Common myths about periods: debunking misconceptions
Dirt, bad smells, liters of blood, pain, virginity, hormonal imbalance—there are countless misconceptions about periods and menstruation. Old wives’ tales, myths, stereotypes, and urban legends all cloud our understanding of this natural and cyclical phenomenon for women.
No, periods aren’t gross, no, having your period doesn’t prevent you from getting pregnant, yes, young virgins can use a tampon or a cup, yes, women can swim or have sex during their period. In short, there are a lot of myths to bust!
Remember, understanding your period and your body helps you worry less, stress less, and most importantly, experience your period and your femininity in a more positive way! So don’t hesitate to learn more. Today, Louloucup is here to talk about 7 common myths about periods. Let’s discuss together!
Periods are dirty and disgusting
FALSE! This terrible claim and belief have serious consequences for many young girls and young women around the world. Periods are confused with dirtiness, but that couldn’t be further from the truth!
Getting your period is natural and, above all, very healthy—the opposite of being dirty. Having your period is a sign of good health. A woman’s body that menstruates regularly is functioning well.
Each cycle, the body sheds the endometrium that formed in case of possible fertilization. Period blood is much more than just blood; it’s made up of vaginal secretions and cervical mucus. So, it’s not gross—it’s life and nature.
If you notice bad odors, it’s usually due to your hygiene product. Disposable pads often cause unpleasant smells. The blood stored in the pad is exposed to air and oxidizes. There are ways to avoid bad odors: skip disposable pads and liners and choose internal protection or period underwear instead.
Periods hurt
"It’s normal for you to be in pain!"
FALSE! Periods should not be painful. Something that happens every month in a woman’s life, and for several days, should not hurt! You should never let pain or discomfort become normal. There are treatments, methods, and habits that can help you relieve, soothe, and make your periods easier to live with.
Pain relief, exercise, diet, heating pad, warm shower, herbal tea—find all our solutions in our article How to Relieve Painful Periods?
Dysmenorrhea should never be seen as inevitable. Your period is a special time of the month when you should really listen to yourself, pay attention to your body, and be mindful of the signs. It’s important to get to know yourself well.
Slow down, take care of yourself, eat well—check out our articles on the topic:
However, as we've often said here, it's not normal to be doubled over, unable to function, or unable to work properly because of your period. In that case, you should see a doctor.
Periods stop when swimming
FALSE! Would water suddenly stop your period? Meanwhile, some women avoid swimming or even taking a bath! Tampons, cups, or period swimwear let you swim without worrying about leaks. Water does not have the power to stop menstrual flow. On the other hand, a good swim can help ease period pain.
No sex during your period
FALSE! A woman on her period can absolutely have sex; it’s neither dirty, dangerous, nor forbidden. Of course, it’s important to practice proper intimate hygiene after intercourse. Ultimately, it’s all about personal desire, comfort, and how you feel.
Periods prevent pregnancy
FALSE! This is a persistent myth. Women who feel especially protected during their periods tend to be much less cautious. However, women with particularly short cycles should be careful, considering that the hardiest sperm can survive up to five days in the vagina.
I can’t use a tampon or cup if I’m a virgin
FALSE! That’s another misconception! The hymen, the small membrane at the entrance of the vagina that is intact before a first sexual experience, is not pierced by using a tampon or a cup. In short, both tampons and cups can be perfectly suitable options for young or adult virgins without any problem.
A period every 28 days
FALSE! Totally FALSE! Remember, 28 days is just an average! A menstrual cycle can range from 21 to 35 days. Every woman is different, and even for the same woman, cycles can vary. Periods can become irregular, and their timing can be affected by many outside factors that women can’t always control: flu, colds, jet lag, weight gain or loss, vaccines, stress, and emotional shock can all impact menstruation. A delay of two or three days? Don’t panic! Stressing about your period being late can actually make it even later! If you’re more than seven days late, you can take a pregnancy test. Are you worried about irregular periods? Noticing frequent delays? Observing late ovulation? Or alternating between short and long cycles? Don’t hesitate to keep track on a menstrual calendar or app—it’ll help you keep things straight and give you something to discuss with your gynecologist or midwife. Check out our dedicated articles too:
Tampon or pad—nothing else!
FALSE! At Louloucup, we’re well positioned to remind you that there are healthy, eco-friendly, affordable, and reliable green alternatives to pads and tampons! Period underwear and menstrual cups are reusable, washable, zero-waste sanitary products that are super practical and economical.
Period underwear comes in a wide variety of styles (tanga, thong, boxer, boyshort, bikini) for all flows (light, medium, heavy) and is especially effective. It truly is the reliable, hygienic protection that’s gaining popularity and winning over more and more women and teens.
The menstrual cup is an internal protection that collects blood efficiently. It’s a favorite for women with a particularly heavy flow who are tired of protections that get saturated too quickly.
Want to know more? Check out our range of Loulou menstrual cups and Loulou period underwear now! Free shipping in France, Europe, and worldwide!
