Ever heard you could be attacked by sharks if you swim on your period? Find out if that is true or false!
Okay, I will totally admit that I’m scared to death of sharks. 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.
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.
Sure, 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)!
The good news and the bad news: pretty much the only thing that will change your flow is your own body. 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.
This isn’t true, despite what a lot of people believe. 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 3-5 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.
First, talk to your health care provider if you’ve missed your period. It can take anywhere from 6 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. Check out some of the common culprits for missing a period.
If you’re old enough to have your period, you’re old enough to use a tampon. 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. Check out our tampon demonstration video here.
That’s 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.
Don’t bother filling in the blank. You shouldn’t try to fight your body’s natural menstrual cycle. Doing so could potentially cause other health problems.
Menstrual blood is regular blood. This myth probably gained traction because menstrual blood flows from the vagina. And because vaginas are a normal part of the female body, there’s nothing unusual or wrong with menstrual blood. And did you know it has no odor? Now that’s a fact!
There is absolutely no reason why you can't swim or play in any type of water at all times of the month! Read on for tips to help take the stress out of swimming on your period.
Learn MoreGet to know your amazing body and the science behind how periods work.
Learn MoreEmbarrassed about periods? Periods are normal. To change the conversation and help girls and women feel confident about their periods, we must first understand the messages about menstruation they have received over time.
Learn MoreThis is not intended to be medical advice. Everybody is different so please make sure to consult your physician if you're having issues. Do not delay or refrain from seeking professional medical advice from your physician because of something you have read on this site.
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