You’d think in an era where we’re all proudly “woke,” smashing the patriarchy, and claiming to be modern feminists, certain outdated beliefs would have been buried long ago. Yet here we are, still stuck with myths about menstruation that are both bizarre and shocking. I’ve heard some serious misconceptions about periods, from both girls and boys, that are frankly mind-boggling.
Let’s talk about these myths that persist even today:
Table of Contents
1. TikTok Says Periods Are Gross – And People Believe It!
Believe it or not, some corners of TikTok and social media are pushing the idea that periods are “gross.” This might just be the most absurd myth out there. Influencers spew nonsense like it’s gospel, leaving young people absorbing myths and taboos that are far from reality. Even parents and doctors shy away from discussions around menstruation because it’s still considered “taboo.” The result? A generation left uneducated about one of the most basic biological processes.
Fact Check: Menstruation is a normal and healthy part of life for over half the global population. It’s time to normalize it.
2. “Periods Sync When Girls Hang Out Together” – No, They Don’t.
Here’s a funny one: the idea that if two girls live together or hang out a lot, their periods will magically sync up. We’ve all seen those memes and reels claiming this, but spoiler alert—it’s totally false.
Fact Check: A study published in Human Nature (1999) debunked this myth. Any perceived syncing is usually just a coincidence or caused by fluctuations in individual cycles.
3. The Stain Paranoia is Real – And Sad.
The fear of staining isn’t so much a myth as it is a tragic reality. Periods have been made synonymous with embarrassment. A junior of mine who was a basketball player in school stopped playing during her period out of fear of stains. The worst part? She didn’t feel comfortable using tampons because she believed they could get lost inside her body. That leads us to the next myth.
4. “Tampons Can Get Lost in Your Body and Kill You” – Seriously?
I heard someone say that if you jump while wearing a tampon, it could get lost inside you and cause death by toxic shock. Well I did my part of the research so let me break it to you: the vaginal canal ends at the cervix, which doesn’t open wide enough for a tampon to get lost. And yes, toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is serious, but it’s incredibly rare.
Fact Check: The risk of TSS is about 1 in 100,000, according to the Mayo Clinic. The vaginal canal’s structure makes it impossible for a tampon to go anywhere it shouldn’t.
5. You Can’t Swim During Your Period – Sharks Will Get You!
Yes, people genuinely believe that swimming during your period either attracts sharks or causes infections. I mean, come on.
Fact Check: Neither is true. A study in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that swimming is perfectly safe during menstruation. As for sharks, they really don’t care if you’re on your period.
6. Buying Hygiene Products for Your Vagina is a Must – Nope.
Online ads would have you believe that your vulva needs all sorts of expensive, scented products to stay clean. The truth is, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ that naturally maintains its own pH balance and healthy bacteria.
Fact Check: Gynecologists agree that using soaps or special cleansers can actually do more harm than good, potentially leading to infections by disrupting the natural environment. Stick to water and leave those perfumed products on the shelf.
7. “Diarrhea and Vomiting During Periods Are Normal” – They’re Not.
Yes, periods come with cramps, but if you’re experiencing severe pain, diarrhea, or vomiting, that’s a sign something isn’t right. Some people, even doctors, will tell you it’s normal, but this misinformation often delays diagnosis of serious conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Fact Check: If your symptoms are debilitating, it’s time to see a specialist. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, these symptoms are not something to just “put up with.”
Bonus Myth: “You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period” – Guess Again!
Some people believe that period sex is safe and pregnancy-proof, but science begs to differ. Sperm can live inside the body for up to five days, and if your cycle is irregular, ovulation might occur soon after your period ends, increasing the risk of pregnancy.
Fact Check: According to The American Pregnancy Association, it is indeed possible, though less likely, to get pregnant during menstruation.
Busting These Myths Starts at Home – Let’s Get Talking.
While social media does its part in spreading misinformation, it’s crucial for parents and educators to step in and provide the right information. Normalizing conversations about periods and ensuring both girls and boys are educated can go a long way in dismantling these myths. Here’s how we can start busting these misconceptions:
1. Normalize Conversations About Periods with Both Girls and Boys
Parents often feel uncomfortable talking about menstruation, especially with boys, but this only deepens the stigma. Girls should be informed about periods before they begin, so they’re prepared and confident when it happens. It’s equally important for boys to learn about periods, so they understand it’s a natural process and know how to support their sisters, friends, or classmates when needed.
Imagine a world where boys are taught to carry an extra pad in their bag just in case a friend needs it, or where they know exactly what to do if someone asks for help. That kind of awareness builds empathy, respect, and maturity.
Tip: Make these conversations a part of everyday life. Discuss periods during family time in a nonchalant way—like talking about any other biological process. The more casual the discussion, the less awkward it feels for everyone.
2. Celebrate Her First Period
The first period can be a scary experience, especially if a girl isn’t fully prepared. Turning this event into something positive and even celebratory can help remove the fear and stigma. Some cultures already have rituals that celebrate a girl’s coming of age, and while that may not suit everyone, you can still make the day special.
A little party, a thoughtful gift, or simply some extra love and attention can go a long way in changing how periods are perceived by young girls. When periods are framed as a normal and even celebratory part of growing up, they stop being something to dread.
3. Educate Teens on What’s Normal and What’s Not
One major issue is that many people don’t know what’s normal during periods and what’s a cause for concern. Heavy bleeding, severe pain, or symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea are not normal and should be checked out by a healthcare professional. Yet, girls are often told to “suck it up” or believe that suffering is just part of the deal.
By educating teens early on about what they should expect and when to seek help, we can prevent serious conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) from going undiagnosed. Accurate information is the key to understanding that periods shouldn’t be something to endure in silence.
Tip: Schedule an appointment with a gynecologist for your daughter once she starts her periods. This not only helps establish what’s normal, but it also provides a safe space where she can ask questions and get expert advice.
4. Encourage Open Conversations Without Shame
Shame is the biggest barrier to breaking period myths. Whether it’s about asking questions, discussing menstruation in public, or even just saying the word “period,” the discomfort surrounding this topic leads to silence—and silence allows myths to flourish.
Creating an environment where discussing periods is no different from discussing a cold or a headache makes all the difference. Open dialogue helps eliminate embarrassment and fosters understanding. Remember, if we treat periods as something ordinary, others will too.
Tip: Model open communication yourself. Use the word “period” without hesitation. Share your own experiences and encourage questions, even if they seem awkward at first. The goal is to demystify periods and remove any negative connotations.
5. Equip Your Daughter with a Period Kit
Having a well-stocked period kit is empowering. It’s one less thing to worry about when your period starts unexpectedly. A period kit doesn’t just have to be functional; it can be personalized and comforting, reminding girls that they are prepared and in control.
Include essentials like pads or tampons, wipes, a spare pair of underwear, and even a small treat or stress ball. Having these items handy reduces anxiety, especially for young girls who are new to menstruation.
Tip: Let your daughter choose her own period kit items. This small act of ownership makes periods feel less daunting and more like something she’s ready to handle with confidence.
