6 Period myths you always thought were true

Red Herrings: 6 Period myths you always thought were true

Lim Han

25 Mar 2017

updated the Saturday, March 25, 2017

1/6
Period cycles are 28 days long
This commonly heard textbook statement is a mere guideline, not a hard fact. The menstrual cycle is anything but one-size-fits-all. It varies from woman to woman, depending on their hormone levels and external factors such as stress, physical activity, and the nature of their diet.
2/6
You shouldn’t wash your hair during your period
This one's an old wives’ tale that will engender serious headaches when you get older. Well, those old wives have been stuck with greasy hair for nothing, because there is no scientific evidence to back up their claim. Enough with the dry shampoos and shower caps.
3/6
You can’t get pregnant while on your period
Thanks to the longevity of sperm, your period is no longer a safety net when it comes to getting pregnant. If you have intercourse during your period, sperm that enter your body can have a party in your uterus for up to five days. Ovulation within any of these days will then cause The Big Bang.
4/6
Period blood is not regular blood
Whether it's due to the disparity in smell or appearance, this myth has solidified in many girls’ beliefs. Believe it or not, menstrual blood is regular blood, unless your blood stops at your vagina and concocts itself into a witch’s potion before continuing its flow.
5/6
You shouldn’t exercise during your period
Ladies, we’ve all used our period as an excuse to get out of a fitness activity. The problem is, even we think it’s true. The truth is, exercise may even be beneficial for you when you’re surfing the crimson wave. Potentially reducing cramps and lifting your mood, there’s no reason for you to lay in bed all day now.
6/6
Your period stops when you enter water
Ah, if only that were the case - imagine all the pool parties and water park adventures you wouldn't have to miss out on. Sadly, the only power water possesses is to quench our thirsts. Our period doesn’t stop or slow down in water. It just doesn’t flow out of our vagina due to the counter-pressure of the surrounding water.

Don’t believe everything you hear. Period.

Ladies, which of us here doesn’t share a common resentment towards Aunt Flo? Her monthly visits, in which she imposes her presence for a week or so, is fraught with mood swings, inconveniences and sometimes, unbearable pain. Not only that, she brings with her cumbersome bags of perplexities and misconceptions. From our hair rituals to exercise routines, she has invaded our lifestyles and rooted in us a throng of different beliefs. But, not all of them are true. Today, we’re throwing onto your lap the hard, cold truths behind some of these beliefs which are, in fact, complete myths.

We’ve rounded up a list of 6 period myths that many women have tragically and unknowingly fallen for. Thankfully, you no longer have to be one of them. Head up to our gallery to get started on clearing up the misconceptions you may have about Aunt Flo. You’ll be appalled to see how wrong you’ve been about her all this while!

Lim Han

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