Most people know only the basic information about periods. For example, many people think that periods occur at the same time every month or PMS is just a trick to justify a bad mood. It is extremely important to debunk such myths since they can lead to misunderstandings about your period.
In this article, we have gathered six facts about periods you should be aware of.
1. Some women have extremely severe periods
One of the most common myths about periods is that menstrual cramps are not severe. But the reality is that some women have such severe pain and cramping that they have to spend a day or two in bed.
This is because there are certain conditions that can make your periods more painful. The most common of them are endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease. So if you experience severe pain during periods, it is better to undergo a thorough examination and treatment.
2. You still can get pregnant during periods
Another common misconception is that a woman can’t conceive if she is menstruating. Even though the chances of getting pregnant are lower during periods, conception is still possible.
Ovulation can occur at the end of your period, especially if your menstrual cycle is short. Additionally, the sperm can remain active for five days in the female reproductive tract. So if you release an egg during this period, the sperm can fertilize it.
3. PMS can cause severe symptoms
Many people think that premenstrual syndrome means only mood swings and pelvic pain before periods. Indeed, some women don’t have any symptoms of PMS or experience only mild discomfort. But you should know that PMS affects as many as 3 in 4 women and can cause quite severe symptoms that usually occur in the week or two before the start of a period. They include headaches, severe pelvic pain, fatigue, bloating, high or low blood pressure, and severe mood shifts.
4. Sex and exercise can make your periods less painful
If you abandon sex and exercise during periods due to pelvic pain and discomfort, it’s high time to change your mind. The reality is that orgasms and exercise increase the production of endorphins. These chemicals can help improve your mood and even ease your pain and cramping. But if you suffer from unbearable pain during periods, it is better to contact your gynecologist.
5. Menstrual cycles don’t always last 28 days
Even though the average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days, it doesn’t mean that your cycle should be the same. A woman’s menstrual cycle can range from 21 days to 35 days, depending on her age and various other health factors. The main thing is that your cycle should be regular. But if your cycle is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, it can be a sign of a certain condition.
6. There are a lot of causes of missed periods
Some people think that pregnancy can be deemed the only cause of missed periods (amenorrhea). But the reality is that there are some other factors that can affect your menstrual cycle and make your periods late. For example, stress, rapid weight gain or loss, excessive exercising, thyroid malfunctions, and polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to missed periods. Additionally, your periods may disappear when your ovaries stop ovulation during menopause or due to premature ovarian failure.
The bottom line
It is important to understand that most myths about periods are groundless and outdated. If you experience severe pain or other symptoms before and during periods, don’t delay your gynecological exam.
