Myths and Facts About Menstrual Bleeding

Some women consider discussing “menstruation” taboo. They prefer “Aunt Flo” visiting. It is a natural and normal biological process without which you and I would not have seen this beautiful earth and life. It is nature’s blessing and god’s gift to humankind.

Still, we think it is forbidden. Women are taught not to discuss it even though a discussion can benefit the young girls first-time experiencing it. Are we serious? It will create much-needed awareness among them.

What is Menstruation Blood?

Menstrual bleeding happens because a woman’s uterus sheds its lining. The period is the menstrual bleeding cycle every woman has to undergo in life, be it my grandmama, mother, sister, daughter, wife, neighboring girls, women, etc. It is inevitable, and shying away from it will not help.

For ages, women believing in some myths around it, which we need to bust for the betterment of a larger female population of the world. So, let’s get straight to discussing the myths and facts about it.

11 Periods Myth Busters Coming Your Way

Share it with every woman to benefit from these myth busters, especially first-timers and young girls on the verge of experiencing it. They all will thank you for your effort.

Myth - 01: No Possibility of Pregnancy During This Time

Fact − The fact is that the pregnancy possibilities are still alive, although slim.

Albeit unlikely, you cannot rule it out. So, do not skip using condoms if you want to avoid pregnancy. It is more likely, if you have a short menstrual cycle, conception in this period may occur.

Myth - 02: Avoid Exercise, Rigorous Physical Activities, and Sex During the Menstrual Cycle

Fact − If you want to skip your exercise and just lay on a couch, do not use periods as your excuse.

You can exercise during periods. It relieves the symptoms linked to periods. But avoid strenuous or high-intensity exercise or workouts. You may experience heavy blood flow and cramps that may debar you from exercising.

Myth - 03: The Duration of the Period is Precisely one Week Every Month

Fact − Every woman has a body of her own. Your monthly cycle and duration may vary based on various factors and may not be the same. The minimum maybe 2, and the maximum can be up to 7 days.

Every woman possesses a unique body. Hence, the period cycle may also differ. Most periods continue for about 5-7 days every 4-5 weeks. Periods duration and frequency can vary.

Myth - 04: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is not a Reality

Fact − It is a natural change in your body and not all in your head. PMS is a collection of symptoms linked to menstruation.

The symptoms before or during periods are irritation, fatigue, feeling stressed or anxious, and sadness. Over 90% of women during or before periods face one or more such symptoms.

Myth - 05: You Cannot Deal with the Period Blood Better

Fact − In modern times, you have tools to deal with it, such as pads, menstrual cups, tampons, other homemade or indigenous methods, etc.

You have more ways to deal with it than you think you have. Soaking menstrual blood and staying hygienic is much easier now.

Myth - 06: Menstrual Blood is Just Regular Blood Flowing Out of the Body

Fact − Albeit it looks like blood, but comprising tissues as well. Menstrual blood contains blood and extra tissues. These tissues come from the uterine lining. Hence, they may carry the remnant of the egg flowing from the fallopian tube down into the uterus during ovulation was not fertilized.

Myth - 07: Soaking Menstrual Blood With a Pad or Tampon is a Sign of Menorrhagia

Fact − It is just a sign of heavy menstrual bleeding during the period that needs soaking through a pad or tampon. Hormonal imbalance causes menorrhagia in women. It causes a menstrual cycle with no ovulation (anovulatory).

Myth - 08: Evey Woman Gets Heavy Bleeding

Fact − It only happens to a woman post-pregnancy when she gives birth to a child. The anovulatory cycle cause hormonal imbalance, leading to menorrhagia. During the anovulatory period, it may cause heavy bleeding, as there is inadequate progesterone in the body. The egg does not get released in the ovulation stage.

Myth - 09: Get Worried if you Experience Heavy Periods

Fact − Heavy menstrual bleeding is normal and not at all a concern

The blood secreted during menstruation can vary from woman to woman and varies at various points during the menstruation cycle. However, in the case of menorrhagia, an abnormally high amount of bleeding can be a concern.

Myth - 10: The Period Pain is a Concern

Fact − The pain is real but not a concern. It is not a typical headache or stomach pain. Some women may have to skip work and curl up in bed. You feel the pitching pain and cramp, hoping to go away soon as not that severe or unbearable. The medical term is dysmenorrhea. But it is normal and not to be gravely worried about.

Myth -11: Ignore your Feeling During Periods

Fact − women can observe a natural physical change in their bodies during periods. The period reduces estrogen associated with the happy hormone serotonin and increases progesterone linked to fear, anxiety, and depression part of the brain. Meditation is good for dealing with emotional imbalance.

Conclusion

Most women keep it hush-hush when talking about periods. It may be because it involves blood or reproductive organs. If you completely shun discussing your problems associated with periods, chances are you will fall into the trap of some myths we have busted.

Especially for first-timers or new to periods, managing menstruation can be confusing when you are apprehensive about discussing it or asking questions. More experienced ones, like your mother, granny, aunts, and older friends, may come in handy in dealing with menstruation. You may consult a woman healthcare provider or a gynecologist.