7 Fact you need to know about the menstrual period
Myths regarding menstruation frequently conceal period facts. The monthly loss of the uterine lining is referred to as a menstrual period. Between the ages of 10 and 15, most females have their first menstruation. Women’s menstrual periods last until their late forties or early fifties.
Periods were formerly only discussed in whispers, if at all. Typically, a girl learns about menstruation from her mother or girlfriends. Much of what was passed on, however, was based on cultural ideas. It was frowned upon to discuss periods in mixed company.
Women are more open about menstruation nowadays, yet certain period facts remain hidden.
This article examines historical truths and myths. It answers questions regarding what a woman may and cannot do during her menstrual period.
Fact about menstrual period
You can bathe while on your menstrual period.
Some people believe that a woman should not bathe or wash during her menstruation. Some even believe she should refrain from washing her hair. This is not correct. There is no reason why you should not bathe during your period.
A warm bath, in fact, can help relieve cramps.
It may sound hard to believe, but women were formerly cautioned that taking a bath during their menstrual cycle could cause them to become ill, go blind, or lose their hair. None of this is real, yet some of these misconceptions have been passed down from generation to generation.
You can swim while on your period.
Swimming is safe during your period. The ancient concept that you should avoid swimming during your period may have originated before tampons or menstrual cups were widespread.
Swimming without female protection is unsanitary.
A swimming pool can be contaminated by any bodily fluid, including blood, urine, or excrement.
Swimming in the water during your period makes you a target for sharks, according to an urban myth. There is no proof that this ever occurs.
You can exercise during your period.
The notion that you should avoid activity while on your period originates from an ancient conception of menstruation. Menstruation was traditionally considered a disease. Menstruating ladies remained at home. They sat and did not speak to anyone.
This concept might be founded on historical cultural beliefs. Menstruation is very natural. It is not a handicap. Your period should not prevent you from doing activities you normally do. Exercising while on your period is both safe and healthy.
Regular activity might aid in cramp relief.
If your cramps make it difficult to exercise, pain medication might assist. Athletes, including Olympians, frequently compete during their periods.
You can have sex while on your period.
Misconceptions regarding sex during menstruation have cultural origins. Other religious teachings prohibit intercourse during menstruation, and some societies think that any interaction with menstrual women might taint or damage males. This is not correct.
It is totally OK to have sex while on your period. Because of the possible mess, you may be indecisive to have sex during your period. If you or your partner feel this way, it is absolutely OK to wait until after your period.
On the other hand, having sex while on your period is not harmful. It could even assist with cramping. It is OK to have sex during your period if you so choose.
You can still get pregnant during your period.
It is possible to become pregnant while on your period.
To become pregnant, you must ovulate (release an egg). This generally occurs after your menstruation has ended. Your fertile period may overlap with your menstruation at times. This can happen at any time of the month, but it is more probable if your periods are irregular or if you bleed for a longer duration than usual.
Assume there are no safe days to have sex without the risk of pregnancy unless you use birth control such as the pill or an IUD or painstakingly employ natural family planning techniques.
Keep in mind that most birth control techniques do not provide protection against sexually transmitted illnesses. It is always preferable to engage in safe sex.
Periods do not always synchronize.
Some believe that women who spend a lot of time together have their periods at the same time. This remains an unresolved question.
Women who lived together got their periods at the same time, according to a study from the 1970s.[1] This was considered to be triggered by bodily chemicals known as pheromones.
Period synchronization was later discovered to be a random phenomenon, according to further studies.
The concept isn’t going away, and academics are still attempting to figure out why. This will remain an unknown question until further proof is gathered.
Recap
We now know more about menstruation than we did even a few years ago. Some activities, including bathing, exercising, and having intercourse, were historically considered prohibited during menstruation. These exercises are now known to be beneficial and may even aid with period cramps.
Other facts are very vital to comprehend. It is possible to become pregnant while on your period, for example. Tampons are also safe to use during a girl’s first menstruation.
If you’ve heard anything about menstruation that’s unclear or doesn’t seem right, ask your doctor or nurse about it; they’ll most likely clear up any misconceptions you may have.