Biggest Period Myths

Menstruators, unite!

The world is full of wild and crazy myths about periods, dating back as far as Ancient Greece and Rome. From women having increased psychic abilities to destroying entire crops, the stories that have been shared across history are abundant.

Now while we know a little better that these myths are so incredibly outlandish, there’s still quite a few that exist to this day, many of us following them without giving a second thought. It makes sense – much of conversation around periods and sexual health is shrouded in shame and guilt so even if we wanted to learn more about it the chances are high that we’ll be shrugged off or told to keep it to ourselves. And if we didn’t have parents or caregivers able to explain periods more fully, the lack of teaching in schools definitely hits harder.

Let’s break down some myths that have made it through the test of time, shall we?

1. Don’t eat spicy foods on your period. It’s been thought that eating spicy food during your period will give you acid reflux and upset your stomach… this really depends on the person! If eating spicy foods makes you feel unwell during your period, or you struggle with nausea that is impacted by spicy flavours, hold off on these until you feel better. And if you struggle with reflux even when you’re not on your period, talk to a dietitian and your doctor about treatment options so you can eat without discomfort! Otherwise, bring it on – I know I love a good spicy stir fry in my luteal phase and into the first few days of my period.

2. Don’t go swimming on your period. Thank goodness for good period products. While you might not be able to wear a pad while swimming, tampons, menstrual cups or discs can be great options so you can enjoy water time. Swimming is a delightful way to move your body if other more intensive movement feels uncomfortable while you have your period. If you’re not interested in using internal period products, some period underwear brands may make swimwear that catches and collects period blood while you’re swimming. The other alternative is to wait it out – your choice!

3. Don’t wear white while you’re on your period. This one is most likely to avoid feeling embarrassed if you have a leak while wearing white clothes. Did you know that most leaks during a period are actually related to a mismatch between you and the type of period product you use? Even the positioning of a period product can influence whether or not you’ll have a leak (and if this will show on white clothing). If you’re fairly new to periods and aren’t sure what works the best for you, it might feel safer to steer clear of white bottoms until you feel confident – but leaks aren’t the end of the world either! Wear what feels good and makes you feel comfortable during your period – white or otherwise.

4. Drink lots of water and it will end your period sooner. You can’t actually end a period sooner than it is meant to stop. Drinking extra water might just make you need to use the washroom more often, where you may be changing out period products, wiping or cleaning and possibly clearing some blood from the body. It might seem like your period is shorter overall but it’s a good chance it wasn’t because of the water.

5. Sleep with a towel under you always. Again, another leak myth. Different period products are available to help prevent leaks while sleeping, many with extended sizes to provide extra protection at the front and back of underwear. Sheets and pajamas are fairly easy to wash, and are nothing to be embarrassed about! If you’re needing a towel under you overnight because you’re regularly soaking through period products in an hour or less, it’s time to call your health care provider for help.

6. Don’t eat dairy on your period. Dairy has been shown to be supportive in actually reducing inflammation, versus increasing. If you’re someone who struggles with lactose intolerance, and notice it becomes worse around your period, use lactose-free options more consistently. If there are no medical reasons to avoid dairy, enjoy as you please along with other meals and snacks – calcium helps muscle contractions work effectively, so menstrual cramps are better managed!

7. Don’t shave while you’re on your period. This myth is more specific to the removal of pubic hair, versus other areas of the body. The skin on the vulva is sensitive to begin with, and might be even more so during a period. With any sort of hair removal method, tiny tears in the skin occur which may increase the risk for infection – skin has its own bacteria that are healthiest when they’re not IN the body. Some people feel “cleaner” if they have shaved or waxed prior to a period, so it’s entirely up to each person when and how they remove hair. If you choose to, shave in the direction of hair growth, use clean tools or gloves to apply product and avoid repetitively going over areas. If you choose not to remove body hair, cool!

8. Don’t eat “junk food” on your period. “Junk food” is such as loaded term – diet culture is the biggest influence around the foods we decide are healthy or unhealthy. Some foods contain more nutrients than others, and that’s okay! We consume a variety of different foods on any given day, meaning the nutrient variety is also present. Some foods are more comforting than others, especially when we’re feeling run-down during a period. Convenience foods and fast foods can be a quick way to feed yourself when you are feeling unwell – but they can be higher in salt that may contribute to water retention. Instead of cutting these foods out entirely, make sure you’re eating regularly during the day, drinking plenty of fluids and tuning in to your hunger and fullness cues so you can finish a meal comfortable and satisfied. Save leftovers for the next time you’re hungry!

The craziest myth I heard was that you couldn’t urinate while wearing a tampon – adult me now knows those are two very separate openings (but I still get embarrassed when I remember that I used to believe it!).

What’s the craziest myth you’ve heard about periods? Share with us in the comments – I’m always curious to hear about others’ experiences! And if you liked this article, feel free to subscribe for more period powerful content.