The National Rural Health Mission, launched by the Government of India has listed common Myths and Facts held by many girls and women in India. How similar is this to your community?
What are some of the myths and misconceptions about menstruation?
Myth: Menstrual flow is dirty and unclean.
Fact: No, the menstrual blood is clean, comprising of pure blood and body tissue
Myth: The menstrual discharge consists of blood only.
Fact: No, the lining of uterus is shed together with the blood from the ruptured blood vessels of the lining.
Myth: You become weak, because you lose menstrual blood.
Fact: You remain healthy and fit even when you are having your menstrual period.
Myth: Nutrition does not affect the length of time between periods.
Fact: It does. Only a healthy body can have proper interplay of hormones, which cause the menstruation.
Myth: Menstrual cramps are due to cold drinks or showers or bath.
Fact: Menstrual cramps are because the uterus is contracting to shed the uterine lining and blood.
Myth: If a woman crosses the path of another menstruating woman, she could become infertile.
Fact: No, this myth has no basis.
Myth: Sex during periods is harmful
Fact: Sex is not harmful during periods, but is not advised, as to avoid infections.
Myth: After the first period, females have periods after every 28 days.
Fact: No, it varies between 26 to 45 days.
Myth: In teenagers, missing a period means pregnancy.
Fact: No, the menstrual cycle could also be affected by stress, illnesses, poor nutrition or exercise.
Myth: A woman loses a lot of blood during menstruation.
Fact: No, in case of normal bleeding that lasts for 5 days she loses only
2 - 4 tablespoonful of blood (25-60 cc), but enough to cause anaemia if proper nutrition is not taken.
Myth: Normal daily activities such as offering prayers, entering kitchen, wearing new clothes, touching people should be prohibited.
Fact: Menstruation should not be seen as an obstacle to daily activities. Practices such as these must be discouraged.
Myth: Excessive sweets leads to excessive menstruation.
Fact: No, sweets do not lead to excessive menstruation.
