There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about the female reproductive system. Some of them are harmless and can’t lead to negative complications while others can cause certain problems. In this article, we have gathered eight common myths about periods you shouldn’t believe in.
1. Pain during periods of normal
Many people think that severe pain that occurs during periods is normal. But the reality is that pain and discomfort during periods shouldn’t interfere with your daily activities. If your pain and cramping make you stay in bed and can’t be reduced with the help of painkillers, it can be a sign of some underlying gynecological conditions. For example, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and many other health issues can make your periods extremely painful.
2. Missed periods always mean pregnancy
Even though pregnancy is deemed the most common cause of missed periods, there are a lot of other factors that can make your periods late. If you are exposed to prolonged stress, exercise excessively, or have suddenly gained, or lost weight, you can skip a few periods. Additionally, hormonal imbalance and hormone-related conditions can also affect your menstrual cycle and make your periods disappear.
3. You can’t take a bath or swim during periods
If you avoid taking a bath or swim during periods since you think that water can cause infection, it’s high time to change your mind. Firstly, water can’t penetrate your uterus especially if you use a tampon. Secondly, there is no open wound in your vagina that can’t be infected. That’s why you can take a bath or swim during periods wherever you want without concern.
4. The only way to ease period pain is painkillers
Many women think that the only way to relieve pain and cramping during periods is to take pain medication. Indeed, they can help ease painful sensations but there are other options that can help you. You can ask the best gynecologist about hormonal contraception to make your periods less painful if you don’t plan to get pregnant in the near future. Additionally, sex and mild physical activity boost the production of estrogen that can improve your mood and relieve pain.
5. Menstrual cycle should last for 28 days
It is essential to understand that every woman is unique and the length of the menstrual cycle can also vary. However, if your periods occur more than once every 21 days or less than once every 35 days, it can be a reason for concern. Additionally, periods that last less than three days or more than a week can also be caused by certain gynecological disorders. In this case, it is better to visit a gynecologist for an examination and treatment if needed.
6. You can’t get pregnant during periods
Many people think that it is impossible to get pregnant during periods. Indeed, a fertile window (days around ovulation when the fertilization is the most possible) usually occurs after periods. But if your periods have started later and ovulation occurs in time, they can coincide and you can easily get pregnant during unprotected sex. That’s why it is better to use contraception even during periods.
7. Heavy periods are not dangerous
If you have increased blood flow during periods and you have to change a sanitary pad or tampon every two hours, it means that your periods can be deemed heavy. The point is that heavy periods can be caused by hormonal issues, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, PID, and many other gynecological disorders. Additionally, significant blood loss during periods can lead to the development of anemia.
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