6 Period Myths You Need to Stop Believing Now

From a very young age, girls are taught that menstruation is a shameful secret: hide your pads, never talk about your period, and pretend everything's normal.

This shame and secrecy surrounding menstruation create a breeding ground for myths and misinformation, and these affect how we see our bodies and manage our menstrual health. 

Let’s debunk some of these period myths together.

Myth 1: Period blood is dirty blood expelled from the body.

Truth: Period blood is not toxic, nor is it made up of rejected bodily fluids. It's actually made of blood, uterine tissue, mucus lining, and bacteria.

Simply put, period blood is the lining of the uterus, which was prepared for pregnancy, being shed when pregnancy doesn't occur that cycle. This lining must be clean enough to nurture an embryo and therefore cannot be toxic.

Myth 2: You can’t exercise during your period.

Truth: Light exercise can actually help alleviate period symptoms and discomfort like cramps and mood swings. It boosts endorphins, reduces stress, and improves blood circulation.

Myth 3: You lose a lot of blood during your period.

Truth: The average amount of blood lost during a period is about 30-40 milliliters, which is less than half a cup. While it may seem like more due to menstrual fluid mixed with other fluids, significant blood loss is uncommon and should be checked by a medical professional.

Myth 4: You can’t get pregnant during your period.

Truth: While the likelihood of getting pregnant during your period is lower, it’s still possible to get pregnant during your period, especially if you have a short menstrual cycle or irregular periods. Sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for several days, which increases the chance of conception.

Myth 5: You should avoid showering or taking a bath during your period.

Truth: Please don’t. There is no reason to avoid regular hygiene practices during menstruation; nothing will happen to you if you wash your hair or take a bath.

Myth 6: Painful periods are normal and experienced by every woman. 

Truth: While mild discomfort can be normal, severe menstrual cramps could indicate an underlying medical condition like endometriosis or fibroids and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Never ignore your debilitating period pain.

A Final Note

Creating a world where menstruation is celebrated as a normal and natural part of life is possible, and it all begins with education. Share what you've learned here with a friend, sister, or daughter, and let's start breaking the cycle of shame together.

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