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Stigmas Surrounding Postpartum Maternal Health 

Isha Gupta
June 2024

Welcoming new life into the world can be a major life milestone and the start of a new chapter. Socio-cultural beliefs and stigmas can influence public perceptions and attitudes toward new mothers. Stigmas surrounding postpartum maternal health can be diverse and affect women’s health and well-being. 

Stillbirth

A stillbirth can be a stressful and difficult experience for parents. Although improvements have been made in maternity healthcare services overall, stillbirths are still relatively prevalent. Recent estimates suggest that there are more than 2.7 million stillbirths in the world each year.^[1] Stillbirths can significantly impact the mental health and emotional well-being of parents, often leading to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation.^[1] Research has also found that women who had a stillbirth may feel embarrassed and guilty about their post-pregnant bodies, and this negative body image can decrease their sexual activity and pleasure.^[1]In addition, many women blame themselves or are blamed by their partner and family, for their stillbirth. The stigma surrounding stillbirths can be so severe, especially in low and middle-income countries, where women who had a stillbirth are perceived as being under the spell of evil spirits, and women are also accused of getting abortions. Furthermore, some women have been divorced by their partners, got physically abused, and were even forced to leave their villages.^[1] Effectively supporting parents in diverse ways can help them develop resilience and support their mental health. For instance, researchers found that providing parents the opportunity to see their baby, say goodbye, and make final memories helped decrease anxiety and sleep disorders, along with promoting coping and healing.^[1] Additionally, along with addressing taboos, it is beneficial for bereavement care to be religiously and culturally sensitive. Moreover, conducting further research, especially on the diverse impacts of stillbirths can help increase knowledge and understanding about the complexity of this grief and loss.^[1] 

C-section 

A Cesarean section (C-section) is essential when vaginal birth poses risks to the mother or her baby, yet a C-section can be accompanied by stigma. The stigma can be influenced by vaginal deliveries being exceedingly promoted while implying C-sections to be unnatural and abnormal.^[2] As a result, frequently, women who are unable to have vaginal deliveries are labeled as weak and lazy.^[3] This stigma can often come from loved ones, particularly mother figures or other women in one’s immediate family, which can contribute to the peer pressure of vaginal birth.^[3] Continuous and improved tools for science communication, including accurate social media outlets, can be utilized to raise awareness about the importance of C-sections when vaginal deliveries are unsafe.^[2] Such maternal health communication strategies must be comprehensive, factual, and accessible to diverse members of the public to help address negative perceptions toward C-sections. 

Postpartum Bleeding 

In many cultures, there are negative connotations associated with bleeding during and after childbirth. These include misconceptions that postpartum bleeding is contagious, and that evil spirits cause it to punish new mothers for ignoring social rules or past mistakes.^[4] Stigmas can place significant restrictions on new mothers’ lives. For example, in some communities of Nepal, women are isolated and confined in cowsheds and huts, both during menstrual bleeding and immediately after childbirth, because they are considered impure, unclean, and untouchable.^{[5, 6]} Along with affecting women’s physical and mental health, restrictions can pose a threat to their lives due to unsafe living conditions. Furthermore, stigmas could contribute to disinformation and prevent excessive blood loss, known as postpartum hemorrhage, from being taken seriously. Postpartum hemorrhage is crucial to be aware of as it is a leading cause of maternal mortality globally.^[4] A collective effort, including policymakers, researchers, public health workers, medical professionals, and community members must be made to ensure that the public has factual information about postpartum bleeding. Moreover, essential resources including access to medicines and supplies for management must be ensured.^[4] 

Breastfeeding 

Breastfeeding is an important component of maternal and child health given that it offers a variety of benefits to both new mothers and their babies. Infants who are breastfed have a lower risk of diverse health concerns such as diarrhea, vomiting, respiratory infections, ear infections, cavities, and infant mortality.^[7] By the same token, breastfeeding can lower mothers’ risks of concerns such as breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, while helping to reduce postpartum bleeding.^[7] However, women may face stigma, especially in public settings, where women are often informed to stop breastfeeding or leave. The embarrassment and fear of being stigmatized can cause women to give up breastfeeding altogether, especially when it restricts social interactions. Cultural perceptions, including the over-sexualization of female breasts as opposed to emphasis on their nurturing function of breastfeeding, further contribute to this stigma.^[8] Knowledge about the benefits breastfeeding offers for both the baby and the mother needs to be increased to ensure information about health is accessible and promote more positive attitudes towards breastfeeding. Furthermore, promoting policies that support women’s health such as maternity leave can help ensure that women are able to breastfeed safely and conveniently while they take care of their infants. 

