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You must avoid exercising on your period because it will damage your uterus.
FALSE
This is not true. Exercise on any normal day doesn’t pose a risk to uterine damage, why would it be different on your periods. Whilst you may feel tired and crampy, it has been medically proven that exercising on your period can boost your mood and can help ease cramps. If you are worried about leaks and flexibility there are different period products that exist (menstrual cups, tampons, reusable pads, and period underwear) to manage your period to work with the physical activity you prefer.
If you use a tampon, you’re no longer a virgin.
FALSE
The concept of virginity is a social construct and being a virgin implies that someone has not yet been sexually active. Inserting a tampon or using a menstrual cup has nothing to do with sexual intercourse. It is perfectly safe to use a tampon even for young girls who have just started menstruating. Using a tampon for the first time may be uncomfortable but this is not ‘breaking your virginity’.
Sharks will attack you on your period.
FALSE
While we might be riding the ‘crimson wave’, there is no need to worry about shark attacks if a menstruator chooses to swim in the ocean whilst on their period. There is no evidence to show that sharks are attracted to menstrual blood. For hygiene purposes for yourself and fellow ocean goers it is advised that you use a tampon or menstrual cup before going into the ocean.
If you touch food on your period, you will contaminate it.
FALSE
There is a myth that people who menstruate cannot water plants or cook during their period because their uncleanliness will spoil the food. This myth is extremely dangerous as young boys and men will view women negatively. There is also no evidence that shows that food will spoil when in contact with someone on their monthlies. That said, we have many religious and cultural beliefs that are to be respected.
Menstruation is only a girls’ or women’s issue.
FALSE
Menstruation is a natural, and essential part of the reproductive cycle, roughly impacting half of the human population who already have or will experience it. Menstruation is a human rights issue, and everyone has a responsibility in ensuring that menstruation is not shrouded in secrecy and shame. Believing that menstruation is only a girls’ and women’s issue is exclusionary and seeks to cut out transgender men, and non-binary people who menstruate as well.
