Before reading this article, I sincerely invite you to click "Follow" to share professional medical science knowledge with you every day to help you and your family improve the quality of healthy life, thank you for your support!
Many women experience all kinds of distress and discomfort during their menstrual period, and at the same time, they will hear a lot of statements and suggestions about menstruation. However, many of these claims are misconceptions that have no scientific basis.
Today, we will clarify some common rumors about "big aunts", hoping to help you treat the menstrual period more scientifically and avoid unnecessary worries and misunderstandings.
Myth 1: You can't wash your hair, bathe or exercise during your period
We often hear people say that women can't wash their hair, take a shower, or even exercise during their periods. In fact, there is no scientific basis for these claims. First of all, washing your hair and bathing during menstruation will not cause adverse effects on your body.
Instead, maintaining personal hygiene plays an important role in preventing infection and staying fresh. However, it is important to blow dry your hair as soon as possible after washing your hair to avoid catching a cold. Also, it's better to take a shower instead of a tub bath when bathing, which can reduce the risk of infection.
As for exercise, moderate exercise actually has many benefits for menstruation. Low-impact exercise, such as walking, yoga and Pilates, can help relieve menstrual cramps and reduce stress.
However, try to avoid strenuous exercise, such as running, jumping, etc., during menstruation, so as not to cause or aggravate the symptoms of backache and heavy menstrual flow. In short, listen to your body's senses, and when you feel unwell, the most important thing is to rest in time.
Myth 2: Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to anemia, and low menstrual bleeding is premature ovarian failure
There are also many misconceptions about the amount of menstrual flow. Some people believe that heavy menstrual bleeding can cause anemia, and there is some truth to this statement.
Heavy menstrual bleeding can indeed lead to anemia, especially if it is done for a long time, and symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and palpitations may occur. If the menstrual flow is very heavy, it is advisable to seek medical attention in time to find out the cause.
Common causes include conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. In addition, chronic mental stress, lack of exercise, and irregular diet may also lead to increased menstrual flow.
On the other hand, light menstrual bleeding does not necessarily mean premature ovarian failure. Menstrual flow can be reduced due to a variety of factors, such as endometrial damage caused by multiple abortions, endocrine disorders such as pituitary tumors and hypothyroidism.
Excessive weight loss and high-intensity exercise may also affect hormone production, leading to decreased menstrual flow. Premature ovarian failure is a woman who has oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea for more than four months before the age of 40, usually accompanied by symptoms such as skin flushing, night sweats and vaginal dryness. If you experience these symptoms, it is advisable to go to the hospital as soon as possible for a check-up.
Myth 3: The hymen must rupture and bleed at the beginning of the night
The presence and rupture of the hymen has long been a misunderstood topic. Many people think that the hymen will rupture and bleed during first sex, but this is not accurate.
The hymen is not a completely covered membrane, but a thin mucosal fold that varies in shape and thickness from person to person. Some women have a small hymen foramen that may rupture and bleed during first sexual intercourse, accompanied by some pain; Some women have a more elastic hymen and will not rupture and bleed even during sexual intercourse.
In the traditional culture of the mainland, the presence or absence of hymen is used as a sign of whether a woman is "chaste" or not, which is very absurd and unscientific. In fact, the state of the hymen does not reflect a woman's chastity or not.
Therefore, we should dispel this stereotype and take a correct view of the physiological phenomenon of the hymen. Whether or not there is bleeding at the first night varies from person to person, so there is no need to create a psychological burden because of this.
Myth 4: Menstrual cramps will be fine after giving birth
Many women have heard the saying that "menstrual cramps will get better after giving birth". Actually, this statement is not entirely true. Menstrual cramps in young women are most often caused by menstrual blood not being able to pass smoothly from the body.
This is because the cervix is narrow, which blocks the flow of menstrual blood, causing tenderness. During childbirth, the fetus passes through the cervical canal, which does cause it to dilate, and the uterine opening becomes relatively loose after childbirth, which helps menstrual blood and endometrium to be discharged smoothly, thereby relieving dysmenorrhea.
However, the cause of menstrual cramps is more than just cervical stenosis. Endometriosis is also one of the important causes of menstrual cramps. In this condition, endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine cavity, causing pain.
During pregnancy and lactation, due to the absence of menstruation, the symptoms of dysmenorrhea will disappear temporarily, but the lesion will still be present. By the time menstruation returns, menstrual cramps may return. Therefore, whether dysmenorrhea can be relieved after giving birth varies from person to person and needs to be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.
For those with dysmenorrhea due to endometriosis, treatment under the guidance of a doctor, including medication and surgery, is recommended. For general dysmenorrhea, you can try some non-pharmacological methods, such as compressing the abdomen and maintaining moderate exercise, to relieve the discomfort.
Health advice: Treat your menstrual period properly
Emotion management
During menstruation, mood swings are greater, and it is easy to produce irritability, anxiety and other emotions. Maintaining a good mindset and reducing stress is very important to regulate your menstrual cycle. It is advisable to relax your body and mind through meditation, deep breathing, etc., and seek help from psychological counseling if necessary.
Eat a balanced diet
Menstrual diet requires special attention to avoid irritating foods such as raw and cold, spicy foods. It is recommended to consume enough nutrients and maintain a regular diet. Eating foods rich in iron and vitamins, such as red meat, green leafy vegetables and nuts, can help prevent anemia and maintain good health.
Good living habits
Maintaining a regular routine and getting enough sleep are essential to maintain a proper menstrual cycle. Moderate exercise can also help relieve the discomfort of menstruation. Choosing some gentle exercises, such as yoga, walking, Pilates, etc., can improve blood circulation and reduce pain.
personal hygiene
Menstruating women have relatively low immunity and are susceptible to infections. Therefore, it is very important to maintain personal hygiene. It is recommended to wash the vulva every day, use clean sanitary napkins or tampons, and replace them in time to avoid bacterial growth. Sexual intercourse and bathing are prohibited during menstruation to prevent infection.
By clarifying common myths about menstrual periods, we hope to help more women understand and treat their bodies more scientifically. In the face of the discomfort of the menstrual period, there is no need to be too anxious and worried, understand the scientific care method, and take appropriate health measures, which can greatly improve the quality of life. I hope that every woman can have a healthy and comfortable menstrual period and enjoy the beauty of life.