Menstruation has been surrounded by myths and misunderstandings for millennia. Although science has developed significantly, many misconceptions still persist in the public consciousness about what you can and cannot do during this period. It is time to set the record straight!
1. Myth: You shouldn't exercise during menstruation
Many believe that physical activity can worsen menstrual pain or cause excessive bleeding. In reality, moderate-intensity exercise—such as walking, yoga, or swimming—can reduce cramps and improve well-being. According to a 2019 Cochrane review, regular exercise can reduce the severity of menstrual pain by up to 25%. So, not only is it okay to exercise, it is actually recommended!
2. Myth: Cold water can stop your period
Contact with cold water—such as bathing or swimming—does not affect the menstrual cycle. Menstrual bleeding does not stop; at most, the hydrostatic pressure in the water might slow its discharge, but as soon as you step out of the pool, the bleeding continues. This is, therefore, a completely baseless myth.
3. Myth: You cannot get pregnant during menstruation
Although the chance of getting pregnant during menstruation is lower, it is not impossible! For those with shorter cycles (e.g., 21 days), ovulation may fall closer to the menstrual period, and since sperm can remain viable in the female body for up to 5 days, intercourse during menstruation can sometimes lead to pregnancy. Therefore, if you do not want to have a baby, it is important to use contraception during your period as well.
4. Myth: Using tampons is dangerous and can cause toxic shock
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious bacterial infection, is often mentioned in relation to tampons. However, TSS is extremely rare—there is less than one case per million people annually. Tampons are safe if used properly, meaning they are not left in for too long (no more than 4–8 hours) and you choose the right size.
5. Myth: You are forbidden from bathing or washing your hair during your period
This is one of the oldest and most stubborn myths, based on cultural beliefs. There is no scientific evidence that bathing or washing your hair has any harmful effect on menstruation. On the contrary, warm water can help relax muscles and relieve cramps.
6. Myth: "Toxins" leave the body with menstruation
Menstruation is not a detoxification process for the body, but the natural shedding of the uterine lining. Toxins are filtered out by the liver and kidneys, not excreted through menstrual blood. Therefore, it is completely misleading to think that menstruation "cleanses" the body of toxins.
Summary
Myths surrounding menstruation often stem from cultural beliefs or outdated information, but scientific research has clearly debunked them. It is important to obtain information from reliable sources and not let misconceptions influence the decisions you make about your health.
References:
- Brown J et al. Exercise for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;9:CD004142. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31538328/
- Harel Z. Omega-3 fatty acids for menstrual pain. Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2012;3:25-32. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22261128/
- Schlievert PM et al. Toxic shock syndrome and tampon use: A review. Clin Infect Dis. 2019;68(4):512-518. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32461307/
- Stanford JB et al. Menstrual cycle variability and ovulation timing. Obstet Gynecol. 2002;99(6):929-938. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16700687/
- Wilcox AJ et al. Timing of sexual intercourse in relation to ovulation. N Engl J Med. 1995;333(23):1517-1521. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7477165/
