Period myths and Hygiene Facts

Women need a complete understanding of menstruation hygiene and Period myths, yet various misconceptions about this subject continue to circulate throughout society. The available menstruation hygiene information becomes unclear regarding product selection and their change frequencies.

In this article we will reveal truths about menstrual hygiene practices to help women feel secure about their monthly cycle

Most Common Period myths

Here are most common Period myths

Myth 1: You Only Need to Change Your Pad or Tampon Once a Day

Fact: This is not true. You should change your pad or your tampon every 4 – 6 hours or as often as you need to. Earlier, you were wondering if you would urinate on yourself or break a nail or anything so catastrophic. Now it's bacteria body odor. But that's a side note: you can keep your pad or tampon on for too long and end up with a buildup of bacteria and an increased risk of infections or unpleasant odors.

Myth 2: You Shouldn't Take a Shower While on Your Period

Fact: You can not avoid the shower during your period. The fact is that it is quite important to shower every day to maintain hygiene and feel fresh. Clean the vaginal area gently with a mild soap that has no perfume, but do not use harsh or heavily perfumed products as they can be irritating.

Myth 3: Tampons are not save

Fact: It is one of the common Period myths but You can use tampons at any age if you are ever ready to start using them. Most teens can use tampons as long as they are comfortable. It is important to select the right absorbency level for your flow and change it frequently, approximately every 6 hours. If you are not sure, it is a good idea to speak to your mom or a trusted adult to assist you in starting.

Myth 4: Scented Pads or Tampons Are Better for Odor Control

Fact: Scented products are actually something that may look like a great thing at keeping you fresh, but they can irritate your skin and wreak havoc on the natural bacteria in your vaginal area. Choose unscented, breathable pads and tampons that won't aggravate or irritate so that your body stays fresh but isn't uncomfortable.

Myth 5: You Should Douche to Clean Your Vaginal Area

Fact: Stop Douching because it is harmful. Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't require any extra cleansing product. You should not need vigorous scrubbing with an aggressive cleanser to keep you clean and comfortable; a gentle wash on the outside will suffice. Douching can upset the natural pH balance and promote irritation or infection.

Myth 6: Don't exercise when you are on your period.

Fact: Exercise is totally safe and can help reduce cramps and discomfort. In fact, the more active you are, the more likely it is that you will increase your mood while decreasing your energy levels. The only thing you need to ensure is to change your pad or tampon before working out, preferably if you are planning to sweat a lot.

Myth 7: White isn't out, and everyone should stay away from it at all costs.

Fact: You are definitely allowed to wear white while on your menstrual cycle. I won't go into why there's no health reason you can't wear any color you like. You can wear any colour until you are using the right menstrual products and changing them regularly. All you need to do is make sure that you wear the products that fit with your flow, and you will feel confident in your clothes.

Myth 8: You Should Avoid Using Pads or Tampons During the Night

Fact: Pads or tampons are okay to use overnight, so there's nothing to worry about. If not, just choose products designed for overnight use, as they generally feature more absorbency. Other women choose to use a menstrual cup for the night, which lasts up to 12 hours, depending on your flow.

Myth 9: Period Blood Is Dirty or Dangerous

Fact: Period blood is not dirty or harmful; it's the shedding of the uterine lining. This is an all-natural and healthy process. There is nothing to be embarrassed or discomforted about when it comes to blood due to your period if you're practicing good hygiene.

Myth 10: You Can not Wear Tight Clothing During Your Period

Fact: Wearing tight clothing during your period is completely fine as long as it feels comfortable. Also, if you wear breathable cotton underwear and your menstrual products fit nicely, you avoid irritation and leaks.

Period myths 11: You Should Avoid Swimming During Your Period

Fact: You can swim during your period! As long as you use a tampon or menstrual cup, there's no reason why you can't swim. Swimming won’t make your flow worse, and you won’t leave a mess in the water if you use the right menstrual products.

Myth 12: You Can't Get Pregnant on Your Period

Fact: Although it's less likely, it’s still possible to get pregnant while on your period. Sperm can survive for up to five days inside the female reproductive system, and if you have a shorter cycle, sperm could be waiting when you ovulate.

Myth 13: You Shouldn't Use a Menstrual Cup if You're a Virgin

Fact: Being a virgin doesn’t prevent you from using a menstrual cup. A menstrual cup sits lower in the vagina and doesn’t interfere with your hymen, so you can use it regardless of your sexual activity.

Myth 14: You Can Only Get PMS Before Your Period Starts

Fact: PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms can occur at any time in the menstrual cycle, not just before your period. Some women experience symptoms in the middle of their cycle, especially during ovulation.

