In the past, talking about your period was done in whispers because the topic was off-limits and something to be ashamed of. That means a lot of misinformation, and sometimes farfetched beliefs, have been spread about menstruation that need to be corrected. Here are six period myths that need to be put to rest immediately.
You cannot get pregnant while on your period.
It may be uncommon, but you can still get pregnant if you have unprotected sex while on your period. Ovulation and your menstrual cycle are not predictable. What that means is that ovulation can actually occur during, before, and after menstruation, especially if you have an irregular period. Another important fact to keep in mind is that sperm can live in the vagina for up to 5 days, so if an egg is released during that time, it can be fertilized.
Because you lose a lot of blood during your period, you should stay in bed and rest.
You lose probably about 4 tablespoons of blood during menstruation which is not a lot. It looks like it’s more than it actually is, and it’s definitely no reason to stay in bed all week.
Your period lasts for exactly one week.
The length of a period depends on the person and their age, but typically it will last between three and seven days. However, if your periods are frequently longer or shorter than this range, you should meet with your doctor to address any potential issues.
PMS is all in your head.
The menstrual cycle causes a change in hormones. This change can lead to a number of physical and emotional symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, fatigue, sensitive breasts, bloating, and acne. For 20 to 50% of women, premenstrual syndrome (or PMS) begins five days before bleeding begins. This condition is very real and affects every woman differently.
You’re supposed to get your first period by a certain age.
There is no exact age that women get their first period. However, most will experience their first period between the ages of 9 and 15—the estimated worldwide average is age 14. If you don’t get your period by the time you are 15, it is a good idea to check with a doctor just to be safe.
Women shouldn’t exercise during their period.
Unless you experience severe cramping or a heavy blood flow, your period isn’t going to affect your ability to participate in physical activity. Your period is a natural function of your body and that shouldn’t prevent you from continuing your normal workout routine. In fact, research suggests that exercising can help ease the discomfort of period cramps.
