World Menstrual Hygiene Day: Debunking 10 myths about periods
Sour, tangy foods disturb menstrual flow: Sour or citrusy foods like lemon, oranges, and vinegar do not affect the flow of your period. There is nothing that you cannot eat during this time.
Menstruating women can kill plants by touch: Plants require proper sunlight, air, water and lots of care. If they are receiving all the above they can thrive anywhere. Menstruation is not going cause them any harm.
Girls cannot go swimming: It can be uncomfortable to swim wearing a sanitary pad but that should not stop women from swimming. Opt for tampons, menstrual cups, or period swimwear. There is no harm in doing any physical activity.
Period blood attracts bears and sharks: This is purely a myth as there is no evidence to back up this bizarre theory. No bear attacks have been reported due to menstruation.
Menstruating women cannot have sex: Experts have time and again said that period sex is normal, safe and in some cases even beneficial. It can relieve menstrual cramps and the blood can also act as a natural lubricant.
Menstruating women cannot get pregnant: Although it is less likely, it can happen. Getting pregnant depends on the length of your monthly cycle. Thus, if one has sex towards the end of their period they can conceive.
Women on period should not take baths: A warm, relaxing bath can be beneficial during periods, as it helps to reduce pain in the belly and lower back.
Women should not enter the kitchen during periods: In some cultures, there is a belief that menstruating women are impure and unclean so if they handle food, it will get contaminated. No scientific evidence has been found to prove this.
Period blood is dirty: Period blood is just like blood from any other part of the body. Thus, it is neither dirty nor unholy.
Menstruating girls should sleep on the floor
Some cultures continue to discriminate against women on their period. But this is a natural cycle and there is nothing impure about it. Sharing the room or even the same bed with other people is harmless