People bleed up to 2 to 3 pints during their period.
Myth: Although it might seem like a lot, the amount of blood that you generally lose during your period is much smaller. It’s more like four to six tablespoonfuls of blood which is a small amount. The rest of your period is made up of the unused lining and other fluids. By the time it ends, your whole period will probably have amounted to about a cup in volume.
You get fat when you’re on your period.
Total myth: Your body’s hormones go a bit crazy just before your period and this can cause what is called “water retention”. It can make you a bit bigger than usual. You might feel bloated and your clothes might be a bit tighter but it’s not a long term change. Doing a bit of exercise and eating well can help you feel better. After a few days your body goes back its normal weight.
You can’t exercise during your period
Complete myth! There’s no reason to stop exercising during your period at all. In fact, gentle exercise will help to soothe any aches and pains you get. Swimming is a good form of exercise – and remember, you can use Tampax® Compak when you’re on your period.
You will get a massive spot before you are due on your period.
Total Myth: Massive spots, I don’t think so!! You could possibly get small spots. That’s why it’s so important to continue with your regular daily shower or bath during your period.
Your period stops when you are swimming.
Total Myth: You should always use a tampon if you plan to go swimming during your period. You cannot wear a pad. Change your tampon just before you swim and immediately after you've finished swimming.
You can't eat fatty foods when on your period for example no burger, chips, chocolate and sweets.
Total Myth: I would love to say this is true, as it would mean better eating habits for one week each month, but unfortunately it is a total myth. All of the above foods can be eaten during your period. However, this type of food should be eaten in moderation as part of healthy eating.
You won't grow in height once you have started your periods.
Total Myth: Most teens continue growing until they are 16 yrs. This tends to be in growing spurts. Some teens may not start their growing spurt until 15-16 yrs. No two people are the same, so don't worry if your friends start to grow taller or curvier quicker than you do.
When u snog u can get pregnant.
Total Myth: If this were true 99.99% of all teens would be pregnant right now!! Check out the "My Body" section to get the full lowdown on puberty & periods.
Your first period will really hurt and there's nothing you can do about it.
Many women hardly notice any discomfort at all during a period. Others might have what are called 'period cramps'. These are usually aches or cramps in the lower part of your tummy. Or sometimes you might have an ache in your back or along your inner thighs.
You can't wear a tampon until you are 13.
Total Myth: Age has nothing to do with when you can start using tampons. Before using tampons for the first time you need to be able to read and understand how to properly use tampons and be responsible enough to follow the guidelines which can be found in each tampon box. Some girls start using tampons with their first menstrual period because they are swimmers or other types of athletes. Some girls want to understand their cycle more and prefer to wait a few months before they begin using tampons. The choice is yours.
PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome) is all in your head.
Before your period, hormone levels in your body skyrocket meaning you may feel irritable or unhappy. PMS is a physical condition and can't simply be dismissed as silly or imaginary.
Using tampons stretches your vagina.
There's no medical or physical evidence to back this up.
You can put a tampon too far in and lose it.
It's impossible to lose a tampon since the opening at the far end of the vagina is pin-sized - far too small for it to fit through. In addition, the walls of the vagina hold the tampon firmly in place so you can rest assured there's no chance of a disappearing act.
Tampons can get stuck.
The constricting muscles of the vagina hold a tampon firmly in place until you pull the string to remove it. If you find it difficult to pull out, try to relax so that the muscles will loosen their grip. And if you've not left the tampon in very long (say 1-2 hours), it may not have absorbed enough fluid to become soft and pliable so you should give it a little more time before retrying. So don't worry - there's no way a tampon can get stuck.
If you snap the tampon string, you'll never get it out.
It's extremely rare for a tampon's string to break. But if it does, it shouldn't be tricky to get out with your fingers. If you're struggling, pop along to your doctor who will sort it out in seconds.
Tampons cause yeast infections.
Yeast infections are caused by a variety of factors including some antibiotics. Because infections often occur just before a period starts some girls assume they are linked to tampon-use but this is entirely untrue.
Virgins shouldn't wear tampons.
The only way to lose your virginity is by having sex; it is not affected by your choice of period protection. So there's no reason why you should not use them before you're sexually active.
You can't get pregnant during your period.
Well, it's unlikely but it's not impossible - particularly in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Don't risk it and remember that unprotected sex also exposes you to a host of sexually transmitted infections.
You shouldn't wash your hair or body during your period.
Rubbish. Some girls sweat more during their periods and there's no reason not to stay clean and fresh.
You should always rest during your periods.
Listen to your body and do whatever makes you feel good. Your period is no excuse for slobbing out; in fact a little gentle exercise and stretching is really effective in relieving period pain.
People can tell when you're having your period.
Again, totally untrue. A quarter of all women between the ages of 10 and 50 are having their periods at any one time and it's impossible to tell who is having one and who isn't.
