Learn
Myth vs fact
Myth
You cannot bathe or wash hair during periods.
You cannot bathe or wash hair during periods.
Fact
Bathing is safe and helps you feel fresh.
Bathing is safe and helps you feel fresh.
Do
- Bathe and wash hair as usual
- Use warm water if it soothes cramps
Do not
- Do not skip baths because of a rule
- Do not feel ashamed of washing
Myth
Period blood is dirty or impure.
Period blood is dirty or impure.
Fact
It is normal body tissue and blood. Nothing impure about it.
It is normal body tissue and blood. Nothing impure about it.
Do
- Say it is natural, calmly and without shame
- Change pads on time and wash hands
Do not
- Do not call it dirty or impure
- Do not treat a girl differently on her period
Myth
Girls should not exercise on periods.
Girls should not exercise on periods.
Fact
Light movement can reduce cramps.
Light movement can reduce cramps.
Do
- Try walking, stretching or light yoga
- Rest if you feel tired or in pain
Do not
- Do not force heavy workouts if it hurts
- Do not stay still all day by default
Myth
Tampons or cups take away virginity.
Tampons or cups take away virginity.
Fact
Virginity is a social idea, not something a product changes. Use what you are comfortable with.
Virginity is a social idea, not something a product changes. Use what you are comfortable with.
Do
- Choose the product you are comfortable with
- Ask a doctor if you are unsure
Do not
- Do not believe virginity talk about products
- Do not use a tampon or cup for more than the label says
Myth
Wet dreams mean something is wrong.
Wet dreams mean something is wrong.
Fact
They are a normal part of puberty.
They are a normal part of puberty.
Do
- Remember it is normal in puberty
- Change and wash up, then carry on
Do not
- Do not feel guilty or ashamed
- Do not take medicines from rumours
Myth
Shaving makes hair grow thicker.
Shaving makes hair grow thicker.
Fact
Shaving does not change hair thickness. It only looks blunt at first.
Shaving does not change hair thickness. It only looks blunt at first.
Do
- Use a clean razor and shaving cream
- Shave in the direction of hair growth
Do not
- Do not share razors
- Do not shave dry or press hard
Myth
Boys must be tough and never talk about feelings.
Boys must be tough and never talk about feelings.
Fact
Talking about feelings is a strength.
Talking about feelings is a strength.
Do
- Talk to a friend, parent or teacher
- Listen when someone shares
Do not
- Do not say 'be a man' or mock feelings
- Do not bottle things up for long
Myth
Cracking knuckles causes arthritis.
Cracking knuckles causes arthritis.
Fact
Studies have not found a link, though cracking hard can annoy joints.
Studies have not found a link, though cracking hard can annoy joints.
Do
- Be gentle with your joints
- See a doctor if joints hurt or swell
Do not
- Do not crack knuckles with force
- Do not fear arthritis from normal cracking
Myth
Acupressure cures serious diseases.
Acupressure cures serious diseases.
Fact
It may comfort, but it does not cure. See a doctor.
It may comfort, but it does not cure. See a doctor.
Do
- Use acupressure for comfort and relaxation
- See a doctor for any serious problem
Do not
- Do not stop prescribed medicine
- Do not trust anyone who promises a cure
Myth
Sleep less to get more done.
Sleep less to get more done.
Fact
Poor sleep lowers focus, mood and growth.
Poor sleep lowers focus, mood and growth.
Do
- Sleep at a fixed time every night
- Keep screens away before bed
Do not
- Do not trade sleep for study or games
- Do not rely on caffeine to stay up
Quick quiz
1 / 12
How long is a typical period?
Glossary
Uterus
The organ where a baby grows during pregnancy.
Ovary
Holds eggs and makes hormones.
Ovulation
Release of an egg once per cycle.
Hormone
A chemical messenger in the body.
PMS
Mood and body changes before a period.
Puberty
The years when the body matures.
Testosterone
A hormone that drives changes in boys.
Estrogen
A hormone that drives changes in girls.
Acupressure
Pressing body points with fingers.
Acupuncture
Thin needles placed by a trained expert.
Consent
A free, clear yes from an adult.
STI
Infection spread through intimate contact.