A lot of period myths circulate about what you supposedly "can't" do during your period. Almost all of them are simply untrue. Here's what's actually fine.
Bathing and Showering
Showering and bathing during your period is not only safe, it's a great way to feel fresh and can even ease cramps, warm water helps relax tense muscles. There is no truth to old myths that bathing is harmful during a period.
Washing Your Hair
Hair washing has no connection to your menstrual cycle at all. Wash it exactly as often as you normally would.
Exercise and Sports
Movement, including running, swimming, dancing, and team sports, is not only safe during your period, it can actually help ease cramps by increasing blood flow and releasing natural pain-relieving chemicals in your body. Many athletes compete at the highest levels during their periods without any issue.
- Light to moderate exercise (a walk, a swim, an easy jog) often helps cramps feel better, not worse.
- If you're extremely tired or cramps are severe, it's completely okay to scale back intensity or rest for a day, that's just good self-care, not necessity.
- Swimming with a tampon, cup, or period swimwear works exactly like a regular day at the pool.
Myth vs. Fact
- Myth: You shouldn't shower or wash your hair during your period. Fact: Both are completely safe and hygienic.
- Myth: Exercise makes cramps worse. Fact: Gentle to moderate movement usually helps.
- Myth: You can't go swimming on your period. Fact: You can, with the right product.