Myths About the Menstrual Cycle

Even though it is a regular occurrence for almost every woman of child-bearing age, the menstrual cycle is still subject to many myths and misconceptions. In fact, in a 2001 fertility questionnaire conducted by the American Infertility Association, only one out of 12,382 respondents correctly answered all of the questions. Some menstruation myths --- like you shouldn't bathe or wash your hair during your period --- are little more than old wives' tales. Others, however, such as misconceptions about when you can or can't get pregnant, can have serious consequences for women who believe them. Educating yourself about what really occurs during the menstrual cycle can help you gain a greater understanding of your own body and avoid unnecessary stress or an unwanted pregnancy.

A Cycle Lasts 28 days

• Even though this belief is common even in the medical field, the truth is that every woman's cycle is different. Some women may regularly have cycles as short as 24 days or as long as 36 days. Cycles may even vary in length for the same woman. This common myth causes many women to believe that their periods are late if they do not begin menstruating within 28 days of their last cycle. By monitoring and charting your own cycle, you can gain a better understanding of what is normal for you and identify any irregularities in your cycle that could indicate pregnancy or another health condition.

Ovulation Occurs on Day 14

• While this may be true for some women, again, every woman's cycle is different. This common misconception is the basis for the rhythm method, the least effective form of birth control. Some women may ovulate on day 12 while some women may ovulate on day 16. If you do not wish to become pregnant, it is never safe to guess at the date of ovulation. Always use a reliable method of birth control.

A Woman Can Get Pregnant Only One Day Per Cycle

• This myth may stem from the fact that an egg typically lives only 12 to 24 hours after ovulation. However, sperm can live up to five days after intercourse, meaning that a woman can get pregnant from sex that occurs several days before she even ovulates. A woman can also release two or more eggs within a 24-hour period. Taking all these factors into consideration, a woman should consider herself fertile for at least a week each cycle.

Worrying About a Late Period Will Delay It

• While stress can affect your cycle, this common belief is incorrect. Stress can delay ovulation, but once an egg is released, the length of time until menstruation begins varies little from cycle to. Therefore, your period is more likely to be delayed by stress that occurs at the beginning of your cycle (before ovulation) than toward the end.

You Can't Get Pregnant During Your Period

• Technically, this is true: Conception is not possible during menstruation. However, this belief is still problematic due to the fact that sperm can survive up to five days in a woman's reproductive tract. If a woman has sex toward the end of her period (for example, on day five of her cycle), she could possibly become pregnant if she ovulates early, while sperm is still present.

You Can't Have Sex During Your Period

• While some women may be uncomfortable with the idea of having intercourse during their period, there is absolutely nothing that you can't do during your period that you can do without it. This is also true for swimming (if you wear a tampon or menstrual cup), bathing, or washing your hair, all activities that were once thought to be unhealthy or impossible during menstruation.