Menstrual myth that turned out to be a big mistake: you can't wash your hair

Until now, there are still many menstrual myths that are still believed by many Indonesian women. She said that women should not wash their hair as long as they "get", avoid drinking cold, and are not allowed to swim. However, are these myths completely true? Check here the truth.

The myth of menstruation which turned out to be completely true

1. Menstruation is the body's way of "cleaning" itself

Menstrual blood is often referred to as "dirty blood", so menstruation is seen as a way for the body to "clean" itself every month. At first glance, this statement is very scientific, but according to Maria Sophocles, M.D, an obstetrician and gynecologist said that if viewed in theory, this assumption is wrong.

Menstruation marks the end of the uterine monthly routine, where the lining of the uterus grows in preparation for the presence of the embryo. Now, if no embryo is present, this tissue will shed with the blood. This is what is called menstruation.

2. Drinking cold delays the onset of menstruation

Many people believe that consuming cold drinks during menstruation will delay the arrival of the monthly guests, because menstrual blood will freeze "cold" and the uterine wall hardens. In fact, cold drinks do not have any effect on the smoothness or inhibition of a person's menstruation.

This is because menstruation is directly related to the female reproductive system, while drinking and eating are related to the digestive system. So it is medically incorrect that there is an influence between the drinks you consume and the disturbance of menstruation because the digestive system and reproductive system are separate and have nothing to do with each other.

It should be noted that there are basically three causes that make someone's menstruation not smooth. First, problems with the uterine wall. Second, hormonal problems from the ovaries so that menstruation does not. While the latter, problems from brain hormones such as stress, excessive exercise and so on. So, cold water is not the cause of a delayed menstrual cycle.

3. Do not wash your hair during menstruation

Apart from being prohibited from drinking cold, another myth about menstruation is about the prohibition of washing your hair during menstruation. Even if you want to wash your hair, it's better to use warm water than cold water. This myth is circulating because of the belief that if you are menstruating, the pores of your scalp will open wide, making you prone to headaches.

In fact, menstruation has nothing to do with whether someone needs to wash their hair or not. It is undeniable that during menstruation, women will feel uncomfortable things such as headaches. However, these headaches are associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), not caused by shampooing. Shampooing is actually needed to keep the organs clean. If your hair is clean and smell good, then you will feel more comfortable and confident, right?

4. Drinking soda speeds up menstruation

This menstrual myth is basically the same as the question of prohibiting drinking cold water during menstruation. So, the myth about drinking soda can smooth menstruation until now cannot be proven scientifically.

This is because the food and drinks you consume do not affect the course of menstruation being faster or slower. Because basically the food and drink that a person consumes will travel into the stomach and intestines. While menstruation itself occurs in the uterus or reproductive tract. So, there is nothing to do between the stomach and the reproductive tract.

5. The menstrual cycle must be 28 days

First of all, it is important to understand that every woman's menstrual cycle is not always the same. That is why, not all women have a menstrual cycle for 28 days. So, you don't have to worry if your menstrual cycle is shorter or longer than 28 days.

The reason is, women have menstrual cycles ranging from 21-35 days. This is influenced by several things, for example, fluctuations in body weight, current activities, stress, medication, and others. Not only that, as we get older, the menstrual cycle for some women will shorten.

6. No swimming

During menstruation, a person may choose not to swim. Apart from being afraid because the color of the pool water can turn red, they also assess that the water pressure in the pool can stop the menstrual cycle. In fact, swimming will not cause anything to someone who is menstruating. Someone who usually chooses not to swim because of their discomfort. However, it wasn't a big deal to be fussed over.

Not only that. He said, women should not swim in the sea while menstruating for fear of being eaten by sharks that smell blood. But in fact, the number of shark attacks is more experienced by men than women with a ratio of 9: 1. Until now, there has not even been a study that proves that women who are menstruating experience a higher incidence of shark attacks than other people.

7. Do not have sex during menstruation

Many people think that having sex during menstruation is disgusting or even seems dirty. In fact, according to some experts having sexual intercourse during menstruation has several benefits. For example, to help relieve stomach cramps. This is because sexual arousal and orgasm involve muscle contraction and release which can make stomach cramps better. Not only that, menstrual blood can also be a natural lubricant.

Even so, it is important to understand that having sex during menstruation should be discussed with your partner first. The reason is, everyone's sexual preferences and needs are different. If you and your partner are comfortable with the idea of having sex during your period, then do it. However, it is important to continue to practice safe sex while you are menstruating to reduce the risk of getting infections or transmitting venereal diseases.