Health Tech

Misconceptions About Periods And Their Truths

Even today, many people shy away from discussing periods. This lack of information has led to numerous misconceptions. In this article, you will learn about the misconceptions, or period myths and facts, related to periods. And what are their truths?

What Are Period Myths?

Period Myth 1: Sex during menstruation prevents pregnancy?

The belief that sex during menstruation prevents pregnancy is completely false. However, it is true that for many women, menstruation is the period when they are least fertile. This actually depends on the menstrual cycle. Fertility occurs during ovulation, usually about 12 to 16 days before the start of the next menstrual cycle. This is when most eggs are produced.

Period Myth 2: Is period blood dirty?

People believe that period blood is dirty, but this is completely wrong. This blood comes from the uterus, not from the veins.

Period Myth 3: Shouldn’t you shower during your period?

Some people believe that showering during your period is unsafe because hot water can increase blood flow. However, warm water can improve blood flow and help reduce pain, cramps, and muscle tension during periods.

Period Myth 4: Can using tampons during your period increase problems?

People believe that using tampons can rupture the hymen. However, health experts believe this is not the case, as the hymen is soft and stretchable, and tampons are soft. According to health experts, it’s wrong not to use tampons, which are among the period myths. You can use them as per your convenience.

Period Myth 5: Shouldn’t you do yoga or exercise during your period?

Another period myth is that women can feel weak during their periods. Therefore, avoid doing tiring yoga or exercises during their periods.

In these changing times, women and girls easily fall prey to the above-mentioned misconceptions. However, when we spoke to 22-year-old Deepika Mishra, who lives in Mumbai, she said that there are no negative thoughts about periods in her home. When we spoke to 27-year-old Swati Deshmukh, she believed that people’s views should change with time and that negative thinking related to periods should also change.

How To Maintain Hygiene During Your Period

1. Change pads every 4 to 6 hours

Change sanitary napkins or menstrual cups every four to six hours. This will keep the vagina clean. When menstrual blood leaves the body, it attracts various germs from our bodies, which accumulate in the blood, causing vaginal irritation, itching, rashes, or urinary tract infections.

2. Bath Daily and Change Undergarments

During your period, bathe daily and change your undergarments along with your clothes. Always wear cotton undergarments to ensure the vagina gets fresh air. Cotton absorbs body sweat well, so use cotton.

3. Avoid Soap on the Vagina

Vaginal soaps and creams are available in the market. However, the vagina does not need these products. Rather, it cleans itself. Therefore, always use clean, lukewarm water to clean the vagina. Using any other product can increase the risk of vaginal infections.

4. What to do with sanitary napkins after use

Don’t throw used sanitary napkins everywhere. Don’t throw them in the trash. Nowadays, various machines are available for disposal. Always dispose of them in the same place. However, if you are disposing of them in the trash, wrap them tightly in a cover before disposing of them. Disposing of them openly can spread bacteria and infection. Never flush the pad, as it can clog the toilet. Wash your hands thoroughly after changing the napkin.

5. Avoid dehydration

To avoid dehydration, drink six to eight glasses of water a day. This will keep the body hydrated, improve digestion, and reduce pain.

Home Remedies To Avoid Period Pain

A week before your period, start your day with soaked raisins and saffron. You can also eat raw bananas. Bananas are rich in potassium, which can be very helpful in reducing period pain.
Include exercise in your daily routine. Exercise for at least 150 minutes a week. Exercise benefits many body parts and strengthens them. It also helps reduce period pain.
Sprouted foods should be eaten every other day. Sprouted foods can include mung beans, bottle gourd, chickpeas, kidney beans, cowpeas, peanuts, soybeans, wheat, etc. Rujuta also said that many types of pulses are found in our country, all of which are beneficial for health. Including these in your diet can help relieve period pain.
Be sure to take calcium supplements before going to bed. These provide relief from pain. You can easily get them at any chemist. However, do consult your doctor before consuming them.
Eat tuber vegetables like Suran (yam), sweet potato, spring onion, colocasia (yam), potato, etc. twice a week. If you don’t want to eat the same food every day, you can eat it at an interval of two days. This is an effective way to get relief from period pain.

There are many myths and facts related to period myths mentioned above. But during this time, special attention should be paid to hygiene and diet.

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