Busting Period Myths: 9 Common Myths, Debunked

Why myths about periods matter

Periods are part of life for most girls and women. Yet they are still wrapped in myths. Some myths cause shame. Others stop people from getting help when they need it. Here are nine common myths, and the facts.

Myth 1: Period blood is dirty or impure

Fact: Period blood is not dirty or impure. It is blood and tissue from the lining of the womb, which sheds each month when there is no pregnancy. A regular period is a sign of a healthy body. Good hygiene simply means changing your pad or product regularly and washing the outside of your genital area with plain water. You do not need soaps or washes inside the vagina.

Myth 2: You must not touch pickles or enter the kitchen

Fact: A period does not spoil food or make anyone impure. Girls and women can cook, eat with their families, touch anything in the kitchen and go anywhere they like during their periods.

Myth 3: You cannot get pregnant during your period

Fact: It is less likely, but it is possible. Sperm can live in the body for up to five days. If your cycle is short, you may ovulate soon after your period ends, so sex during your period can lead to pregnancy. No day of the cycle is fully safe. If you want to avoid pregnancy, talk to a doctor about contraception.

Myth 4: Severe period pain is normal

Fact: Mild cramps are common. Severe pain is not something you have to put up with. Severe period pain can be caused by conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids, and a doctor can help. For painkillers, ask a doctor or pharmacist which one is right for you.

Myth 5: Every girl has a 28-day cycle

Fact: Cycles differ from person to person. For adults, a cycle of 21 to 35 days is normal. In the first few years after periods start, cycles of up to 45 days are common. Noting the first day of each period helps you learn what is normal for you. Try our period and ovulation calculator.

Myth 6: You should not exercise during your period

Fact: No activity is off limits during your period. Many people find that movement eases cramps, bloating and low mood. If you feel tired, go lighter that day. Listen to your body.

Myth 7: PMS is all in your head

Fact: PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is real. Hormone changes in the days before a period can cause mood swings, tiredness, irritability, bloating and sore breasts. If PMS makes it hard to get through your days, see a doctor. Help is available.

Myth 8: A tampon can get lost inside you

Fact: A tampon cannot get lost. The opening of the cervix, at the top of the vagina, is far too small for a tampon to pass through. A tampon can sit high up and be hard to reach, especially if you are tense. Relax, squat and try again. If you cannot remove a tampon yourself, see a doctor the same day. A tampon left in for too long can cause a serious infection.

Myth 9: You should not swim during your period

Fact: Swimming during your period is safe. Use a tampon or a menstrual cup, because a pad does not work in water. Your flow may seem to slow in the water, but it does not stop. Swimming is good exercise and can ease cramps.

Want to check more beliefs? Read our myths and facts page, or take our menstrual quiz.

When to see a doctor

• Period pain keeps you away from school, college or work, gets worse each month, or painkillers do not help.
• You soak through a pad every hour or two, or your period lasts more than seven days.
• You cannot remove a tampon or cup yourself.
• You get a sudden high fever, rash, vomiting or dizziness while using a tampon or cup. Remove it and get medical help at once.
• Your period is late and you could be pregnant.
• Your cycle is often shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days (longer than 45 days in the first few years after periods start), or your periods stop for three months and you are not pregnant.
• You bleed between periods or after sex.

Have a question about your period? Call our menstrual helpline on 85888 70999. It answers at any hour.

FAQs

Is period blood dirty?

No. It is blood and tissue from the lining of the womb. A period does not make anyone impure, and it does not spoil food.

Can you get pregnant during your period?

Yes, it is possible. Sperm can live for up to five days, and ovulation can come early. No day is fully safe, so talk to a doctor about contraception if you want to avoid pregnancy.

Is severe period pain normal?

No. Mild cramps are common, but severe pain can be a sign of a condition such as endometriosis. See a doctor.

How long is a normal cycle?

For adults, 21 to 35 days. In the first few years after periods start, cycles of up to 45 days are common.

Is it safe to exercise or swim during my period?

Yes. No activity is off limits. For swimming, use a tampon or a menstrual cup.

Can a tampon get lost inside me?

No. The cervix is too small for a tampon to pass through. If you cannot remove one yourself, see a doctor the same day.

In short

Periods are normal and healthy, not dirty or shameful. You can cook, exercise, swim and live your day as usual. Severe pain is not normal, pregnancy is possible on any day, and a doctor can help when something feels wrong.

About Pinkishe Foundation

Pinkishe Foundation is a specialist implementation organisation for menstrual health. We deliver, reliably, in schools and communities across India. Support our work with a donation.

Learn more

• Period and ovulation calculator
• Menstrual myths and facts
• Test your knowledge: take our menstrual quiz