Stop Believing These Period Lies—Here’s What’s Real

Because your period deserves the truth, not myths and rumors

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Have you ever heard a wild period myth and wondered if it’s actually true? Like, can you really not swim during your period, or will sharks be after you if you go camping? Spoiler alert: Most of these stories are just myths. These myths about periods are everywhere online, and many women see them and believe they’re true. These myths spread false information, causing stress, embarrassment, and sometimes even unhealthy habits. In this article, we will be debunking some of the biggest period myths out there to help you feel more confident and informed. This article is for anyone who wants real answers and the truth, not just silly stories.

Myth #1: You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period

This myth says it’s impossible to get pregnant while you’re on your period. While it’s less likely, it’s definitely not impossible. Sperm can survive up to 5 days inside the female reproductive tract. So if you ovulate early and sperm are still around, pregnancy can happen. For teens, ovulation may happen earlier or later than expected because cycles can be irregular. Believing this myth might lead to unprotected intimate activity when you think you’re “safe,” which also increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’re ever unsure or confused about your cycle or risks, it’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider.

Myth #2: It’s not safe to swim during your period

Many girls hear that swimming during their period is unsafe and unhygienic, but that’s completely false. Swimming is 100% safe and normal. Many girls choose to swim on their period using proper products so they don’t have to miss out on the fun. Tampons and menstrual cups are the most effective options to prevent leaks while swimming. If you don’t like using tampons or cups, don’t worry — there are period swimsuits with several layers that can hold the equivalent of 2-3 tampons’ worth of menstrual blood.

Another interesting fact is that the pressure from the water can actually slow down or temporarily stop bleeding while you swim. However, it’s still important to use some form of protection in the water. Swimming during your period does not increase your risk of infections or harm your body. In fact, exercise like swimming can help reduce cramps and improve your mood thanks to the release of endorphins. Believing you can’t swim while on your period might make you miss out on fun activities — don’t let myths hold you back!

Myth #3: You should avoid exercise during your period

Many people think exercising during their period is bad and will make cramps worse or cause other problems. However, exercise is actually one of the best natural ways to reduce cramps and boost your mood. This happens because when you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins—natural painkillers and mood boosters. Moving your body also improves blood flow and circulation, which can help ease muscle tension and reduce bloating. Exercise can even help you sleep better, which is especially important since your energy levels might be lower during your period. 

Avoiding exercise means missing out on a natural way to feel better during your cycle.

Myth #4: Sharks and bears can smell your period blood, so you can’t go swimming or camping

You have probably heard of this one before. Some people believe that sharks in the ocean or bears in the wild are attracted to menstrual blood, making it unsafe to get in the ocean or go camping. Sharks are mainly attracted to amino acids found in bodily fluids like blood, urine, and sweat. However, menstrual blood is made up of many other substances, along with mucus and tissue from the uterine lining. While sharks have a good sense of smell, there is no scientific evidence that they are specifically attracted to menstrual blood.

The myth about bears being attracted to girls on their periods started in 1967 when a menstruating female was killed by a bear, and the other one was holding tampons. But experts found that the attack had nothing to do with periods. In fact, a 1991 study on black bears also proved the point that they have no interest in females on their periods. In the study, 26 bears were presented with used tampons, and the other 20 were exposed to four menstruating women. None of these bears showed any interest in the tampons or women.

So if you want to go surfing, snorkeling, hiking, or animal watching, don’t let your period stop you!

Myth #5: Eating lemons can delay your period

Ever heard someone say that eating lemons can stop your period from coming? Yeah, it’s not that simple. Some women swear that eating lemons, drinking lemon water, or sucking on sour candies can stop or delay their period. There is no scientific evidence that proves this actually works. The menstrual cycle is controlled by the hormones estrogen and progesterone. No fruit can change how these hormones work or control your cycle. The timing of your period is mostly influenced by stress levels, illnesses, weight changes, or medication, not what you ate for lunch. 

This myth may cause girls to experiment with unhealthy eating habits. Lemon juice is acidic, so the only thing drinking a lot of it might give you is a stomach ache.

Myth #6: If you miss a period, you must be pregnant

This myth goes through many girls' minds whenever they are late or have skipped a period. While a missed period is often the first indication of pregnancy, sometimes, that's not the case. Especially for teens, missed or late periods are very common. In teens, the body is still working to regulate and balance the hormones that control your cycle. Some other common reasons for late or skipped periods include stress, intense exercise, weight changes, illness, and, in older women, the transition to menopause. 

High stress levels can affect the part of the brain that regulates periods, the hypothalamus, causing irregularities and even a pause in ovulation. Intense exercising, such as sports, can cause hormonal shifts that can affect the menstrual cycle. 

Gaining or losing weight too quickly can also throw off hormone levels. Chronic illnesses, especially conditions like PCOS or other disorders of the reproductive system, often cause irregular cycles. For the older women transitioning out of their cycles and into menopause also experience these irregularities while their hormones are trying to adjust. If your periods are irregular or you miss multiple periods in a row, it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test if you may be pregnant. If not, check in with a doctor to rule out health conditions like PCOS, hormonal imbalances, or thyroid problems.

The Bottom Line

Periods are challenging enough on their own; no one needs myths making them harder. Instead of believing myths, get facts from healthcare professionals and reliable sources. Whether it’s about swimming, hiking, or what you eat, there’s a lot of false information out there. But when you understand your body, you can make decisions based on facts, not fear. Don’t let your period hold you back from doing the things you love.