While it certainly feels less taboo to talk about some women’s health issues like menopause, sexual health, and infertility – it seems period health is still frequently seen as “off limits” and remains shrouded in myths and misconceptions. This is a problem, especially as new research reveals that millions of women are so negatively impacted by period pain, heavy bleeding and other menstrual challenges, they will often alter their daily routines.
Symptoms can have such a disruptive effect on some women’s lives that, at some time, nine in 10 women wished they didn’t menstruate at all. A study, commissioned by Evana and Ultravana, over-the-counter treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding and period pain, also found that almost half the women who were surveyed (49%), wrongly believe they have to accept period problems – despite the ready availability of effective treatments.
Many women don’t even ask their GP about disruptive symptoms, despite the fact that they could be a sign of a serious health condition such as endometriosis or cancer. GP Dr Janine David says: “While it’s true that menstruation is part of being a woman, that does not mean it has to be painful or impinge on our daily lives. In truth, there is a lot that can be done to relieve troubling menstrual symptoms, particularly with the push towards improving self-care options and medicines being switched from prescription-only to becoming available over-the-counter, after speaking to a pharmacist.
Sukhi Basra, independent pharmacist and vice-chair of theNational Pharmacy Association, adds:“Given the extent and impact that period problems can have, it’s extraordinary there is still reluctance to discuss menstrual health, not to mention the tsunami of myths and misinformation.”
Here are just some of the most pervasive:
MYTH: YOU CAN’T GET PREGNANT ON YOUR PERIOD
Fact: It’s far less likely to happen, but it can. Only 30% of women have their “fertile window” between days 10 and 17 of their period and most experts believe sperm survive for up to five days in the vagina – although one study reported survival up to 12 days, and even after menstruation. So, if you ovulate earlier and have sex during your period, there is a chance of pregnancy as a result of sperm waiting in the vagina.
MYTH: AVOID EXERCISE AND SWIMMING WHENYOU ARE MENSTRUATING
Fact: The new research found that 13% of women have avoided exercise, work or socialising, yet 53% have found exercise helpful during their period. Just Swim, a Swim England programme, says there’s no reason not to swim during your period and advises using a tampon or menstrual cap. Period swimwear is available, but isn’t suitable for heavier days. NHS England advises women that exercise can help to ease period pain.
MYTH: WOMEN ARE UNCLEAN DURING THEIR PERIOD
Fact: The new research for Evana and Ultravana shows one in three women have thought this, but it’s an age-old myth linked to several faiths. The Bible even states: “When a woman has her regular flow of blood … anyone who touches her will be unclean.”
In some Hindu communities, women are still banished to remote huts during their period, and observant Orthodox Jews believe women need ritual cleansing after every period. However, menstrual blood is still sterile until it leaves thebody and many of these religiously based beliefs stem from a desire to maximise the chance of sex leading to conception. There is, however, some evidence that having sex during menstruation might increase the risk of transmission of a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
MYTH: WOMEN’S PERIODS CAN SYNCHRONISEWHEN THEY LIVE TOGETHER
Fact: This idea was first mooted in academic literature in a small study of university students in the 1970s. More recent research has debunked the claim and puts any apparent synchronicity down to chance.
- Both Evana and Ultravana are available over the counter after speaking with a pharmacist. Go to evanaperiods.com for more information on period health
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
