It has become clear that there is still little education or knowledge about menstruation in general. I discussed it with some of my male friends the other day and it was shocking to find out how they think menstruation works.
One was twenty-two years old when he found out that the sanitary towel is not directly attached to the female genitals. The other one thought that all ladies start their menses on the twenty-eighth day of every month. The other one thought ladies who experience irregular periods are on high usage of birth control pills.
Yeap! That was my exact reaction as well.
Ready or not, men need to be well-versed in this area because, at some point in their lives, they will be needed to assist.
This article will help you find out if the stories you have heard about menstruation are myths or facts.
You cannot get pregnant while menstruating
Be Warned! This is a myth.
It might not be what you want to hear, but it is true. It is improbable that a woman might get pregnant while in her menses, but it is still very probable.
There is menstruation and then there is ovulation.
Normally, ovulation starts when the menses are done. However, in cases of irregular periods or prolonged periods, ovulation may overlap the menstrual cycle and that's how you get pregnant.
Virgins cannot use tampons
Uongo! Uongo, hiyo ni uongo! - Lies! Lies, that's a lie!
It is true though that the tampon might stretch or tear the hymen but that does not mean the girl has lost her virginity.
When a woman loses her virginity, her vaginal walls greatly expand and they become more flexible. A tampon cannot possibly expand your vaginal wall.
It is also important to note that not all women have a hymen. Some were born without it.
That time of the month
As much as you think this is a polite way to say "kwani unanyesha?" (Are you on your menses?) It is not and neither is it appreciated.
Some women indeed become moody while in their menses, but it is not true that every time a woman is moody, she is in her menses.
Everyone should be allowed to express their feelings the best way they know how without being judged.
Periods cravings
It is very normal for a woman to have cravings before, during, and after her menses. Thanks to hormonal changes, women experience pre and post-menstrual syndrome.
There are different symptoms that occur before and after menstruation. Apart from cravings, women experience anxiety issues, headaches, and acne breakouts among other issues.
But all said and done, if she craves chocolates, ice cream, or physical touch, please give her that, they are legit cravings.
Period Bluetooth
You might have heard that women who live together or spend time together experience their menses at the same time. This is not necessarily true.
The menstrual cycle goes from 21 to 35 days. Therefore, at some point, they are bound to bump into each other and synchronize.
This does not mean the menses are transferred using "Bluetooth".
