By EKalman December 10, 2021 - 3:04am

There are a lot of various myths and misconceptions about periods. For example, some people think that periods always occur at the same time each month while others believe that periods are not painful and many women just pretend that they feel bad. To provide you with truthful information, we have gathered these six common myths about periods that you shouldn't believe in.

1. Periods can't be extremely painful
It is important to understand that every woman is different and the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman. For example, some women experience only mild discomfort during periods that last only three or four days. At the same time, there are many women who experience severe pain and discomfort during periods that interfere with their schedule.

In many cases, this pain is caused by some underlying condition. That's why it is better to contact a gynecologist. If you experience severe pain during periods.

2. You can't take a bath during periods
Many people believe that a woman can’t take a bath during menstruation because you can get an infection through water. The reality is that there is no wound in the uterus during periods that can be infected.

However, it is recommended to use a tampon during taking a bath or swimming and remove it afterward. You should also know that taking a warm bath during periods can actually relieve the pain and improve your well-being since the warm water eases menstrual cramps.

3. You need to stay in bed during periods
As mentioned above, every woman goes through periods in her own way. If you experience severe pain, headaches, and other unpleasant symptoms that worsen your condition during periods, you can stay in bed. But if you feel okay, there is no reason to be a couch potato.

On the contrary, mild physical activity boosts the production of endorphins that can improve your mood and your painful sensations. Indeed, it is not recommended to work out hard during periods but you can always take a walk or do yoga.

4. It is impossible to get pregnant during periods
One of the most popular myths about periods is that a woman can't get pregnant if she is menstruating. Even though the likelihood of getting pregnant is much lower during periods, it is not zero.

Sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for 5 days. So if you start ovulating during these 5 days, you can easily conceive. That's why it is better to use condoms during sex even if you are menstruating.
5. Periods occur once a month
Another common misconception is that periods occur once a month at the same time. But the reality is that the length of a menstrual cycle can vary in every woman. For example, one woman can have periods every 25 days while another woman can have periods every 32 days.

It is important to understand that periods that occur too rarely or two often can be a reason for concern since there are a lot of conditions that can affect the length of your menstrual cycle.

6. Missed periods always mean pregnancy
Most women think that they are pregnant if their periods don't occur in time. Indeed, pregnancy is deemed one of the most common causes of missed periods. But you should know that there are a lot of other factors that can also make you skip a few periods in a row. The most common of them are:
- Stress
- Weight gain or loss
- Excessive exercising
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Premature ovarian failure
- Thyroid disorders
- Menopause
- Certain medications

That's why it is better to contact your gynecologist and undergo a thorough examination if you have missed periods.