Last week on the blog, I tackled Menstrual Myths, highlighting the difference between what you may have been told and what is actually true (e.g. Yes, you CAN get pregnant while on your period). If you haven’t read that post, you definitely should get yourself some of that knowledge and pass it on to your girls!
This week, I continue by dispelling some more myths because it is really important that women are armed with proper knowledge of their bodies and menstrual cycles, afterall, we bleed pretty much every month!
Myth: Irregular periods mean you can’t have children.
Fact: For teenagers who have just started getting periods, It can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to become regular after the first time you get it. And, for some girls, it never becomes completely regular. There are lots of things, including stress, illness and intense exercise, and even some gynecological conditions that can disrupt your cycle. That’s why you should consult a health professional first to identify a cause and then proper treatment can start and pregnancy can be achieved.
Myth: You can shorten or delay a period by _________.
Fact: No need to fill in the blank. There are several suggested remedies for delaying your period. You shouldn’t try to fight your body’s natural menstrual cycle. Doing this could potentially cause other health problems.
Myth: Your period should last for exactly one week come every 28 days
Fact: Everyone’s period is different. It’s perfectly natural for a period to last anywhere between three to seven days. Cycle length also has a range between 21 and 40 days so there’s no standard number of days. Just be sure to take note of your own patterns and what is normal for your body.
Myth: You should take antibiotics after your period.
Fact: Antibiotics are meant to treat infections and your period is not an infection so there is no need to take antibiotics after your period. Unless there is a problem like a foul odor from the vagina and for this you should see a doctor instead of self medicating.
Myth: Exercise is bad for you during your period
Fact: Exercise is almost always good for you. And if you’re one who has cramps during your period, the chemicals released during exercise actually help relieve the pain.
So, make adjustments where you need to, and definitely spread the truth about menstrual cycles!
