Do you ever wonder why you are told not to talk openly about menstrual hygiene?
Why are you asked not to eat certain foods or enter religious places during periods?
Don’t the taboos surrounding menstrual health bother you as a woman?
To be honest, the modern generation of self-dependent women hates the taboos that are associated with menstrual hygiene. Gone are the days when the concept of periods used to be a ‘hush-hush’ matter, and women would be kept at gunpoint for bleeding every month for a certain number of days.
The question all women want to scream and ask is- “Why doesn’t society treat periods normally just like any other physical condition?” or “Why does society make us feel guilty about getting periods?”
I doubt if society can give logical explanations to the above-stated questions but the Best Gynecologist in HSR Layout, Bangalore will provide. However, today, I will be addressing some common misconceptions that every individual must know about feminine menstrual health.
Common Misconceptions About Menstrual Hygiene
- Myth: Having periods? Don’t enter temples.
When girls are on periods, they are often said, “Don’t enter the kitchen”, “Don’t be a part of religious ceremonies”, and “Don’t enter temples.”
But why?
The reason is girls in their periods are often considered impure. However, no justification supports the myth. Periods signify that a young girl is attaining puberty and has been blessed with the capacity to reproduce.
- Myth: Hide the sanitary pads in a newspaper
When we go to the shop to buy sanitary pads, the shops will cover them in newspapers and sometimes in black plastic bags to protect the privacy of the products.
But why treat sanitary pads as hidden explosives?
Women buy sanitary pads because it is a necessity. Just like buying toothpaste and shampoos for regular usage, sanitary napkins are a must-have essential commodity for all women who experience their monthly cycle.
- Myth: Missed periods? You are pregnant
Missing periods may signify hormonal changes, stress, or an unhealthy lifestyle. It might also point to other gynaecological issues that can be diagnosed only after seeing a doctor.
So, stop panicking. Do take a pregnancy test, but at the same time, visit a gynaecologist who will be able to make you aware of your health conditions.
- Myth: Eating curd during periods can cause painful periods
There is no restriction on food only because a girl is on periods. It is generally said that eating certain specific foods like curd, pickles, or any sour items can cause problems in the menstrual cycle.
However, food habits shouldn’t depend on general assumptions. There are usually no restrictions on foods just because you are having periods. Restrictions on food may be because of other prevailing health conditions that can affect overall well-being.
- Myth: It’s not okay to share a bed with a menstruating woman
A period is not a communicable disease. One needs to understand that sharing beds, utensils, or clothes does not make the other individual bleed.
Girls get periods when they attain puberty. It is a biological process and has nothing to do with the touch of other women who are on their periods.
- Myth: Avoid physical activities during your menstrual cycle
There is no proven fact that physical activities during the menstrual cycle can harm the body. However, staying active will be helpful for your body and mind. It may also help to reduce menstrual cramps and aid in a healthy menstrual cycle.
Discuss the types of exercises that suit your body with an expert. Avoiding too many strenuous activities when one is on period may be a good idea.When a girl has periods every month, it doesn’t signify that she is impure or she is unhealthy. Not having regular periods is problematic and may raise questions about a woman’s reproductive health. If a woman is having problems in the menstrual cycle, it’s essential to visit a gynecologist as soon as possible. Stay informed, stay healthy, and do not pay heed to misconceptions that may pose a threat to your well-being.