There are diverse stigmas and taboos new mothers might encounter. Social and cultural perceptions can influence awareness of maternal health and how new mothers are treated. Addressing harmful stigmas is important to supporting and safeguarding women’s health and wellness postpartum. 

References 

[1] Burden, C., Bradley, S., Storey, C., Ellis, A., Heazell, A. E. P., Downe, S., Cacciatore, J., & Siassakos, D. (2016, January 19). From grief, guilt pain and stigma to hope and pride – a systematic review and meta-analysis of mixed-method research of the psychosocial impact of stillbirth. BioMed Central. https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-016-0800-8

[2] Vazquez Corona, M., Betrán, A. P., & Bohren, M. A. (2022). The portrayal and perceptions of cesarean section in Mexican media Facebook pages: a mixed-methods study. Reproductive health, 19(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-022-01351-8 

[3] Udobang, W. (2018, December 17). Silence about C-sections: Nigeria has some of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in the world, in part, because of taboos over Caesarean sections. Sage Journals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0306422018819324

[4] Akter, S., Forbes, G., Vazquez Corona, M., Miller, S., Althabe, F., Coomarasamy, A., Gallos, I. D., Oladapo, O. T., Vogel, J. P., Lorencatto, F., & Bohren, M. A. (2023). Perceptions and experiences of the prevention, detection, and management of postpartum haemorrhage: a qualitative evidence synthesis. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 11(11), CD013795. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013795.pub2 

[5] Sommer, M., Phillips-Howard, P. A., Mahon, T., Zients, S., Jones, M., & Caruso, B. A. (2020, May 1). Beyond menstrual hygiene: addressing vaginal bleeding throughout the life course in low and middle-income countries. BMJ Journals. https://gh.bmj.com/content/2/2/e000405?source=post_elevate_sequence_page———————– —- 

[6] Thakuri, D. S., Thapa, R. K., Singh, S., Khanal, G. N., & Khatri, R. B. (2021). A harmful religio-cultural practice (Chhaupadi) during menstruation among adolescent girls in Nepal: Prevalence and policies for eradication. PloS one, 16(9), e0256968. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256968

[7] Cleveland Clinic. (2023, July 17). Benefits of Breastfeeding. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15274-benefits-of-breastfeeding 

[8] The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding. (2011). Barriers to Breastfeeding in the United States. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK52688/

Image-Based Abuse: Sexual Harassment in the Age of the Internet

Lula Dalupang
June 2024

Image-based abuse (IBA), otherwise known as “revenge porn”, is one of the consequences that arose during the age of the internet. As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly develops and evolves, so does image-based abuse. Creating artificial images or videos containing sexual content is one of the fastest growing harmful uses of AI.¹ Despite the proliferation of IBA and its consequences, the U.S. still does not have a federal law in place to criminalize perpetrators of IBA. Thus, IBA education is essential so that individuals with internet access possess the requisite knowledge to identify and respond appropriately to instances of IBA.

Understanding Image-Based Abuse

Image-based abuse is defined as forms of online harassment that weaponize sexually explicit images of an individual to control, humiliate, or otherwise cause them harm.³ A 2023 report by Panorama Global found that at least ten million Americans have experienced the threat, if not the reality, of having their intimate pictures exposed without their consent.¹ 

Internet-based abuse can present itself in various different ways. The most common form of IBA is nonconsensual pornography (NCP), obtaining and/or sharing sexually explicit images and/or videos of an individual without their consent.³ The perpetrator can either be the sexual partner or a third-party individual. A similar type of IBA is “upskirting” and “downblousing”.² As described in their names, this form of IBA consists of taking a photograph of an individual beneath their clothing without their consent (e.g. taking a photograph from below as the individual walks up the stairs). 

Another form of IBA is “sextortion”, in which the perpetrator uses intimate images and/or videos of an individual as blackmail for continued harassment. This differs from leaking or hacking images, since the latter is a shorter form of abuse. Sharing intimate images outside of the intended recipient without the consent of the person in the image is a separate form of internet-based abuse.

Newer forms of internet-based abuse include deepfakes and cyberflashing. Deepfakes, as mentioned earlier, are AI generated images or videos of an individual, typically in an intimate context, created without their consent.³ Cyberflashing is a form of IBA that became more common with the rise of social media, messaging apps, and WiFi-based sharing (i.e. AirDrop). These technologies allow perpetrators to share unsolicited sexual images and/or videos, an example of which is colloquially known as “dick pics”.² 

In order to comprehend the forms of IBA, first the definition of intimate images/videos must be understood. An intimate image/video must contain at least one of the following: nudity or partial nudity, genitals, private activities (e.g.; using the restroom, sexual intercourse), and/or lack of religious or cultural clothing (e.g.; turban, hijab).² This definition includes instances of altered images, AI generated images, and falsely tagging an individual on sexual social media posts. 

Consequences of Image-Based Abuse

Image-based abuse results in severe harm to the victimized individual. Through the personal lens, IBA is a traumatic event that causes serious mental health issues (e.g.; anxiety, PTSD, depression) in approximately 93% of survivors.³ Of the IBA survivors surveyed in 2023, 51% have contemplated suicide at some point in their life.¹ IBA is often accompanied by secondary stressors that are detrimental to mental health as well. These harmful stressors include cyberbullying, sexual assault, domestic violence, hate crimes, financial hardships, and social isolation. All of which are also risk factors for internet-based victimization.

Certain demographics are at higher risk to internet-based abuse than others. Females are nearly twice as likely to be targeted than males, with the female demographic including young girls.¹ 1 in 4 survivors of sextortion were under the age of 13 during the abuse.³ Individuals from historically marginalized populations are also more likely to experience IBA. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are four times more likely to be targeted than heterosexual-identifying individuals. Vulnerable populations also experience greater difficulty in sharing their experiences. In a 2020 survey, only 4% of BIPOC survivors reported their abuse to law enforcement, compared to 16% of white survivors.¹ Other barriers to law enforcement and other formal services include the individual’s socioeconomic status and whether the individual is safe in their current environment.³

Larger institutional barriers are in place due to the lack of a federal law criminalizing internet-based abuse. Only 38 states uphold state laws addressing some, if not all, forms of IBA.¹ The variation in laws result in inconsistent enforcement of its policies and gaps in its regulations. Additionally, insufficient specialized training in trauma-informed care exists, thus survivors are unable to get the mental support they need either. 

Supporting Survivors of Image-Based Abuse

With the varying laws and regulations surrounding internet-based abuse, it is essential to promote self-efficacy among internet users so that they adhere to the proper procedures following abuse. The first step of reporting IBA is collecting evidence. This step requires taking screenshots or screen recordings of any and all contacts from the perpetrator and their account(s). The context of the abuse is critical information as well, so timestamps, dates, and the online platforms where the perpetrator initiated contact should be taken into account. Any reports made to the platforms should be recorded as well. 

Once evidence is collected, the next step of reporting internet-based abuse is filling out the report form. If the individual filling out the form is reporting on behalf of someone else, consent must be obtained from the person experiencing IBA before proceeding with the form. The next step is to eliminate any further contact with the perpetrator. This may be accomplished by blocking  the perpetrator’s accounts, muting the perpetrator’s posts or comments, and setting personal social media accounts to private. Free services also exist to remove non consensual intimate images from online platforms. For images in which the individual is a minor, takeitdown.ncmec.org uses hash values to detect and remove the images. For images in which the individual is 18 or over, stopncii.org utilizes a similar algorithm to delete any copies of the image on public platforms. Once these steps are all completed, the process moves on to helping the survivor recover.

Recovering from image-based abuse is a journey that must overcome the trust that the perpetrator broke and the sense of control that the survivor lost. To help survivors regain their trust and self-empowerment, it is important to take these emotional traumas in mind when talking with survivors about their abuse. Word choice often can have a larger impact than intended. Avoiding asking questions with “why” helps decrease the self-blame that the survivor associates with their abuse. Personal biases, beliefs, or assumptions may also have a negative impact on the survivors so one must acknowledge and remove these topics from the conversation prior to speaking with a survivor. This also prevents personal advice from being projected, so that the survivor has the space to guide their own process. While the survivor takes the lead in the conversation, it is important to continue challenging negative self-talk. Survivors tend to socially isolate after abuse, due to feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame. Highlighting a survivor’s strengths and validating their reactions combat the negativity. 

In order to combat sexual abuse overall, a greater commitment to sexual education is required. Many schools do not provide comprehensive sexual education, focusing rather on celibacy or fear tactics (e.g.; sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy). Younger generations often turn to pornography as a substitute for sexual education, which results in harmful beliefs that confuse pleasure with pain and typically objectifies one of the participants in intercourse.  Education systems are failing to address key concepts, such as affirmative consent, that empowers individuals in their sexual citizenship by informing them of their autonomy. 

References

[1] I didn’t consent: A global landscape report on image-based sexual abuse(2023). Panorama Global.

[2] Image-based abuse. (2023). Retrieved June 8, 2024, from https://www.esafety.gov.au/ key-topics/image-based-abuse

[3] Image-based abuse (formerly: sextortion/revenge porn). (2024). Retrieved June 8, 2024, from https://app.crisistextline.org/toolbox[4] Klein, J., & Prabhakar, A. (2024). A call to action to combat image-based sexual abuse. Retrieved June 8, 2024, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/gpc/briefing-room/2024/05/ 23/a-call-to-action-to-combat-image-based-sexual-abuse/

A Click Way: What We Know About Online Porn Addiction 

Paz Etcheverry, MS, PhD
June 2024

I recently stumbled upon a YouTube video, where the YouTuber delved into the reasons behind men’s and women’s apparent disinterest in pursuing relationships at this day in age. According to the YouTuber, a common factor for men is the satisfaction derived from reliance on pornography, leading individuals to forgo the desire for committed relationships and, eventually, to porn addiction. 

The video prompted me to investigate the phenomenon of online porn addiction in society. What became quite apparent at first in my research is that we do not know yet how to define porn addiction. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, a comprehensive guide published by the American Psychiatric Association on mental health disorders, has no definition of porn addiction.^[16] Published studies on this behavioral disorder usually rely on the self-reported, self-perceived assessment of addiction to porn. In other words, if the study participants considered that they had an unhealthy reliance on porn, then they were labeled as having an addiction to it. 

Hence, the research findings that I am sharing in this article pertain not only to online porn addiction, also known as problematic pornographic use but to online porn use, also known as cybersex:

Porn use is attributed to four main reasons:

• increased sex drive 
• enhancing sexual performance (e.g., to learn new sex positions, to understand the sexual pleasures of people of the opposite sex, etc.) 
• social reasons (e.g., friends are watching pornography), and 
• lack of relational and emotional skills (e.g., due to lack of a romantic partner or to relieve stress).^[2] 

Like any other addiction, porn addiction exhibits a model characterized by 

• impaired control, e.g., craving, unsuccessful attempts to reduce the behavior,
• impairment, e.g., narrowing of interests and neglect of other areas of life, and
• risky use, i.e., persisting intake despite awareness of damaging psychological effects.^[11] 

Porn addiction is more prevalent in men than in women.^[7] According to the evidence, the prevalence of porn addiction ranges between 3% in women to 11% in men; however, it is difficult to determine because, as aforementioned, there is not a formal definition of the disorder.^{[17] [6]} 

Porn addiction can be facilitated by non-digital erotica like magazines and books, but the affordability— the sites are either low cost or free—, accessibility—all that is required is internet connectivity—, and anonymity—no personal information is requested— of websites have contributed to ubiquitous access and use of porn.^[11] 

Pornography affects mental health. Studies have suggested that individuals who view pornography may become fixated on thoughts associated with pornographic content, which lessens their ability to form close interpersonal relationships and causes them to withdraw from social settings.^[11] Additionally, pornographic material may lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and internal and moral conflicts among users.^[14] For example, among US college students, pornography is associated with an increased risk of depression, suicidal thoughts, stress, and anxiety.^{[11] [3]} Also, among US veterans, problematic pornography use is associated with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia.^[15] 

Porn use may be linked with sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction.^[1] But how? One possible explanation might be that with increased porn use, the users have a lower response and, as a result, there is a need for more extreme, “kinky” material to become sexually aroused.^[13] In other words, there is a desensitization over time in those who are addicted to porn. 

