The Real Horror: Period Myths

As Halloween is just around the corner, the world is filled with ghosts, horror movies, and jump scares, but there is something far more terrifying than these fictional horrors: The myth, stigma, and misinformation surrounded around the menstrual cycle and the components to life as we live with it today. So, let’s debunk some myths together to create an atmosphere of comfort and truth!

You can’t swim on your period: Many are terrified to swim on their period, even scheduling tropical vacations around the issue. Although this could be from other factors, it is known that water does temporarily reduce the flow of period blood. However, it does not permanently stop the flow, and the normal blood flow does resume once you exit the water. Therefore, it is important to use menstrual products when in the water to prevent leaks. A pad is not recommended to swim in due to the reduction of absorption and an increased risk of leaks, so other menstrual products such as tampons or menstrual cups are recommended. An additional myth is that swimming with your period is unsanitary; this is completely false as the chlorine in swimming waters completely disinfects any sort of bacteria, along with period swimwear also being an option. Besides, think of all the competitive swimmers who swim around the clock!

Periods are dirty: This myth can be seen to account from the general stigma around periods, but it is completely false. Many think that periods are a way of flushing out toxins, which is incorrect; it is merely a way for the body to clear out the uterine lining of the uterus through period blood, which is a mixture of blood, mucus, and pieces of uterine lining. It should effectively be treated as any sort of bodily fluid. This stigma is often related in cultural and religious beliefs, but periods are no dirtier than any other bodily fluid. In fact, periods are a sign of menstrual wellness, never a cause for shame.

Not having a period as an athlete is normal. This is false in several areas, as having a prolonged break from your period can be from numerous factors, but equating this to being an athlete is not correct. This might be the result of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports (RED-S), which is due to the body not getting enough nutrition relative to calories burned and exercise level. If these issues are not treated properly, they could lead to an escalation of these problems along with other health issues arising from it.

These are just some of the several myths that surround the menstrual cycle, so let’s break these taboos to change the world into less of a scare.

Reference:

https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2025/02/11-period-myths-and-facts

https://www.ankurahospitals.com/common-myths-and-facts-about-menstrual-health-and-hygiene-tips-expert-care-and-advice/