Myth 15: Your Period Should Be Painful

Fact: While cramps are common, they shouldn't be severe. Period pain, called dysmenorrhea, can be managed with over-the-counter medication, exercise, and proper hydration. If your pain is intense or lasts for several days, you should see a doctor and avoid Period myths.

Myth 16: You Can't Use Period Products If You're Under 18

Fact: Anyone who has started menstruating can use menstrual products, regardless of age. It's about finding the right product that fits your flow and your comfort level.

Myth 17: You Can’t Have Sex During Your Period

Fact: Sex during your period is perfectly safe, as long as both partners are comfortable. Using a tampon or menstrual cup can help prevent any mess, and it can even help ease period cramps for some women.

Myth 18: You Should Only Use Tampons If You Have a Heavy Flow

Fact: Tampons can be used for light to heavy flows, depending on the absorbency level you choose. You can select the absorbency that matches your flow to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Myth 19: You Should Only Wear Pads or Tampons During Your Period

Fact: You don’t have to stick only to pads or tampons; there are many options like menstrual cups and period underwear that are effective alternatives and can be used for different levels of comfort and flow.

Myth 20: You Shouldn't Use Tampons if You're a Teen

Fact: Teenagers can absolutely use tampons as long as they are comfortable with them. It’s important to choose the right absorbency and to change the tampon every 4 to 6 hours.

Myth 21: Using Menstrual Products Can Cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Fact: While it is true that TSS is associated with tampon use, it is rare and can be prevented by following the guidelines for tampon use. Always change tampons every 4–6 hours and avoid leaving them in for longer periods. If you use menstrual cups or pads, TSS risk is much lower.

Myth 22: You Should Not Eat Certain Foods During Your Period

Fact: There is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that you need to avoid specific foods during menstruation. However, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help manage PMS symptoms. Eating foods high in iron is important, as periods can lead to a drop in iron levels.

Myth 23: Your Period Will Be Irregular After Using Birth Control

Fact: While some types of birth control (like hormonal IUDs or the pill) can initially cause changes to your menstrual cycle, they are often used to help regulate periods. After using birth control for some time, many women find that their period becomes more regular.

Myth 24: You Should Avoid Drinking Coffee or Tea During Your Period

Fact: There is no direct harm from drinking caffeinated beverages during your period. However, caffeine can cause dehydration, so it's important to balance it with plenty of water. If you find caffeine increases cramps or makes you feel jittery, you may want to reduce your intake during your period.

Myth 25: You Need to "Rest" More During Your Period

Fact: While it's important to listen to your body and rest when needed, there’s no need to drastically change your daily routine. Light exercise, such as walking or yoga, can help alleviate cramps and improve mood. In fact, staying active can be beneficial for managing period symptoms.

Myth 26: Using Pads or Tampons for Long Hours is Safe as Long as You Don’t Feel Uncomfortable

Fact: While you might not feel immediate discomfort, wearing pads or tampons for too long can still lead to a buildup of bacteria, causing unpleasant odors, irritation, and even infections. It’s essential to follow the recommended guidelines for changing menstrual products regularly, even if you don’t feel discomfort.

Myth 27: The Color of Your Period Blood Tells You Something About Your Health

Fact: Period blood can vary in color from bright red to dark brown, but this doesn't necessarily indicate a health problem. The color is mostly influenced by the flow rate. Bright red blood is typically from a heavier flow, while dark brown or black blood is older blood that has taken longer to exit the body.

Myth 28: You Should Avoid Using Period Products After the Expiry Date

Fact: Always check the expiry date on pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. Using products past their expiry date can increase the risk of irritation, infections, and poor hygiene. Stick to products that are in good condition and within their recommended use period.

Myth 29: You Can Only Use One Type of Menstrual Product for Your Entire Period

Fact: You can mix and match different products throughout your period to suit your needs. For example, you might use pads during the day and tampons or menstrual cups at night. This allows you to be more comfortable and flexible throughout your cycle.

Conclusion

There are many Period myths , but the trick is to trust your body and follow proper hygiene to ensure freshness and good health. It is very important to change your menstrual products often, have good shower habits, and use the right products for your body. If you have questions about your period hygiene, don't be afraid to talk to your mom, a trusted adult, or a healthcare professional. The right information will let you feel confident and in control of your period.

References

• World Health Organization. (2022). Menstrual health and hygiene. Retrieved from https://www.who.int

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). Talking about menstrual hygiene and Period myths. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org

• Hennegan, J., Shannon, A. K., Rubli, J., Schwab, K. J., & Melendez-Torres, G. J. (2019). Women’s and girls’ experiences of menstruation in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and qualitative metasynthesis. PLOS Medicine, 16(5), e1002803. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002803

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Menstruation in teens: What to expect. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Menstrual disorders and hygiene guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov