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In this post, we will explore the most common period myths and finally set them straight. Have you believed any of these?
Every month, approximately half of the world’s population experiences something entirely natural and yet, for centuries, often shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding: menstruation. Despite being a fundamental aspect of human biology, menstruation has been the subject of countless myths, misconceptions, and taboos.
Welcome to The 20 Period Myths Busted. From the bizarre and outdated beliefs to the surprisingly common misconceptions, we’ve compiled a list of 20-period myths that desperately need debunking.
Why is this important, you ask? Because misinformation can lead to discomfort, stigma, and even health risks. By arming ourselves with accurate knowledge about menstruation, we can break free from the constraints of misinformation and foster a more open, informed, and supportive conversation about a topic that impacts us all.
So, whether you’re here to challenge long-held beliefs, support a friend, or simply satisfy your curiosity, let’s unravel these 20 common misconceptions.
20 Period Myths Busted
1. You can’t use an IUD unless you’ve had a Baby. FALSE
You may absolutely use an IUD if you haven’t had a child yet. This misconception stemmed from the early days when the IUD came out. Doctors were afraid it would be difficult to insert and would require additional resources and time for cervical dilation, a temporary nerve block, or ultrasound, to correctly place the IUD.
This led to the misconception that IUDs were riskier for women who haven’t had a child yet due to the increased risk of expulsion (where it comes out), although, this is proven to be false. If anything it is lower and insertion before 6 weeks after a woman has had a child can increase the expulsion risk.
Once this restriction was lifted, many medical professionals continued to caution younger women and those who haven’t had a child yet. But rest assured you may get an IUD if you want one.
2. You can get pregnant any day of your cycle. FALSE
I feel like this was a scare tactic that turned into a complete misunderstanding of the menstrual cycle. I guess if you don’t know where you are in your cycle, your best bet is to upgrade to a fertile day (meaning possible to get pregnant) just in case. But this also causes much confusion about how the menstrual cycle actually works.
You have only 6 — maybe 7 days — out of your cycle that you can actually get pregnant. You have the 5 days that cervical mucus can keep sperm alive, plus the day of ovulation, equalling a 6-day fertile window.
This is the week your app shows and what that means. BUT, keep in mind your app can’t predict ovulation. It is NOT connected to your body (unless you are using something like Natural Cycles, which still doesn’t really predict but can help confirm if ovulation took place), so use your app as a tool rather than a hard guide.
Your best bet is to learn the fertility awareness tools to help track ovulation using cervical mucus, basal body temperature, and or cervical position. This can help you learn about your body better, take your health into your own hands, and help prevent pregnancy with up to 98% accuracy.
3. You can’t get pregnant during your period. FALSE
You can get pregnant during your period, but, it is generally a lower risk. This all goes back to your 6-day fertile window. If it overlaps your period then yes, you can get pregnant.
This tends to occur more in women with longer periods, short cycles of less than like 26 days, and longer luteal phases. The earlier times during your period are generally lower risk but as you approach the end the risk tends to increase.
Remember your follicular phase (the time between the first day of your period and ovulation) can change in length. Sometimes stress and other factors can cause your cycle to shorten. Generally, this causes longer cycles but has been known to cause shortened as well.
This is why I recommend tracking and charting your cycle to understand your cycle pattern and what’s normal for you. Start tracking your cervical mucus which can indicate rising estrogen as you approach ovulation during your fertile window.
Generally, your period is off-limits at the start of charting your cycle, because it can be difficult to see if you have any cervical mucus while on your period. But once you get the hang of it and learn your cycle you can make the decision that is right for you.
4. Periods should be painful and miserable. FALSE
Your period shouldn’t be the end-all. Unfortunately, this is very common.
If your period is disrupting your life with terrible cramps, really heavy bleeding, menacing mood swings or anxiety/ depression, lack of sleep, annoying or severe breakouts, or any other symptoms that are more than just a little inconvenient I would follow up with a doctor, naturopath, gyno, nutritionist or women’s health expert to help identify the root causes so you don’t have to suffer or at least understand why this is happening. DON’T TAKE “THIS IS NORMAL AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU” FOR AN ANSWER. Advocate for yourself I have some tips here.
Obviously, hormones fluctuate, so you may get some mild cramping, changes to mood, and appetite, and maybe a little bloating, but nothing that is so severe that it disrupts your daily routine.
It is completely normal to not feel like doing the same things you did in the previous weeks. This is due to the shift in hormones estrogen and progesterone. So if you feel more like a homebody before your period, this is normal, don’t feel like you have to push yourself.
5. You shouldn’t work out on your period. FALSE
There’s a ton of information on cycle syncing. Which is usually very helpful, and gives the perspective that it is okay to rest during your period. This is great.
But don’t get it twisted that you can’t work out during your period if you feel up to it. If you have all the energy and want to go do a workout that is outside the usually recommended walks and softer yoga, then, by all means, go do that. Working out can help increase blood circulation, release endorphins ease pain, and help with mood.
Just be sure to nourish your body hydrate and get good sleep as always.
6. You ovulate on day 14 and your cycle is 28 days long. FALSE
This is another common narrative that confuses people. the common 28-day cycle originated as many women do have cycles that are 28 days long, It also follows the lunar cycles, but teaching methods also use this 28-day cycle along with common birth control pill packs. So I get why 28 days became a thing.
Not everyone will have a 28-day cycle, it is normal to have a cycle that falls in the 24-36-day range. You could even have a cycle that falls outside of this range and it still can be healthy and normal for you. Everyone’s cycle is different.
With the 28-day “rule”, the notion that ovulation occurs on day 14 spread like fire and still confuses many women. With the app generation, I’m seeing more women understand that it won’t always take place on day 14 because their app will circle a different day (although you can’t rely on this either as I stated earlier)
But why is this a thing? Because if you have a 28-day cycle, generally luteal phase length (between ovulation and period) is about 14 days so 28-14 days equals day 14.
This is a problem because not everyone has a luteal phase length of 14 days, nor is everyone’s cycle 28 days long.
7. Your period should always be on time. FALSE
Generally speaking, if you aren’t on any form of birth control and are in your peak reproductive years you should have a fairly consistent pattern emerge and should get your period regularly.
There are many times when it is normal for it not to be on time. This includes phases of your life like puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding periods, menopause, or if you started a hormonal contraceptive or took an emergency contraption. Also, times of significant stress can also affect your cycle length like illness, physical or mental stress, diet changes, workout changes, travel, etc.
If your cycle was regular before and has recently become consistently irregular or disappeared I would look into this as it could indicate something is up.
If your cycle was just irregular one month and is normal now then I wouldn’t worry too much about it. And if you are in a particular phase it can be normal for it to be irregular as well.
8. Mood changes are not normal. FALSE
As I mentioned above, some mood changes and wants, and needs will change throughout your cycle. There are several hormone fluctuations that occur throughout your cycle that can impact the way you feel, think, perceive yourself, and how you want to exert yourself.
Try to not put so much pressure on yourself for how you are feeling. It is completely normal to not want to do the same things as you did the previous week while you were about to ovulate. Workouts may become harder, appetite may rise and rest needs may increase. Honor your body.
However, if you find there is a big impact on your mood with anxiety, depression, or irritability then perhaps we need some extra support and I would check this out.
My three favorite vitamin and mineral supplements for mood swings and PMS are magnesium, B6 (P5P form), and zinc. Be sure to talk to your doctor before supplementing.
9. You can’t swim on your period. FALSE
There seem to be some misconceptions that if you swim on your period it will stop your period, which is “bad for your health”, or this myth, that if you swim in an ocean you’ll attract sharks. These are false.
You may absolutely swim on your period, Just be sure to use a tampon or cup for your flow. Your period won’t stop but the pressure from the water can slow down your bleed from coming out, but it won’t top it altogether.
10. You can’t get pregnant using the withdrawal method. FALSE
The withdrawal method, or “pull-out method”, seems to be about 80% effective. It requires your partner to ‘pull out’ effectively before ejaculation. And yes you can get pregnant using it.
This heavily relies on how good your partner is at pulling out effectively and can be easy to get lost in the moment. Not to mention that some men have sperm in their pre-ejaculatory fluid. It seems to be they either have it or they don’t, but you won’t really know unless your man gets testing done.
Remember any time there is cervical mucus present, it can keep sperm alive for up to five days. So if you ovulate within that time period, you could get pregnant. This is why it is so helpful to learn how to chart your cycle for ovulation.
11. All irregular periods are bad. FALSE
As I mentioned above there are times in your life when an irregular cycle can be totally normal.
These include puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and illness. Even certain prescription drugs can cause cycle irregularities, and of course, if you are on a form of birth control.
Having a cycle that differs a few days each month can be normal. But if there is a wide difference between each cycle like having a cycle that is 26 days then 35 then 24 then 40, or if you have more than 3 irregular cycles within a year or two back-to-back that are irregular or skipped then I would look into this.
12. Having sex during your period is bad. FALSE
You may have sex during your period, it is not bad. Some women even feel more frisky at this time due to hormone fluctuations. So if you and your partner are cool with it then by all means enjoy. Maybe just throw a towel down in case.
Keep in mind pregnancy risk as mentioned above. Also at the time of your period, the natural antibacterial ‘mucus plug’ that blocks the entrance through the cervix into the uterus is ‘dissolved’ due to hormone shifts, Some say these shifts and higher pH due to menstrual blood may put you at higher risk of yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. So just be aware of that and take normal precautions as always.
