5 Period Myths That Need To Be Debunked by Phoebe Walls
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Menstruation is a natural part of life that affects everyone in some way or another. 26% percent of the global population are of reproductive age, and they’ll spend a total of 7 years of their life on their period! So why are periods still shrouded in taboo?
In this article, we will look into what is meant by ‘period taboos’ and also debunk some common myths that surround periods.
What Is Meant By ‘Period Taboos’?
We hear a lot of unhelpful myths about periods, leading to stigma and embarrassment, aka ´taboo´. Historically, we were taught to be subtle about periods. Even in adverts for period products, you’ll almost never see blood, historically, and still in many countries, menstrual blood is shown quite unbelievably as blue liquid!!! Just think about that for a moment !! The bottom line is that reality menstruation makes people, especially men, uncomfortable. However, bringing menstruation to the forefront of reproductive health and gaining information about what healthy periods can look like can help us shed these taboos.
The Truth About 5 Common Period Myths
1. Periods Are Dirty
One of the most widespread myths is that periods are dirty or unclean. This is routed in cultural and religious beliefs, and the patriarchy, but the truth is that menstruation is a normal, healthy, biological process and there is nothing unhygienic about it. In fact, if you´re maintaining normal hygiene habits like hand washing and showering, as well as the proper use and disposal of sanitary products, then there is nothing to worry about. That’s one of the blessings of FabLittleBag; they make disposal easy, hygienic and a confident experience for women and girls.
2. Periods Should Last 28 Days
People often think every menstrual cycle is the same and lasts exactly 4 weeks. The truth is, each menstrual cycle is unique! The average length is about 25-30 days, but they can be as short as 21 days or up to 40 days. This is why it's so important to track your individual menstrual cycle, so you can see changes or missed periods according to your cycle.
3. You Can’t Have Sex On Your Period
There are a lot of period sex myths floating around, like the idea that period sex is painful or causes disease. It´s true that any unprotected sex carries a risk of STDs, but this is easily prevented using barrier methods of contraception which lower the risk. As for pain - the increased blood flow to the area actually can make the genitals more sensitive during this time, as well as more lubricated. So, the sex may even be more pleasurable! Ultimately this is a hugely personal choice, for you and your partner, as long as you are both comfortable with it go ahead and enjoy!
4. Periods Make You Crazy
We all know the myth that periods make us crazy or irrational. True, hormones are powerful, and this can lead to some emotional fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle. Again, the extent of hormonal change is deeply personal and changes throughout your life, you can have little PMS type symptoms in your early years only for them to become a big deal later on… The best advice is to know yourself as much as possible, and if you are somebody who is deeply affected each month by hormonal fluctuations, then communicate this to those close to you.
5. Periods are Really Painful
Can you sense a theme here? Periods are deeply personal, and for some people, they are truly excruciatingly painful for others they noticed very little. Painful periods can often be associated with a heavier flow is too. Most people have heavy periods on days one and two and then it takes off, but for some, it remains heavy throughout…However, if this pain is becoming debilitating, you shouldn't put up with it! Some assume their pain is normal and ignore serious symptoms. If your menstrual symptoms and pain become severe, or you start experiencing cramping and bleeding between periods, it's always a good idea to head to a doctor. Insist on seeing a specialist if the Doctor doesn’t take you seriously.
So, it’s time we embrace our periods, ditch the shame, and throw out these unhelpful myths! Let’s reclaim the truth about periods.
By your friendly fabber
Phoebe Walls