10 Myths About Menstruation That Are Absolutely Absurd

Periods. Far too many of us tend to get shy and awkward while discussing the topic or struggle with the politically correct benign things to say about this thoroughly boring, if inconvenient, biological process. If that description fits you, let me put your mind at ease: you are not alone. While menstruation is nothing but the time of the month when the non-pregnant women among us shed our uterine lining through the vagina for 4-5 days, the extreme societal stigma around the subject would have you believe that nuclear codes and State secrets were being hidden under Code Period. 

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From the pickle jar theory or the more belief that menstrual cups can make you lose your virginity, the false trails surrounding actual scientific facts on the subject range from bizarre to sinister. 

Since it’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day, now is the perfect time to put these fallacies to bed for once and for all. 

So here are 10 long-standing myths about menstruation that are ridiculous, and ready to be broken down into facts. 

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1. Period Blood Is Dirty Blood

Note that period blood is not some rejected fluid or body's way of flushing toxins, it is just a shed of uterine tissues, mucous lining mixed with blood which is very different from the blood flowing through our veins. This blood is not only less concentrated but also has fewer blood cells, making the blood lost during menstruation insignificant.

Which brings us to the next very related myth.

2. Women Lose A Lot Of Blood During Her Periods

The average woman loses less than 80ml of blood during her entire cycle, which works out to about 6-8 teaspoons, or 3-4 tablespoons of blood in all. Compared to the roughly 5 litres of blood we have in our body, that’s an insignificant quantity. Even in the case of menorrhagia (heavy bleeding), the body does not lose more than 5-6 tablespoons of blood in the cycle. 

Although, if you are changing 5-6 pads a day, for more than 7 days, the need to consult your doctor is urgent now more than ever. 

3. Women On Her Periods Will Contaminate The Food

Unfortunately, this myth continues to persist even among educated families in all parts of the country. In many households menstruating women are forbidden from entering the kitchen, touching jars of pickle, and, in extreme cases, even looking at the pickle jar! The “logic” behind this superstition is that women on their period are impure and will contaminate the food. Naturally, not a shred of scientific evidence exists to support this belief. No, not even remotely. All this superstition does is that it leads to discrimination and behavioural restrictions on women.   

4. An Irregular Cycle Is Indicative Of Infertility

I understand how this can be a cause of concern. In some cases, it might even be true. However, in most cases, an irregular cycle can be attributed to many things: hormonal imbalances, sudden weight loss or gain, stress factors, the formulation of birth control pills that a woman may be on. More often than not, the only real impact of an irregular cycle is that it makes the period-calculation and tracking an annoying affair! 

Just remember; menstruation will occur 14 days after the ovulation is complete. You can even install various applications to keep a track.

5. Period Blood Has A Bad Smell

Ever caught a whiff of your own period smell while leaning forward? While most of us tend to get antsy about that smell, the fact is that the chances of anyone else being able to smell it are practically nil. To add to that, period blood is odourless, so what you might be smelling is just the naturally occurring bacteria (nothing to worry about) and it’s very, very unlikely that it is as strong as you think it is. 

Although, it is always a good idea to regularly change your pads, cups or tampons and keep the area clean.

6. Using Menstrual Cups Can Make A Women Lose Your Virginity

The many, many problems I have with the construct of the idea of virginity and our society’s obsession with it aside, let’s talk facts. Scientifically speaking, a hymen has little to do with intercourse. There are girls who are born without it and girls who tear it due to sports or other physical activities, long before they have sex. Now, circling back to menstrual cups, this myth is straight out of the book of old-wives tales. Menstrual cups or tampons cannot tear your hymen (they stretch!) So go forth, and happily use them! My colleague highly recommends Sanfe Menstrual cups to anyone who will listen!

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Buy them online here

7. Exercise During Periods Can Cause Problems

On the contrary, exercising during periods can be very beneficial. In fact, it can reduce the effect of PMS and ease painful cramps. Other than normalizing your body functions, light exercise such as walking, jogging, etc. during this time can even put you in a good mood. I mean, compared to the irritation and pain you feel while you are home curled up in your bed, being out with friends or just staying busy with work can help take your mind off of your uneasiness, even if for a little while. Don't overdo it though, let your body decide the limits.

8. PMS Is All In In Her Head

There’s been a lot of debate about this one over the years. So let me throw some science at the non-believers. PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome can hit you up to 2 weeks prior to the actual period. It happens because, in some women, the changing levels of estrogen and progesterone and the imbalance between the two can cause irritability, fatigue, cramping, bloating of stomach, mood swings, cravings and a plethora of other uncomfortable symptoms. Not every woman is cursed with PMS, but it’s certainly not “in the head” either. 

Best way to deal with this is light exercises at home.   

9. Women Can't Get Pregnant If You Have Sex During Her Periods

The truth is...she can. This might not happen to everyone but the possibility still exists. You see, ovulation is the brief window when chances of getting pregnant are the highest. While ovulation occurs after the periods end but in the cases such as irregular cycles or short period cycles, these two events can overlap and… well, you know the rest. Also, in some cases, the sperm can live up to 5 days in the female reproductive tract after the intercourse, which can lead to pregnancy even if you timed it perfectly. Moral of the story: use protection at all times. 

10. Tampons Can Get Lose Inside Women's Vagina

The chances of tampons getting stuck because you can't find the string is more likely than it getting lost. While vaginas are not as deep you think they are, the cervix at the base of the uterus prevents anything from going up. So while it might require some flexing of the wrist to get it out, ladies, you have nothing to worry or be embarrassed about, happens to everyone.

In the war between facts and fiction, facts always win. Period!