Myth 1: You are more likely to be attacked by an animal
There’s a rumor going around that you’re more likely to be attacked by sharks during your period and, even more bizarrely, that brown bears are attracted to the smell of menstrual blood. Sounds a bit crazy, right?
To clarify these issues once and for all, actual research has been done. Yellowstone National Park analyzed all bear attacks on their property to see if menstruation had any influence. They found, rather unsurprisingly, that most attacks on women occurred accidentally when the individual encountered a bear while walking. So their conclusion was that no connection could be made between the females attacked in Yellowstone and menstruation. Phew!
What about sharks? Well, if you’re heading to Australia soon, you really don’t have to worry about going into the sea…
The amount of blood you lose during your period is minuscule, especially if that blood then ends up in the sea. This means that a shark has to be right next to you for you to detect it. Not convinced? Think about this: the Great White Shark can detect one drop of blood in about 100 liters of water. That’s about 1/25,000th of what’s in an Olympic swimming pool! If sharks could detect every drop of blood in the ocean, they would quickly be overwhelmed!
So it appears that sharks and bears do not pose a greater threat to women during their periods.
Myth 2: You can’t swim or bathe
Speaking of swimming, one of the most common misconceptions young girls have when they get their period is that they can’t swim or take a bath. Okay, so most of us know that’s just not true.
From the mooncup to old-fashioned tampons, there are a variety of menstrual products that allow us to swim comfortably during our period. As for baths, these can actually help relieve menstrual cramps, so it’s a bit of a lifesaver if it’s your time of the month.
However, this particular myth may have started out as fact. Although tampons were available before the 1970s, maxi pads were not, and as a result, many women relied on a sanitary pad during their period. This wrapped around the waist and had clips at the front and back to hold a piece of cotton in place. This doesn’t sound very comfortable for everyday use, but it was even less conducive to water activities.
Therefore, in times gone by, a lack of menstrual products made swimming and bathing difficult. Fortunately, however, menstrual products have come a long way since the days of the menstrual band and now it’s safe to say whether you want to hit the pool or dig out the hot tub during your period: go ahead!
Myth 3: People can tell when you’re having your period
This is another concern girls face at the start of their period: what if their classmates can see that they are having their period? What if people stare?
Well, this is yet another good old myth. Menstrual products are now so discreet that you can run, jump, skateboard, dance and even fly without anyone having a clue that you’re on your period.
However, think about the women who had to deal with menstruation before the introduction of sanitary pads. Many complained that the large sanitary pads showed through their clothes!
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