Where did you learn what you know about sexual wellness? Was it from a well-informed, reputable source? Of course not. As girls, we often pick up everything we know about sex from whispers in corridors and, frankly, our wellbeing can suffer as a result. Therefore, we spoke to wellness writer and U by Kotex* Community Leader Jordan Miller, and got her to address a few sexual health myths that are in severe need of debunking!
1. Will swimming in the sea whilst on your period get you eaten by sharks? ‘I will totally admit that I’m scared to death of sharks,’ says Miller. ‘But that has nothing to do with my period and a lot more to do with the movie Jaws. There has never been a documented case of a shark attacking a swimmer because she was menstruating. So, go ahead, dive in and have fun.’
2. Are you not allowed to wash your hair during your period? Miller notes, ‘Thank goodness this is a myth, since I can’t imagine giving up my daily shower, especially during my period. There’s no reason for you to change any of your regular grooming and hygiene habits just because you’re having your period. In fact, a warm bath or shower will help you stay clean, and some girls say it helps with their cramps, too.’
3. Is bed rest a must during your period? According to Miller, ‘You should get plenty of sleep during your period, but you should always get plenty of exercise, too. You’ll feel better if you get up and get out there (especially since exercise has been shown to alleviate cramps and brighten your mood)!’
4. Does hot water increase your period flow? ‘The good news and the bad news: pretty much the only thing that will change your flow is your own body,’ Miller explains. ‘So you can’t make it lighter (sorry!), and you can’t make it heavier. And a nice warm bath or shower, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel can help with cramps.’
5. Is it impossible to get pregnant during your period? The commonly cited advice that you can’t get pregnant during your period ‘isn’t true, despite what a lot of people believe,’ Miller comments. ‘Tell your friends. Tell every female you know who’s sexually active or plans to be any time soon. You CAN get pregnant during your period. Once inside you, sperm can live for three to five days. Ovulation can occur during, or soon after, the bleeding phase. If you don’t want to get pregnant, either don’t have sex, or use birth control every single time you do.’
6. Are irregular periods bad for your reproductive health? Miller advises, ‘First, talk to your health care provider if you’ve missed your period. It can take anywhere from six months to a year to become regular after the first time you get it. And, for some girls, it never becomes completely regular. There are lots of things, including stress, illness and intense exercise, that can mess with your cycle. That’s why you should consult a heath professional first.’
7. Is there an age you have to be before you should use tampons? ‘If you’re old enough to have your period, you’re old enough to use a tampon.’ Miller asserts. ‘Just read the instructions and warnings and be sure to use it correctly. It helps to ask your mom or another trusted adult for guidance. Tampons shouldn’t cause pain or discomfort.’
8. Are all menstrual cycles are 28 days? Miller points out the 28-day cycle is ‘only an average. Days in the menstrual cycle vary from woman to woman. Your body will tell you what your cycle is, not other people.’