Busting Periods Myths: Menstruation Misconception
Overview
In our country, every topic has myths hiding their real facts. Today we talk about one of them, and that is menstruation myths. In India, particularly in rural regions, discussing this topic is often considered taboo. Even today, women in these areas tend to feel embarrassed and avoid such conversations due to societal and cultural misconceptions. This hinders the spread of knowledge and awareness on the subject.
Let’s unveil the facts from fiction; behind the stigma. Menstruation (also called menses or period) is a natural biological process that every woman experiences, yet it remains shrouded in myths and misconceptions. These myths not only perpetuate stigma but also affect women’s health and well-being. This article aims to debunk some of the most common menstruation myths and provide accurate information to promote a healthier and more informed conversation about periods.
Educating people about menstruation can help foster a more positive and informed perspective. It is a vital aspect of reproductive health and should be treated with respect and understanding. By normalizing conversations around it, we can support individuals in managing their health with confidence and dignity.
MedBound Times connected with the Dr Nikita Pahwa for her opinion on menstruation misconception.
It is crucial for parents as well as schools to begin early education of young girls about periods and related health issues. Teaching about menstrual health and hygiene is necessary to prevent knowledge gaps and break stigma. This will empower young girls to deal with their period issues better and protect their self-esteem.
Dr Nikita Pahwa M.S.OBGY, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Vadodara, Gujarat
○ Myth: Menstruation blood is impure
○ Fact: This is a misconception
Explanation:
The menstrual cycle is a natural aspect of a woman’s reproductive system, preparing the body for potential pregnancy. Menstrual blood, which includes blood and uterine tissue, is the same as the blood that circulates throughout the body. Its color can range from light red to dark brown due to oxidation, with darker shades usually appearing at the start or end of the period.
○ Myth: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a hype
○ Fact: It occurs in reality
Explanation:
PMS symptoms are real and usually start a week or two before menstruation due to hormonal shifts. More than 90% of women report experiencing bloating, headaches, mood swings, fatigue, and cramps. These symptoms are often the most intense four days before a period and begin to subside 2–3 days after it starts.
○ Myth: Can’t conceive during the menstrual period
○ Fact: Pregnancy can occur during periods
Explanation:
Pregnancy is possible if a woman has a shorter menstrual cycle. Typically, lasting 28–30 days, shorter cycles may lead to conception if sex occurs at the end of the period and ovulation follows soon after, as sperm can survive long enough to fertilize the egg. Additionally, ovulation spotting can be mistaken for menstruation. Since ovulation is the most fertile time, confusing it with a period increases the chances of pregnancy.
○ Myth: Physical activity disrupts the menstrual flow and increases pain
○ Fact: It gives relief in menstrual cramps and bloating
Explanation:
Regular physical activity, such as walking, has no risks and can ease period cramps. Certain yoga poses may also help. Consult a wellness expert to learn which exercises are safe during menstruation, but it’s generally best to avoid high-intensity workouts.
○ Myth: Sex during periods is unhealthy
○ Fact: It’s misleading
Explanation:
While some may feel uncomfortable, sex during your period isn’t unhealthy. It can offer benefits like increased lubrication, reduced cramps, and a better mood, though it can be messier due to menstrual blood.
○ Myth: Sour foods disturb the menstrual flow
○ Fact: No, it's a myth.
Explanation:
During menstruation, increase your intake of Vitamin D-rich foods like yogurt, milk, eggs, and fish to ease cramps and pain. While spicy foods can raise stomach acid and cause discomfort, they don’t affect your period directly.
○ Myth: Can’t bath during menses
○ Fact: Hygiene is a must-do
Explanation:
Doctors recommend a warm bath during periods to relax muscles and ease stiffness and discomfort.
○ Myth: Period Lasting Exactly One Week Each Month
○ Fact: Period length varies from person to person
Explanation:
A normal cycle can range from 24 to 38 days. And for abnormal frequency it may be absent (amenorrhea), frequent (<24 days), infrequent (>38 days), prolonged with duration up to 8 days. Regular cycles have variations of 9 days or less, while irregular ones vary by 10 or more days. Flow volume may be heavy, normal, or light.
○ Myth: Only Women of Specific Ages Experience Periods
○ Fact: Even 9-year-old girls get menses
Explanation:
Most people with uteri start their period around age 12, but may begin earlier or later. Menstruation typically continues until menopause, which occurs between ages 45 and 58. Experiences vary for each individual.
Recently, there has been an increase in the incidence of girls experiencing early menarche (<12 years). Menarchal age depends on several factors like genetics, area of residence, dietary patterns, physiological stress and adverse childhood experiences, environmental factors, socioeconomic status and also BMI (childhood obesity being a significant factor).
Dr Nikita Pahwa M.S.OBGY, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Vadodara, Gujarat
○ Myth: Heavy bleeding is a concern of only the middle and old age
○ Fact: It also happens as puberty menorrhagia
Explanation:
Puberty menorrhagia is defined as excessive bleeding occurring between menarche and 19 years. Most abnormal bleeding in adolescents is caused by immaturity of the hypothalamic – pituitary ovarian axis, resulting in anovulation.
[NOTE: Menarche is a hallmark event in the life of most adolescent girls. It marks the transition from childhood to puberty. Although mechanisms triggering puberty and menarche remain uncertain, they are dependent on genetics, nutrition, body weight and maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. The complete maturation of the axis may take up to 2 years. During this time, it is common for adolescents to present with complaints of menstrual irregularities.
Approximately 20% of adolescents have an underlying endocrine or haematological disorder requiring targeted diagnostic testing. Reassurance, counseling of adolescent girls about reproductive physiology, regular follow-up, balanced diet and long-term iron therapy go along way in treatment of puberty menorrhagia.]
Menstruation is a natural and normal part of life for many people. It’s important to approach it with openness and remove any stigma or shame associated with it. Educating people about menstruation can help foster a more positive and informed perspective. It is a vital aspect of reproductive health and should be treated with respect and understanding. By normalizing conversations around it, we can support individuals in managing their health with confidence and dignity.
References:
https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/health-wellness/busting-period-myths-science-about-periods
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/period-myths
https://www.pandiahealth.com/resources/myths-about-periods/
https://www.niine.com/blog_post.php?var=9-common-period-myths
