Myths and Facts Around Menstruation

Surely friends often hear many myths about menstruation, but are these myths true or vice versa?

Menstruation is the discharge of blood from a woman's birth canal due to decay of the uterine wall due to an egg that is not fertilized by sperm, this occurs every month in a normal woman's cycle.

Normal menstrual cycles have a frequency ranging from 24-38 days with a menstrual duration of up to 8 days. Variations in the regularity of cycles of less than 9 days and the average volume of menstruation are said to be normal or not in accordance with the experience of these women. Menstrual symptoms consist of the pre-menstrual phase and during menstruation.

In the pre-menstrual phase, the usual symptoms are headaches, flatulence, abdominal pain, breast pain, pimples on the skin, mood changes (mood). This phase lasts for the period approaching menstruation.

The menstrual phase occurs as a result of the uterine muscles contracting, symptoms that can be felt include abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, and a squeezing-like stomach.

After getting to know about normal menstruation, here we will describe the myths circulating in society.

1. You can't wash your hair during menstruation

This is a myth, a myth circulating in the community says that washing your hair can clog blood vessels. The fact is that there is no relationship between washing your hair and menstrual irregularities. Washing your hair with warm water aims to relax the muscles of the head so that people who are menstruating are expected to be more relaxed.

2. Consumption of soft drinks makes menstruation smooth

The myth that is often circulating in society is that consuming soft drinks makes menstruation smooth. This has not been scientifically proven. Menstruation that is not smooth is caused by unbalanced hormones that regulate menstruation, stress, and diet. To make menstruation smoother is to eat nutritious foods, drink enough water, and exercise diligently.

3. You can't drink cold drinks during menstruation

The myth about not drinking cold drinks during menstruation is true. The fact is drinking cold water has no effect on delaying one's menstruation. Things that make menstruation late include problems with the uterine wall, hormonal problems, and psychological problems such as internal stressors.

4. No swimming

This is a myth. The fact is that the water pressure in a swimming pool will not prevent menstrual blood from coming out, so swimming will not stop menstruation.

5. Must avoid activity or exercise during menstruation.

This is a myth. In fact, exercise can reduce menstrual symptoms. Exercise can make the body feel better, focus more easily and have more energy. Exercise can also reduce the feeling of cramps, back pain and headaches that are felt.

There are still many myths and facts about menstruation that we can learn. The best thing to avoid myths is communicating with friends about it and reading articles or writings that discuss menstruation from official, trustworthy websites. If friends still don't feel enough information, they can consult a Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at Hermina Podomoro Hospital.