11 Period Myths and Facts

Most people have had a period or know someone who has periods, or both. You probably have a good understanding of what a period is. Period talk is everywhere, but how do we separate fact from fiction? Here, we breakdown the top 11 myths about periods.

1. You must have a period.
   False. Generally, having periods is a sign that the body’s natural hormonal cycles are happening as they should. However, it is normal and healthy to not have periods while on hormonal medications, like birth control. Hormonal medications thin the lining of the uterus so that it doesn’t build up and doesn’t need to come out each month, which is why they are helpful in treating heavy periods, irregular periods, and painful periods.
2. Periods are supposed to be painful.
   Not necessarily. Mild period cramps are very common. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen or naproxen are the best medications for period cramping. However, if periods are so painful that they cause missed school, work, or activities, a visit to a primary care provider or gynecologist is recommended.
3. You can’t get pregnant during your period.
   False. It is possible to get pregnant during your period. Menstrual cycles can be of different lengths, so ovulation (egg release) may not happen when you expect. Sperm is also viable in the reproductive tract for up to 5 days. This means that you may ovulate at a time when it is possible for sperm and egg to meet. Contraception (birth control) should always be used to prevent pregnancy. Condoms can help prevent sexually transmitted infections. If you have sex without birth control, there are also options for emergency contraception that can help prevent pregnancy if taken within 5 days of the sexual encounter.
4. It’s normal to not have a period if you are an athlete.
   False. This is not normal and can be a sign of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), which means that the body is not getting enough nutrition relative to the exercise level and calories burned. Not having periods can also be a sign of an eating disorder. If not diagnosed and treated quickly, this can lead to other health problems.
5. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) causes infertility.
   Not necessarily. PCOS is a common condition which causes irregular and unpredictable periods. Usually, ovulation happens about two weeks prior to the start of the next period, once per month. Getting pregnant can be less likely if ovulation is only occurring a few times per year rather than monthly. This is why people with PCOS sometimes have difficulty getting pregnant.
6. It’s not safe to swim during your period.
   False. There is no reason that that someone cannot swim on their period. Many people choose to wear tampons or menstrual cups while swimming to avoid leakage of menstrual blood. Period swimwear is another option.
7. Birth control affects your fertility.
   False. Most of the time, the ability to become pregnant returns immediately after a birth control method is stopped or removed. Some birth control options, like injectable contraceptives, may last in the system for up to 6-9 months after the injection, but none of the options have long term effects on fertility.
8. Your period should only happen once per month.
   False. A normal cycle length is 21-35 days in adults. In adolescents, a normal cycle length may be 21-45 days. Cycle lengths are calculated from the first day of the period to the first day of the next period. Therefore, if a cycle length is 21 days, for example, it is normal to have a period twice a month (3 weeks apart).
9. You should avoid exercise during your period.
   False. It is usually safe to exercise during periods. Exercising has both physical and mental benefits. Staying active during your period can help reduce period symptoms such as bloating, irritability, and cramping.
10. Periods are dirty.
    False. Periods are not the body’s way of “flushing out toxins” or “cleaning out the uterus.” There is nothing dirty or impure about period blood, which is a mixture of blood, mucus, and pieces of uterine lining. It should be treated like any other bodily fluid, so it is important to wash your hands with soap and water after coming into contact with it.
11. Period blood should be one color.
    False. Period blood may be different colors or have different appearances. It may start off as bright red, then turn darker as the days go by. Blood may turn darker or even black if it sits in the vagina for a while (which can happen when the flow isn’t as heavy). Some days it may be so light that it is only pink spotting or brown discharge. Some days may have small clots or pieces of uterine tissue. This can all be normal.

Periods can be different for everyone, but they shouldn’t interfere with your life. It is important to see a medical provider if your periods are so painful or heavy that they are causing you to miss school or activities, if you are persistently soaking through a pad or tampon in less than an hour, if you are frequently passing large clots, or if you have other symptoms around your periods that are preventing you from being your best self.