A recent campaign run by Lil-lets ‘We are Women’ called, ‘What I wish I knew’, has revealed some startling myths around periods. It’s hard to believe that in this day and age when we talk openly about every possible sensitive subject from HIV/AIDS to practising safe sex, condom use, sexually transmitted diseases and many other previously taboo subjects, there remains little or no dialogue about menstruation. Why does it remain an embarrassing topic between mothers and daughters, in schools or in the media? Surely something that is totally natural and happens to half the population of the world every month should be something we can talk about.
The result of keeping it secret is a collection of myths – some of which can be potentially harmful to young women, others just causing inconvenience.
So during Lil-lets launch of its smallest ever tampon – the Nano tampon – and a new Compact Applicator tampon, both in response to consumer needs, the company has decided it’s time to debunk all these myths and do some straight talking.
According to Darlene Smith, Marketing Executive of Premier Home and Personal Care, the most common myths, from an anonymous survey, include:
Myth
You can’t fall pregnant when you have your period
Fact
Although it is unlikely that you will fall pregnant, it is not impossible. But a condom should always be used to protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Myth
Women menstruating can catch a cold easily and should avoid cold water or iced drinks
Fact
There is absolutely no reason why women who are menstruating should avoid cold or ice drinks and they will not catch a cold easily. So keep drinking those milkshakes girls.
Myth
Tampons can break your virginity
Fact
The word virgin means that you have never had sex with a man. Only sex can break your virginity.
Myth
You can’t exercise or do strenuous activities while menstruating
Fact
You can exercise as long as period cramps do not inhibit you. Remember if you are going to swim, which is quite acceptable, you need to wear a tampon not a pad.
Myth
You can only use a tampon when you are much older or have had babies
Fact
You can start usingtampons at any age as long as you are comfortable. Start with smaller tampons which are easier to insert and more comfortable, like the new Lil-Lets Nano tampons, so you can get used to wearing them or use a mini Compact Applicator tampon for easier insertion.
Myth
Period pains are cause for concern.
Fact
Period pains are quite normal. However, if your daily activities are disturbed it is best to discuss this with your doctor or clinic sister.
Myth
PMS is made up by men and is all in your head.
Fact
Craving chocolate, being snappy, headaches, bloating, weight gain, anxiety and depression even joint pain are all part of Pre-menstrual syndrome according to medical experts.
Myth
Heavy bleeding only happens to women who have given birth.
Fact
Heavy bleeding can happen to anyone at anytime. Your period flow can even vary from heavy to light or light to heavy in one period or from period to period. This is not unusual and is quite normal. Lil-lets is the only brand that offers a comprehensive range of sanitary protection that caters to your varied flow.
Myth
During your period you get snakes in your stomach and this causes the pain
Fact
There is absolutely no truth in this statement. Period pain is normal and is caused by your uterus contracting to help expel its lining when your egg has not been fertilised.
We are Women. We have periods and they aren’t fun. But it is part of what makes us women. We need to be more open, to talk and help those who are not getting the reliable information they deserve. Let’s start the conversation NOW.
Join the ‘We are Women’ conversation on Facebook, MXIT and Twitter or go to www.wearewomen.co.za for advice and additional access to information.
For more information go to: http://www.wearewomen.co.za/
- What I wish I knew - September 16, 2013
