No one would have come in this world if it wasn’t for this biological clock. However, it is seen as something impure and has many myths revolving around it.
If you are on your period, you cannot enter a temple or touch a jar of pickle. Most of the females may have faced this.
But is it true that touching a jar or pickle – while menstruating – makes it sour? Or it is one of the myths associated with menses.
Let me debunk six such common myths. So, let’s begin.
Six Common Myths
After researching, I have accumulated six common myths in India.
1. Myth: You can’t enter a puja room or kitchen while on a period.
Fact: It is based on the myth that period blood is impure, and if a female enters a kitchen, she may spoil the food. Touching a jar of pickle makes it sour or ruins it. Besides, she cannot do puja as she is impure.
However, no research can support this myth.
The main point here is to maintain hygiene, such as changing pads frequently and washing your hands with soap and water every time you use a washroom.
2. It would be best if you didn’t do strenuous activities or exercises during menses.
Fact: Previously, women were not allowed to socialize and were informed to rest as if they were sick. The truth is that menses is not a disease or disability.
Many females have terrible abdominal pain during menses and may think exercise will worsen it. The fact, however, is that exercise reduces menstrual cramps. Women athletes even play the Olympic games during periods. Fu Yuanhui is one such example who participated in the 4×100 meter relay while menstruating.
3. Don’t wash hair or take a shower if you are menstruating.
Fact: The fact is entirely the opposite. There is no reason why you can’t take a shower or wash your hair. Instead, a nice warm bath can help in relieving premenstrual tension and menstrual cramps.
4. You can’t go swimming.
Fact: It is absolutely safe to swim during your menses. The myth originated when menstrual cups or tampons were popular. It was a concern related to hygiene and not to menses per se. Any body fluid, such as urine, feces, or menstrual blood, can contaminate the water. If you use tampons or cups, you will not taint the water.
5. Sex is unsafe during periods.
Fact: While period sex can be messy, if precautions are taken to maintain hygiene, there is no reason why sex is unsafe. Instead, sex during periods helps to relieve menstrual cramps.
6. You can’t get pregnant if you have sex during menses.
Fact: Although the chances are scarce, it is not entirely true. Ovulation – a period when your ovaries release eggs – is essential for getting pregnant. Ovulation occurs after periods, and thus menses is considered as a safe period.
However, if you have a longer cycle or an irregular cycle, your fertile period may coincide with menses. So, unless you use a hormonal pill, intrauterine device, or other forms of contraception, there may still be a chance of you getting pregnant.
It is thus a great idea to practice protected and safe sex.
Wrapping it up!!
There are multiple myths associated with menses, especially in India. Educating women, distributing pads to females in rural areas who cannot afford them, and increasing awareness are some methods to combat these myths.
Disclaimer: Indian Health Bureau does not claim any responsibility for the information contained in this article. The information may not hold good for everyone. The post is for general awareness only and should not be construed as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Please consult your doctor to know what is good for you.
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