5 crazy myths about periods that belong only in the Middle Ages
The planet”s population is approximately 7. 57 billion people. Of these, approximately 3. 84 billion are women. And billions of these representatives of the fair sex go through the process of menstruation, which is part of the female cycle, when the lining of the uterus is shed and comes out with blood from the vagina.
Contents of the article:
- Prejudices that still live today
- Myth #1: If you have sex during your period, you won”t get pregnant
- Myth #2: Taking birth control is as dangerous as it can be
- Myth No. 3. You can’t take a bath during your period
- Myth No. 4. In women”s groups, the monthly cycle is synchronized
- Myth No. 5: Inserting a tampon into the vagina violates virginity
Prejudices that still live today
Each month lasts from three to seven days, and the average menstrual cycle is 28 days. Despite the fact that this process affects more than half of the inhabitants of our planet, various myths and prejudices are still associated with it.
For example, in many cultures around the world, menstruation is still considered “dirty” and “unclean.” Talking about them is considered taboo.
For example, in some African communities there are “menstrual huts” where women must stay during their menstruation. They are simply isolated from society.
Today we will discuss some of the most common myths about menstruation.
Myth No. 1. If you have sex during your period, you won’t get pregnant.
In fact, women can get pregnant if they have had sex “recently.” This largely depends on the length of your cycle and the time of ovulation. Essentially, peak fertility occurs 12-16 days before your next period. However, in some cases, ovulation occurs earlier.
In addition, sperm can live up to 5-7 days in the reproductive organs. Thus, the possibility of fertilization is preserved. Also, do not discount the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and HIV if a person has sex without using a condom.
Myth No. 2: Taking birth control is dangerous because it can disrupt your cycle.
Some women worry that starting the pill will affect their important circadian rhythms in the future, or that birth control pills will impact their overall reproductive health. However, in reality, there is no risk if some cycles are missed, even while taking the pill. Recent research in women”s reproductive health shows that suppressing menstruation with birth control pills is safe. Some women believe this “fortune pill” can even promote life—and most gynecologists agree.
Read also: Getting pregnant during your period. How is this possible?
For many young women, menstrual bleeding is a very unpleasant time. Some feel sick and upset, others feel embarrassed.
James Segars, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Hopkins University in Baltimore, argues that menstrual bleeding is completely unnecessary for the healthy functioning of the female reproductive system. Birth control pills relieve heavy bleeding, pain, migraines and other side effects. So they can definitely make life more comfortable.”
Myth No. 3. You can’t take a bath during your period.
Menstruation 200 years ago
This is also completely justified from a hygiene standpoint. In fact, it is much safer to perform intimate hygiene procedures with plain water and not use new hygiene products. A study published today by American Medical News found that the use of vaginal disinfectants in the form of gels is associated with an increased risk of infection.
Myth No. 4. In women”s groups, the monthly cycle is synchronized
This is one of the most popular folk myths. Every woman has noted a “coincidence” at least once in her life when she is among representatives of her sex. Their menstrual cycles gradually become synchronized and their important days occur at the same time.
At first, researchers associated this phenomenon with the influence of pheromones exchanged between team members. However, more recent research has revealed many of the shortcomings of this prejudice and has proven it to be unfounded. Empirical evidence of synchrony has never been found. Alexander Albarn, professor of biocultural anthropology at the University of Oxford, says the following. All people love unusual stories. We love amazing coincidences and we want to believe in them. But in reality, when it comes to synchronizing women”s cycles, this is nothing more than a coincidence.”
Myth #5: Inserting a tampon into the vagina breaks the hymen.
In fact, there is a virgin pole, and a small opening — otherwise menstruation as such would not be possible. This elastic membrane does not completely cover the vaginal opening. Therefore, if the tampon is inserted correctly, it will not cause any discomfort or damage.
