7 Period Myths

With the internet at our fingertips we are now able to discover lots of information about periods. However, amongst all the helpful advice, there’s also a bit of nonsense too. That’s why I thought it would be a good idea to clear up some of the (sometimes crazy) myths surrounding periods!

Myth 1: You’re more likely to be attacked by an animal

There’s a rumour floating around that you are more likely to be attacked by sharks whilst on your period and, even more bizarrely, that brown bears are attracted to the scent of period blood. Sounds a little silly, right?

Well, to clear up these issues once and for all, research has actually been conducted. Yellowstone National Park analysed all bear attacks on their grounds to ascertain whether menstruation had any influence. They found, rather unsurprisingly, that most attacks on women occurred by accident when the individual came across a bear whilst hiking. So, their conclusion was that no link could be drawn between the females attacked at Yellowstone and menstruation. Phew!

So, what about sharks? Well, if you’re heading off to Australia any time soon you really needn’t worry about venturing into the sea…

The amount of blood you pass during the course of your period is miniscule, especially if that blood is then dispersed into the sea. This means a shark would have to be right next to you in order to detect it. Not convinced? Just think of this – the Great White Shark can detect one drop of blood in about 100 litres of water. That is about 1/25,000th of what’s in an Olympic-sized swimming pool! If sharks were able to detect every drop of blood in the ocean they’d be quickly overwhelmed!

So, sharks and bears, it would seem, do not pose an increased threat to women when they are on their period.

Myth 2: You can’t swim or bathe

Talking about swimming, one of the most common misconceptions young girls have when they start their period is that they won’t be able to swim or have a bath. Ok, so most of us know this one simply isn’t true.

From the moon cup to good old fashioned tampons, there are a variety of menstrual products that enable us to swim comfortably whilst on our periods. As for baths, well these can actually help to ease period cramps so are a bit of a savior when it’s your time of the month.

This particular myth however, may have started out as fact. Although tampons were available before the 1970s, maxi pads were not and as a result many women relied upon a sanitary belt during their period. This wrapped around the waist and had clips at the front and back to hold a piece of cotton in place. This doesn’t sound very comfortable for day-to-day wear but it was even less conducive to water-based activities.

Therefore, a lack of menstrual products in times gone by made swimming and bathing difficult. However, fortunately menstrual products have advanced significantly since the days of the menstrual belt and now it is safe to say if you want to head to the pool or dig out the bubble bath when you are on your period, go ahead!

Myth 3: People can tell when you’re menstruating

This is another worry faced by girls at the start of their period journey – what if their classmates can tell they’re on their period? What if people stare?

Well, yet again this is a good old myth. Menstrual products are now so discreet that you can run, jump, skateboard, dance, even fly and no one would have a clue that you were on your period.

However, spare a thought for the women who had to deal with periods before the introduction of menstrual pads. Many complained that the bulky sanitary belt could be seen through their clothes!