Fact-Checking Periods

This past semester, I took a course on the Biology of Women. I learned many things that contradicted what is said in the media. In regard to medical advice and knowledge, the spread of misinformation can be detrimental. With that being said, I am here to address the validity of common statements surrounding periods, so you don't have to.

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Claim: Women are overly emotional and irrational 'during that time of month.'

Ah yes, the spineless argument that has been used to dismiss women for centuries. Victorian physicians famously claimed menstruation caused "temporary insanity," a diagnosis suspiciously similar to 'I don't understand after thinking about it for 30 seconds, so it must be wrong.' I think it's safe to say if we look at our current US president, he has let his emotions influence his actions more than any woman ever could.

Claim: If you do not have your period every month, you will not be able to have children.

Talk about bad vibes! But in all honesty, there are numerous reasons why you may occasionally miss your period, that have nothing to do with fertility. So don't worry; your lack of a period isn't necessarily a pregnancy scare (or sign you can't reproduce, but you should still take a test if you're sexually active. It's better to be safe than sorry!

Claim: Periods are private matter.

Menstruation is a natural bodily process. Talking about periods is like talking about growing armpit hair: it's simply biology, it cannot be shameful. It's ok to talk about menstruation around men, they won't spontaneously combust into flames.

Claim: You can get a tampon lost inside of you.

False. The only thing that can get lost inside the self is your sense of identity. Sometimes the string might tear and result in an earth-shattering panic, but it cannot get lost. The tampon will stay in the vagina, so if you need help locating it, make an appointment with your doctor. It happens more than you think!

Claim: You cannot get pregnant on your period.

YOU MUST ALWAYS ACT AS IF YOU CAN GET PREGNANT. Menstrual cycles can be different lengths, and ovulation may not happen when you expect it. Don't let them tap it till they wrap it!

-This is especially true if you have a shorter menstrual cycle.

Claim: Periods come with age and maturity.

There is no set age for periods. All bodies are different. If you're looking for an idea on when you'll start your period, listen to your body. You may experience vaginal discharge. a sticky and thick liquid, months before your period begins. If you still have questions, ask the moon... I'm joking.

Claim: Period blood is one color.

When it comes to any facet of life, nothing is that simple. Blood can be red, brown, clotty, etc. All of this is normal. Besides, it's what's on the inside that counts!

While there may be big talk around periods, we have seen, the bark is greater than the bite. So, go ahead, talk to your grandpa about your period; if it makes him uncomfortable, tell him to grow up! After all, he's not getting any younger.