A healthy diet, sleep, and good probiotic or suppository can help to establish a healthy vaginal microbiome that can help protect you against these types of imbalances, or if you happen to get one.
13. Your period should last one week. FALSE
A period of 7 days is a general statement. Your period should fall within the seven-day range, maybe 8, but if it goes longer than this or is very heavy it could be a red flag.
We want to see a period of at least 2 days with one of those days being medium or heavy bleeding. We want to see this as it represents that the lining of your uterus is building up effectively. If it is lighter than this it may indicate lower hormone levels and increase miscarriage risk or trouble conceiving.
If you find you are getting multiple periods per month or it seems to trickle on and on this is something you would want to look into as well, as you may not be ovulating.
14. Tampons take your virginity. FALSE
Tampons certainly do not take your virginity, and you may use them if you have not had intercourse yet. This came from the fact that it may ‘break’ your hymen, which is a piece of tissue covering or surrounding a part of your vagina. But this can thin and tear over time like from sports or an active lifestyle.
If you just got your period, perhaps start with a slightly smaller ‘lighter days’ tampon if you’re nervous about inserting it.
15. Everyone gets PMS and is cranky. FALSE
Not everyone will experience PMS and such mood fluctuations. Period and fertility troubles are becoming more prominent due to the external environment, pollution, chemicals in our household, food and drinking water, increase in the use of drugs and alcohol, diet, sleep habits and exercise habits.
All of these combined can worsen PMS and create cycle irregularities. A difference in genetics can also play a role, in how well we detox our bodies and if we are predisposed to developing certain diseases fed by our lifestyle choices.
But there are certainly many women and menstruators who go about their day with smooth cycles and easy periods, and that’s what I’m here to teach you how to do.
16. You should get your period by age 13. FALSE
Most women or menstruators get their period between the ages of 8 and 16. If you are 15-16 and have yet to have a first period you can get checked at the doctor to be sure everything is okay. Keep in mind if you are very active or at a lower body weight this can impact when your period will come as well. I didn’t get mine until right before I turned 16, I was in soccer and gymnastics and was at a lower body fat percentage.
Also if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity this can also put a hamper on your period from starting. You can get checked for this as well, but keep in mind you ahve to be eating gluten to see if you are positive.
Due to environmental factors and genetics, some girls get their period earlier and this seems to be present more these days than in the past.
17. If you miss your period you are pregnant. FALSE
If you miss your period and have been sexually active, please check if you are worried.
As I mentioned above there are many other reasons for a missed or late period — puberty, peri-menopause, illness, medications, birth control, stress, diet, weight loss or gain, and exercise changes.
18. A tampon or cup can get lost. FALSE
There’s only one way in and one way out. A tampon or cup can not get lost, although it may seem like it, it is there.
Take a deep breath and relax. Do NOT put anything else up there trying to get it out. If you really can’t get it out you may go to your local clinic or emergency department for some help. Trust me they won’t judge you, this isn’t something new. It’s better to get the tampon out than leave it in there to not increase the risk of tts.
19. It’s fine to skip your period. FALSE
This one has a few variations.
If you are on a form of birth control like the pill or nuvaring and you have an event coming up and want to ‘skip’ your ‘period’ you may. Just go onto the next ring or pill pack and skip the placebo pills. Keep in mind you may see some spotting but it generally should be way lighter than your usual bleed.
When medical professionals say there isn’t a need to bleed medically they are referring to the bleed you get while on the pill, which is a withdrawal bleed from the hormones and not a true period (a true period follows ovulation). This is just built-up lining from estrogen and indeed there’s no medical reason to bleed. However, if you keep skipping you will likely bleed at some point due to the overflow of your lining.
But, this is where I disagree. Medically there are advantages to getting your period regularly and this is due to ovulation, as ovulation leads to a true period. Ovulation is how we make a mass majority of our progesterone which helps with mood, anxiety, depression, metabolism, bone health, and levels out exposure to estrogen. — READ HERE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A TRUE PERIOD.
Note that the progestin in birth control is different than your body’s natural progesterone and does not have the same benefits. It can actually increase mood disorders.
20. Your period is just blood. FALSE
Your period is actually a mixture of cervical mucus like the dissolved mucus plug or cervical mucus in the event your fertile window overlaps your period, vaginal secretions, and endometrial tissue. This tissue is often mistaken for blood clots.
Conclusion
Period myths have persisted for far too long, often fueled by the unnecessary taboo surrounding menstruation. But now, you’ve taken a step towards breaking those chains. By reaching the end of this post, you’ve armed yourself with accurate knowledge about period and menstrual health.
Congratulations, you’re now a more informed period expert! Don’t let this knowledge stop with you. Share it with your friends, family, and anyone else who can benefit. Whether it’s understanding cycle length, debunking pregnancy myths, or even contemplating swimming with sharks during your period, this newfound wisdom will undoubtedly come in handy.
