4 Common Period Myths

The RepHreshing Truth wants to empower you to take control of your feminine health, and that means knowing fact from fiction when it comes to your period. There are a lot of rumors about your time of the month. Either way, here are 4 of the most common period myths and why they're totally bogus.

4 Common Period Myths

1. If Your Period is Irregular, It's Abnormal

If you miss a period or it comes a week later than usual, don't panic! A "normal period" doesn't have to be "regular". Irregular periods are defined by a single missed period or a period that doesn't occur on a regular schedule. This is actually fairly common. When it comes to your menstrual cycle, 28 days is just an average that doctors use when, in actuality, some women have a cycle that lasts 21 days while others last 34. In addition, the length of your period can vary from 2 to 7 days (Mayo Clinic).

However, if you start having periods that last more than 7 days, cycles that regularly last less than 21 days or more than 45 days, spotting between your periods, very heavy bleeding during your period or severe pain (beyond your normal menstrual cramps), you should see a medical professional. Also, if your irregular periods are accompanied by unexplained weight gain or loss or you are having excess hair growth on the face, chin, chest and abdomen, you should see your doctor. If you have missed 3 consecutive periods, you should see your doctor (The Nemours Foundation).

2. You Period Doesn't Affect Vaginal pH

Did you know that your vagina has a pH? And did you know that your period can affect it? A normal vaginal pH is 3.5 to 4.5 and this delicate balance can be easily disturbed by a number of things. Blood has a pH level of 7.4, so your feminine pH may become elevated by menstrual fluids — especially if you use tampons which hold menstrual fluids inside the vagina (Dr. Oz). An unbalanced vaginal pH can lead to other issues like vaginal odor and vaginal discomfort.

To effectively maintain your normal vaginal pH, use RepHresh™ Gel. RepHresh Gel is clinically shown to maintain a balanced vaginal pH, eliminate vaginal odor, and relieve feminine discomfort. RepHresh Gel maintains vaginal pH within the healthy range of 3.5 to 4.5, and one application lasts 3 days.

3. Virgins Shouldn't Wear Tampons

There has long been a myth that virgins should not wear tampons because they will cause too much discomfort or may even cause you to "lose your virginity". The hymen, "a flexible membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening, is usually still intact for girls who haven't had sexual intercourse" (Tampax). Some people fear that using a tampon will cause discomfort or tear the hymen. Whether or not you have had sexual intercourse should not affect your comfort level when inserting a tampon. Thus, once you are old enough to get your period, you are old enough to use a tampon!

4. PMS is All in Your Head

PMS, or Premenstrual Syndrome, has been a topic of debate for men and women for quite some time. While some may argue that it is a figment of your imagination, Mayo Clinic disagrees. PMS has a "wide variety of symptoms, including mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability and depression" and it is "estimated that as many as 3 of every 4 menstruating women have experienced some form of premenstrual syndrome".

So next time someone tells you you're using PMS as an excuse, set them straight with the facts!

Now that you know the top 4 period myths and why they're totally fictitious, you can take control of your feminine health. And remember, you can re-balance your healthy vaginal pH by using RepHresh™ Vaginal Gel after your next period!