Debunking myths this World Menstrual Hygiene Day

WORLD Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28) is a global movement to create more awareness about menstrual hygiene, period poverty and the like.

This is a chance for non-profit organisations, government, individuals, and the private sector and the media to promote good menstrual health and hygiene.

You can get involved by breaking the taboos and ending the stigma surrounding menstruation, raising awareness about the challenges regarding access to menstrual products, education about menstruation and period-friendly sanitation facilities, and mobilising the funding required for action.

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The myths

‘Minister of Menstruation’, Candice Chirwa, who is also an author and gender activist, shared her thoughts with Lil-lets on the the myths surrounding periods.

She engages in conversations about period poverty and menstruation on social media, while addressing many taboos.

Myth: Period blood is dirty

There is nothing unclean about your period. Menstrual fluid isn’t old blood, and it isn’t dirty. Some have even been discouraged from going to religious ceremonies or places of worship, or even handling food when they’re menstruating.

“One interesting myth we heard was that menstrual blood could be used for witchcraft, so that’s why girls have to make sure no one knows they’re menstruating,” said Chirwa.

Whatever the origin of these myths, they’re unfounded, and only contribute to the shame and stigma surrounding a menstruating person’s body.

Myth: Periods shouldn’t be spoken about

“We can show people who menstruate that being open about your period isn’t bad manners or something to be ashamed about,” said Chirwa.

“Your period is no different to any other bodily function, and silence around it is unnecessary and obstructive, making it difficult for people to access information, medical help and support when necessary. The more that we all talk about periods, the easier it will be to start these conversations and include the people who need them the most,” she said.

Myth: Your first period means that you’ve been sexually active

This period myth is unfortunate, since it makes it hard for younger people who menstruate to approach their mothers or guardians when they start their periods, which in turn makes it difficult for them to access sanitary wear.

“You can imagine girls who start menstruating at the age of eight, and how terrified they are of telling anyone about this, and how they have to cope with their periods in isolation,” said Chirwa.

Myth: Your period is a sign of disease

In fact, it’s quite the opposite: your period is a sign that your ovaries and uterus are healthy. While there are certain conditions that can cause irregular periods or even absent periods (amenorrhea), the presence of a period indicates that you’re developing normally and is nothing to be worried about.

Myth: Tampons can break your virginity

“With correct insertion, tampons are reliable, comfortable alternatives to pads and can be worn by people who’ve had sex or not,” said Chirwa.

The hymen is a thin membrane at the opening of the vagina. The presence of it is often used as an indicator as to whether a woman is virgin or not, however, some women are born without this membrane.

“Exercise can also cause perforation to the hymen, so it is not a true indicator as to whether a girl is a virgin or not,” said Chirwa.