What are the myths and facts of menstruation?

From our video partners

Women's Health
From breast cancer to menopause, the health conditions every woman should understand.

Answer

Myth - You can't get pregnant on your period.

Fact - Ovulation can happen at any time, especially if periods aren't regular.

Myth - You can't get pregnant without regular, or a first period.

Fact - Ovulation and fertilization CAN occur before regular, or first bleeding.

Myth - Menstrual cycles should always be 28 days.

Fact - They vary woman to woman, 28 days is an average only.

Myth - Menstruating women need to be in bed, or avoid strenuous activity.

Fact - Exercise can help with symptoms, it will not make pain worse. Women are not weaker during their periods, unless they have anemia, which is caused by an abnormal loss of blood during menstruation.

Myth - All women have terrible periods.

Fact - Most women find that the discomfort is minimal and does not stop them from regular activities they enjoy. Some women do have more pain or other symptoms then others.

Myth - You should not have sex while on your period.

Fact - If both partners are willing, there is no medical reason not to, and orgasm can sometimes relieve cramping.

Myth - A bath causes or worsens menstrual cramps

Fact - A warm bath can soothe and relax muscles, reducing pain.

Myth - Women menstruating can catch cold easily and should avoid cold water or iced drinks.

Fact - Cold can make pain worse for some, but you will not get a cold.

Myth - You should not get your feet wet during your period.

Fact - See above; this one was made popular by Tampax booklets and other literature of yesteryear.

Myth - Women taking birth control pills "need" to have a period.

Fact - Women on the pill do not experience uterine build up and do not need to have a period to shed the lining. The bleeding occurring with the pill is not a "real" menstrual period, and is not necessary for a woman's health.

Myth - Women are always moody, bitchy, and irrational during menstruation.

Fact - Not all women experience PMS symptoms or the same symptoms. You can't explain all women's moods by being "that time of the month". Women are just as capable during menses as at any other time, they are not mentally fragile.

Myth - Women on their period are more likely to be attacked by bear, sharks, ect.

Fact - This is just silly, and an urban legend not based on any scientific research.

Myth - Hair will not hold a curl, or should not be washed during your period.

Fact - Not sure where it can from, but this myth is just superstition.

Myth - Menstrual Blood smells bad.

Fact - Pads and Tampon cause blood to develop an odor as bacteria build, not blood itself. Blood does not smell fishy or strongly itself.

Myth - Menstrual Blood is toxic or unclean

Fact - It is no more unclean then any other blood, tampons do not keep dirty blood in the body. No extra cleansing or deodorants are needed - this is marketing to fears.

Myth - You should not eat certain foods (ie meat, dairy) while menstruating.

Fact - Eat what you like, it will not harm you in any way. If fact vitamins can help ease pain for some, so eat meat for the iron, milk for the calcium.

Myth - A pregnant women never bleeds.

Fact - Spotting or mild bleeding can be normal, but see a doctor at once to be sure.

Myth - Short periods (three days or less) or irregularity of periods means a woman is infertile or abnormal

Fact - The length of the period is not an indicator of fertility, it is different for everyone

Myth - Virgins or young women can't use tampons.

Fact - The hymen stretches, if you want to use tampons at any time or age, you can. Virginity does not end when you use a tampon.

Myth - Doing *fill in anything* will shorten or delay a period

Fact - Eating particular foods, exercising, fasting, bathing, skipping rope, will not lengthen or shorten a period.

This answer is closed to changes. This is done in rare cases when questions are being vandalized or answers have become debates. Email WikiAnswers @ Answers.com if you would like it to be reopened.

First answer by ID1279463211. Last edit by Cdesign007. Contributor trust: 0 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 13 [recommend question]