The false myths about the cycle     The false myths of menstruation: let's break the stereotypes with Roberta Rossi There are still dozens and dozens of urban l

The false myths of menstruation: let's break the stereotypes with Roberta Rossi

 

There are still dozens and dozens of urban legends surrounding the menstrual cycle, and perhaps we have also convinced ourselves of some of them.

 

Can I have sex during menstruation? And why is it still so difficult for me to talk about it with my boyfriend or brother? There are many questions, as well as the information circulating, which is why we often end up believing the wrong answers.

 

The fights against stereotypes and difficulties

 

On social media, there are many campaigns promoting correct information and solidarity initiatives, for example, there is the hashtag #whilebleeding promoted by Intimina that is overturning stereotypes about the cycle through the sharing of pleasant experiences. In many countries, efforts are being made to abolish the Tampon Tax to overcome the inability to obtain pads due to high costs.

Psychotherapist and sexologist Roberta Rossi from the Institute of Clinical Sexology in Rome gave us some very interesting information about the false myths of menstruation.

 

 

Menstruation between false myths and taboos, these are the most widespread

 

There are many false myths related to the cycle, due to the fact that before starting to really understand the physiology of the menstrual cycle, many beliefs and taboos were born, even written in university manuals until not long ago.

 

Roberta Rossi states: "From this ignorance, it is easy for legends to arise, and unfortunately the lives of our grandmothers, our mothers, and going back to our ancestors, have been filled with stories according to which women with menstruation had the evil power to wither flowers, make mayonnaise go crazy, turn wine into vinegar, and make tomato preserves sour."

 

Another taboo is that women with the cycle are fragile and therefore should not engage in physical activities that require energy, cannot wash, bathe in the sea, or be too exposed to the sun during this period.

 

But is it true that when I have premenstrual syndrome, I am more touchy?

No, it is a false myth, or rather, it is not a general rule that applies to everyone. It all depends on progesterone, which helps accommodate a possible pregnancy in the uterus and decreases when this does not occur: these changes in the body can (or may not) cause changes in your mood.

 

But is it true that I should avoid sports and physical exercise when I have my period?

This is also false, in fact, often if you engage in dancing and training, it boosts your mood and relieves fatigue.

 

If I use a tampon or menstrual cup and I am a virgin, will I no longer be?

False, because the hymen, which is super elastic, is not disturbed or torn by the insertion of tampons and cups.

 

Period Sex, is it true that during the cycle I feel something different (and that maybe it's better not to do it)?

This is also a false myth: in reality, if you feel like having sex during menstruation, you will not notice any particular change, however, there are many things that can influence desire; for example, often in these cases we do not use contraceptives because we are sure not to risk a pregnancy and therefore feel more pleasure. Also, believing that there is no risk of pregnancy is wrong, in fact, it is possible that the fertile period overlaps with the menstrual cycle.

 

But is it true that men cannot understand the cycle, since they don't have it?

Much of what concerns your physiological changes like the cycle has long been seen as uncontrollable events by men, as a woman's thing. Today things are evolving, although embarrassment may remain in the air, but it is not always linked to the inability to understand the other.

 

But if I use the cup, is it true that the smell will be more intrusive? And that it is unhygienic?

False. The cup collects menstrual blood creating a sort of vacuum so it does not oxidize and remains absolutely odorless. Moreover, the cup is washable and reusable, so we do not run the risk of poor hygiene. Finally, there are two other myths that we can consider false: the myth that you cannot use the menstrual cup if you have a very hectic life and the one that you should remove it every time you urinate and when you sleep.