Myths about menstruation
There are many misconceptions about menstruation, which can make its approach even more confusing. Talk to your daughter to clarify what is myth from what is truth.
Myth: I have to go to the doctor after my first period.
Fact: Unless there is a problem, such as severe pain or heavy bleeding, there is probably no need to consult a gynecologist at this time. Girls should usually have their first gynecological examination when they become sexually active or sometime around the age of 16-18, but no later than 21, whichever comes first.
Myth: Menstruation should last exactly one week.
Fact: Each person’s period is different. It is perfectly natural for menstruation to last between 2 and 7 days, on average 5 days. If after the first year after menstruation, the period is frequently longer than a week or if you have menstruation for only one day, you should talk to your gynecologist about it.
Also, especially in the first months, the menstrual cycle can be irregular. A teenage girl’s cycle can be anywhere from 21 to 45 days. In time, the menstrual cycle will adjust. The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, although a woman’s normal cycle can last between 21 and 35 days.
Myth: If I’m a virgin I can’t use an intravaginal tampon. I heard that tampons are for girls/women who have had sex.
Fact: The myth refers to the fact that girls who have not had sex will find it painful to use tampons. This is not true, although the level of comfort depends on each person. For example, some girls prefer to use tampons with plastic applicators with rounded tips because they glide smoothly. Tampons are small and usually can be inserted through the existing opening of the hymen. Another concern is that tampons can somehow “remove virginity.” It may sound silly, but remind your daughter that the only way she can lose her virginity is to have sex.
Myth: I have to be careful when buying absorbent pads.
Fact: It is completely natural for girls to have periods. Buying absorbents is similar to buying soap or toothpaste. All are personal hygiene products.
Myth: During menstruation, girls are impure. Menstruating girls should not touch food or enter church.
Fact: Menstruation is part of the normal growth and development of a girl’s body. There is nothing impure about menstruation. Bleeding is a natural process that does not affect, in any way, the places a girl or woman visits or the things she touches.
Myth: I shouldn’t go to sports class during my period.
Fact: You can continue to participate in the sports class or do the usual training, even during menstruation. Not only is exercise great for your body, but it can help reduce the pain caused by menstrual cramps. Menstruation should not affect the effectiveness of training. However, some girls report having less energy during menstruation, which can affect their desire to exercise.
Myth: I shouldn’t take a bath during my period.
Fact: There is no reason not to bathe during menstruation. Practicing good hygiene during menstruation can prevent odors. A warm bath can also relax the abdominal muscles and help relieve menstrual cramps.
Keep in mind, however, that although the water pressure may reduce or stop menstrual flow while you are in the bath, this is not guaranteed. If this prospect makes you feel uncomfortable, consider applying a tampon beforehand.
Myth: I shouldn’t swim during my period.
Fact: It is safe to swim during menstruation. You only need to use a tampon or a menstrual cup when swimming to prevent staining your bathing suit if you leak. If blood leaks occur, the pools are chlorinated and use a filtration system. Competitive swimmers participated in important races while menstruating.
Myth: It’s okay to feed my sweet tooth during menstruation.
Fact: It is possible to have a craving for sweets a few days before the start of menstruation. This is due to hormonal changes and variation in blood sugar levels. But don’t give in to these cravings! Although it is okay to eat a small amount of sweets, do not overdo it!
You can eat a cake (or two) if you feel like it. However, there are other ways to satisfy your sweet tooth. Some sweet and healthy ideas are:
Any kind of fruit smoothies Yogurt with banana or peach pieces Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts Apple slices drizzled with honey and walnut pieces Banana slices covered in peanut butter Mixed seeds and nuts Prunes or dried apricots and a slice of cheese
If you have a craving for chocolate, fortunately it can have benefits. Chocolate is one of the most common foods desired by girls before menstruation. But choose dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants and minerals. A square or two of quality dark chocolate will satisfy your craving.
Myth: PMS isn’t real.
Fact: Despite its reputation as something women use to excuse mood swings or chocolate cravings during menstruation, PMS is real. It is characterized by a variety of signs and symptoms that usually begin 5 days before menstruation and that usually disappear in the first 4 days. The manifestations of premenstrual syndrome are related to the way hormones change throughout the monthly cycle. Signs and symptoms can be emotional (such as irritability, sadness or fatigue) and physical (abdominal cramps, breast tenderness, bloating or headache).
Myth: I can’t get pregnant during my period.
Fact: Although it is very unlikely, you can get pregnant if you have sex during your period. This is especially true if you have an extremely short menstrual cycle – meaning you have a shorter time than usual between periods.
Menstrual cycles are counted from the first day of menstruation to the first day of the next menstruation. For most women, the menstrual cycle is 28 days. Ovulation usually happens 4 days before to 4 days after the middle of the cycle. Ovulation is the day when the ovaries release an egg that will travel through the fallopian tubes. If it meets a sperm, fertilization can occur and a pregnancy can occur. In the case of a girl who has a traditional cycle, ovulation would usually take place between days 10 and 19.
If the cycle is shorter than 28 days, you will ovulate earlier. This means that you will not have so much time between your period and the next ovulation date. For example, if you only have 23 days between periods, you can ovulate as early as day 7. So, if you have sex towards the end of your period, it is possible to get pregnant. This is because although an egg can only live in the uterus for up to 24 hours, sperm can live in the uterus for up to 5 days. Having sex towards the end of menstruation increases the chances that the egg and sperm will meet and lead to pregnancy.
2023-11-27 13:01:36
#daughters #period #good #reason #open #discussion
