Myths about menstruation

Myths about menstruation: challenging stereotypes with Roberta Rossi

There are still dozens upon dozens of urban myths surrounding menstruation, and perhaps we have come to believe some of them ourselves.

Can I have sex during my period? And why is it still so difficult to talk about it with my boyfriend or my brother? There are so many questions, and so much information circulating, that we often end up believing the wrong answers.

The struggles against stereotypes and difficulties

There are many campaigns on social media promoting accurate information and solidarity initiatives. For example, Intimina's #whilebleeding hashtag is overturning stereotypes about periods through sharing enjoyable experiences. Many countries are trying to abolish tampon taxes to address the inability to afford menstrual products because of their high cost.

Psychotherapist and sexologist Roberta Rossi of the Istituto di Sessuologia Clinica in Rome shared some very interesting information with us about myths surrounding menstruation.

Menstruation myths and taboos: the most common misconceptions

There are many myths surrounding periods, because before we began to truly understand the physiology of the menstrual cycle, many beliefs and taboos arose that appeared even in university textbooks until not so long ago.

Roberta Rossi says: "This lack of knowledge easily gives rise to myths. Sadly, the lives of our grandmothers, our mothers and our ancestors before them were filled with stories claiming that menstruating women had the evil power to wilt flowers, curdle mayonnaise, turn wine into vinegar and make tomato preserves sour."

Another taboo holds that women on their periods are fragile and therefore should not do physical activities requiring energy, wash, swim in the sea or spend too much time in the sun.

Is it true that I am more sensitive when I have PMS?

No, that is a myth, or rather not a general rule that applies to everyone. It all depends on progesterone, which helps prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy and decreases when pregnancy does not occur. These changes in the body may, or may not, affect your mood.

Is it true I should avoid sport and exercise during my period?

This is also false: in fact, letting loose with dancing and exercise often lifts your mood and relieves fatigue.

If I use a tampon or menstrual cup while I am a virgin, will I stop being one?

False, because the hymen, which is highly elastic, is not disturbed or torn at all by inserting tampons and menstrual cups.

Period sex: is it true that things feel different during menstruation, and that perhaps it is better to avoid it?

This is another myth: in reality, if you want to have sex during your period, you will not notice any particular change. However, many things can affect desire. For example, we often do not use contraception at these times because we feel certain there is no risk of pregnancy, and so experience more pleasure. Believing there is no risk of pregnancy is also wrong, as the fertile window can overlap with menstruation.

Is it true that men cannot understand periods because they do not have them?

Many of your physiological changes, such as menstruation, were long seen by men as uncontrollable events, as women's business. Things are evolving today, although embarrassment can still linger, and it is not always due to the other person's inability to understand.

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

False. The cup collects menstrual blood by creating a kind of vacuum, so the blood does not oxidise and remains completely odourless. The cup is also washable and reusable, so poor hygiene is not a risk. Finally, two other myths can also be considered false: that you cannot use a menstrual cup if your life is too hectic, and that you must remove it whenever you urinate and while sleeping.