspective.
Some Of The Facts About Menstruation
Menstrual Periods Aren’t Always 28 Days Long
It’s A Fact
There are several menstrual facts available, each indicating a different cycle average. Moreover, according to numerous period beliefs, your period lasts 28 days. A woman’s menstrual cycle, on the other hand, might last anywhere from 21 to 35 days, based on her age and other health conditions. Although the normal menstrual cycle is 28 days, a shorter or longer period does not always indicate that your health is in danger. A cycle that differs from the typical 28 days is considered acceptable and healthy by doctors as long as it is regular and predictable.
Ovulation Determines The Beginning Of Menstruation
It’s A Fact
Generally, your menstrual cycle begins 14 days following ovulation. Based on when you ovulate, the initial phase of the cycle can last anywhere from 7 to 20 days, resulting in shorter or longer periods. If you ovulate on day 14, for example, you may not have your period until day 28. If you ovulate on day 10, on the other hand, your period should occur on day 24.
Stress Or Sickness Can Cause Irregular Periods
It’s A Fact
In our collection of menstrual facts, one explanation for irregular periods is stress. Any type of stress or tension, whether physical or emotional, can disrupt the body’s normal hormone levels. As a result, you may experience a late or early menstrual period. Stressful life events, thyroid problems, diseases like the flu, certain drugs, and modifying birth control can all cause irregular periods.
Your Menstrual Cycle May Be Affected By Weight Gain And Loss
It’s A Fact
Because your body requires a particular amount of fat to store and release oestrogen as well as other hormones, losing or gaining weight throughout your cycle might cause irregular menstrual cycles. Women with a high fat mass are more prone to having irregular menstrual periods as a result of increased oestrogen secretion.
Abnormal Bleeding May Be A Symptom Of An Underlying Health Problem
It’s A Fact
During your period, unusual bleeding and spotting might indicate underlying health concerns such as cancer, polyps, infection, or menopause. If you’ve been having unusual bleeding, see your gynaecologist right away so you can be checked for potential health issues.
The Uterus Sheds Its Lining, Resulting In Menstrual Bleeding
It’s A Fact
A woman’s body prepares for pregnancy each month, but if she does not become pregnant, the uterus will lose its lining and her menstruation will begin. Menstrual blood departs from the uterus via the cervix and is subsequently expelled from the body via the vagina.
A Typical Menstrual Cycle Might Last Around Two To Seven Days
It’s A Fact
Menstrual cycles typically last 3-5 days, although they can be as short as 2 days or as long as 7 days without causing worry about menstrual irregularity. However, if you only receive your period for one day or if it lasts more than a week, you should see your doctor since it might indicate that something is wrong. The normal menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, although it may last anywhere from 21 to 35 days for a woman and anywhere from 21 to 45 days for a teenage girl. Women who use birth control frequently have lighter periods, or no periods at all.
Some Of The Myths About Menstruation
Women Who Have Just Given Birth Experience Heavy Bleeding
It’s A Myth
Anovulatory cycles are the most common cause of menorrhagia, which is caused by hormonal changes. There won’t be enough progesterone in the body to make the cycle regular if an egg isn’t released during the usual ovulation stage, resulting in excessive monthly bleeding. Menorrhagia is most common among adolescent girls who have just started menstruating, as well as women in their 40s and 50s who are nearing menopause.
During Their Periods, Women Should Not Exercise Or Engage In Vigorous Activity
It’s A Myth
There’s no need to avoid exercise or regular vigorous activities when you’re on your menstruation unless you experience severe cramps or excessive blood flow that makes it impossible for you to engage in physical activity. Your menstrual cycle is a natural bodily function, not a disability. Many health professionals advise exercising during menstruation to help relieve cramps because cardiovascular activities, such as walking, running, cycling, dancing, or swimming, release chemicals that help block discomfort.
You Can’t Get Pregnant If You’re On Your Period
It’s A Myth
While getting pregnant while on your period is extremely unusual, it is still possible. If you get pregnant during your period, it implies you either have a very short menstrual cycle or a long time frame that connects your ovulation stage with the beginning of menstruation. Because an egg only resides in the fallopian tube for about 24 hours before being fertilised, if sperm is available during that period, you could become pregnant.
PMS Isn’t A Genuine Disease
It’s A Myth
PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is an actual syndrome, despite its image as something that women use to justify their angry behaviour or chocolate cravings around the time of their menstruation. It’s marked by a slew of symptoms that often begin a week or two before menstruation and fade by the time the period arrives. PMS affects almost three out of every four menstruating women, with physical and/or emotional symptoms.
Breast discomfort, acne, gas or weight gain, migraines, joint pain, exhaustion, food cravings, mood changes, sadness, anxiety, irritability, and other PMS symptoms are all too frequent. PMS can be relieved by making lifestyle changes, using the medicine, or taking vitamins or natural remedies.
Tampon Use Will Cause A Female To Lose Her Virginity
It’s A Myth
This is an extremely harmful misconception that many people still believe. It makes people afraid to use tampons because they think they’ll break the hymen, a fleshy portion of tissue that surrounds the vaginal entrance.
While it is true that tampons can cause the hymen to tear when inserted, this does not imply that the individual is no longer a virgin. It is being sexually active, not the breakage of a piece of tissue, that causes you to lose your virginity. Having stated that, the definition is complex and may differ for various people.
FAQs
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Effects of having sex during periods
Because sexual activity generates endorphins, which reduce pain, having sex while on your period may help relieve cramps. For some people, sex might help ease headaches or migraine discomfort. Before you try menstrual sex, make sure you chat with your partner about their comfort.
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Can you swim on your period without tampon?
Swimming is not an issue while you’re on your period. When swimming, though, you should wear a tampon to avoid bleeding on your swimsuit. The pads will not respond and will simply absorb water.
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Do tampons hurt if I’m a virgin?
Parents and children may be concerned about whether wearing tampons would damage their virginity. Tampon use has no impact on whether or not a person is a virgin, and virginity has no influence on whether or not they use a tampon.
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Can a virgin use a menstrual cup?
Yes, you may use a menstrual cup if you are a virgin. You should start using a menstrual cup as soon as your period arrives. While there’s no upper age restriction, you must be comfortable with your own body and menstrual cycle.
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If you shower with hot water while on your period, you will have a heavy flow
When it comes to the hot water concept, the heat does help to improve the circulation of blood. In principle, this should allow blood to flow more freely, but there’s no proof that bathing in hot water causes you to bleed more.