A lot of girls, especially those who have just gotten their first period, rely on the internet for information on menstruation. 

The thing is, while there are a lot of online articles and videos available, not everything you read or watch is factual. Sometimes, contradicting stories pop up, further adding to the confusion.

If you too have been baffled about what you can and can’t do during that time of the month, read on to learn about five common misconceptions about menstruation and the truth behind each one.

 

ANSWER: FALSE.

According to urban legend, swimming in the ocean while you’re on your period will get you attacked, or worse, eaten by sharks. Not a single piece of evidence has been documented to support this claim. While it’s perfectly normal to be scared of sharks, especially when you’ve seen too much Jaws, don’t let this stop you from having fun at the beach and enjoying the sea.

ANSWER: MAYBE. 

Many girls are apprehensive about using a tampon or menstrual cup, because they worry about tearing their hymens. In the Philippines, a torn hymen is sometimes equated to "losing virginity" - but this antiquated view of sexuality is disempowering to women. While it’s not entirely impossible for the hymen to break when wearing a tampon, it should have no bearing on a woman's sexual activity. In addition, there are other physical activities that can tear the hymen such as horseback riding, gymnastics and bike riding.

You may find tampons useful when you need to swim while during your period or when playing sports. If it’s your first time to use one, you can try different sizes until you find the fit and application that’s comfortable for you.

ANSWER: NO. 

The jury is still out on the existence (or nonexistence) of premenstrual syndrome but the mood swings women experience during that time of the month have been linked to hormonal changes throughout their monthly cycle. According to some experts, the hormones progesterone and estrogen increase a week prior to a girl’s period and would begin to fall when the period starts. This hormonal change is believed to be the cause of PMS which is often characterized by irritability and sadness. Physical symptoms such as cramps, headaches, breast tenderness and acne can be caused by premenstrual syndrome as well.

If you’re one of the girls who endure PMS every month, there are ways you can do to feel a little better despite the mood (and food) swings. One of which is eating healthy and getting enough rest. You can also help ease cramps through light stretching and taking warm baths. A pain reliever might also help in dealing with severe cramps but if it’s beyond your tolerance, you can consult with your doctor about pills that can help alleviate the pain.

It also helps to talk to your mom, sister or friends about what you’re going through. The struggle may be real but keep going, girl.

ANSWER: FALSE. 

Ovulation can be quite unpredictable and it may happen before, during or after you bleed. This means that if you have unprotected sex during your period, there is a chance that you can get pregnant. Remember that sperm can survive up to 5 days in the uterus so if you aren’t exactly planning a baby, always use birth control or abstain from sex.

ANSWER: IT'S COMPLICATED. 

If you automatically think “No way!” after reading the previous sentence, you’re probably one of the many women who consider coffee as a non-negotiable regardless of whether they are on their period. Some women say that drinking coffee even helps in easing their cramps and overcoming sluggishness.

However, there are also those who are willing to skip caffeine during that time of the month. Some women experience elevated and frequent discomforts such as bloating, tension, amplified exhaustion and anxiety when drinking coffee during their period. Caffeine also constricts the blood vessels which can reduce menstrual flow, leading to a shorter cycle and irregular periods. A constricted menstrual flow can also cause pronounced cramps, all the more reason for some to avoid caffeine while they are on their period.

ANSWER: NO. 

Experts recommend washing your intimate area at least once a day, but what you might not know is that soap can be too harsh a cleanser for such sensitive skin. While the vagina has the natural ability to cleanse itself, it can use help from a feminine wash that is free from irritating chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). SLS/SLES are harsh detergents that strip your skin of its natural oils which can lead to irritation and itching. You wouldn’t want to do that to your intimate area, right? Choose a feminine wash that is genuinely natural and safe for your intimate area—a feminine wash that is free from SLS and parabens.

Be ready for anything and stay fresh daily with this trusty feminine care tandem: 

Give yourself the gentle, genuinely natural care you deserve with the Chamomile Fresh Feminine Wash and stay cool and clean longer with the Chamomile Cool Feminine Wash.

The Daily Feminine Wash comes in four variants, namely Powder Cool, Chamomile Cool, Chamomile Fresh and Odor Protect, tending to every woman’s need.

Apart from educating women, it’s also important to pass on the information to men so that they too would have a better understanding on what’s going on about a woman’s body during menstruation. Do you know of other menstruation myths? Join the conversation!