Porn addiction can lead to relationship troubles. According to a study published in 2023, porn-addicted participants reported significant adverse effects on their sexuality and romantic and sexual relationships. The issues in the relationships were mainly due to secrecy and lying, emotional and physical infidelity, and the avoidance of partnered sex resulting from choosing porn over the partner.^[8] 

Porn addiction may lead to performance anxiety. Users may experience performance anxiety because of heightened insecurity after watching pornographic material. Some have revealed they had never experienced partnered sex, attributing this to increased insecurity stemming from porn use.^[8] 

Pornography may impact women’s body image. A 2010 report concluded that pornography leads to a culture of sexualization and body dissatisfaction,^[12] which agrees with the increasing numbers of plastic surgeries among young females focused on breast operations and labiaplasty^[5] and among men focused on penis surgery.^[10] Hence, pornography emphasizes physical perfection, leading to low self-esteem, self-loathing, and a desire to change one’s body. 

Porn addiction can cause occupational issues as users sometimes use their work computers to satisfy their addiction.^[8] Porn addiction can lead to decreased concentration, efficiency, and productivity in the workforce^{[9] [4]} and to employee distress and sexual harassment.^[4] 

In conclusion, the phenomenon of online porn addiction highlights a growing concern in today’s digital age. Despite the absence of a formal definition in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the patterns of impaired control, life impairment, and risky use are apparent among self-identified addicts. The widespread accessibility, affordability, and anonymity of online pornography have contributed to its pervasive impact on mental health, relationships, and professional life. The higher prevalence among men and the associated risks remind us of the need for a clearer understanding and more effective interventions. Addressing this issue is crucial for fostering healthier interpersonal connections and mitigating the adverse effects on individuals and society as a whole. 

References 

[1] Berger, J. H., Kehoe, J. E., Doan, A. P., Crain, D. S., Klam, W. P., Marshall, M. T., & Christman, M. S. (2019). Survey of sexual function and pornography. Military Medicine, 184(11–12), 731–737. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usz079 

[2] Burtăverde, V., Jonason, P. K., Giosan, C., & Ene, C. (2021). Why do people watch porn? An evolutionary perspective on the reasons for pornography consumption. Evolutionary Psychology: An International Journal of Evolutionary Approaches to Psychology and Behavior, 19(2), 14747049211028798. https://doi.org/10.1177/14747049211028798 

[3] Camilleri, C., Perry, J. T., & Sammut, S. (2021). Compulsive internet pornography use and mental health: A cross-sectional study in a sample of university students in the United States. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 613244. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.613244 

[4] Cooper, A., Safir, M. P., & Rosenmann, A. (2006). Workplace worries: A preliminary look at online sexual activities at the office-emerging issues for clinicians and employers. Cyberpsychology & Behavior: The Impact of the Internet, Multimedia and Virtual Reality on Behavior and Society, 9(1), 22–29. https://doi.org/10.1089/cpb.2006.9.22 

[5] Crouch, N. S., Deans, R., Michala, L., Liao, L. M., & Creighton, S. M. (2011). Clinical characteristics of well women seeking labial reduction surgery: A prospective study. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 118(12), 1507–1510. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2011.03088.x 

[6] de Alarcón, R., de la Iglesia, J. I., Casado, N. M., & Montejo, A. L. (2019). Online porn addiction: What we know and what we don’t – A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(1), 91. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8010091 

[7] Frangos, C. C., Frangos, C. C., & Sotiropoulos, I. (2011). Problematic internet use among Greek university students: An ordinal logistic regression with risk factors of negative psychological beliefs, pornographic sites, and online games. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, 14(1–2), 51–58. https://doi.org/10.1089 

[8] Hanseder, S., & Dantas, J. A. R. (2023). Males’ lived experience with self-perceived pornography addiction: A qualitative study of problematic porn use. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 1497. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021497 

[9] Kadiani, A., Goyal, E., Devabhaktuni, S., Saldanha, B. D., & Chaudhari, B. (2017). Pornographic addiction: Is it a distinct entity? Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil University, 10(5), 461–464. 

[10] Marra, G., Drury, A., Tran, L., Veale, D., & Muir, G. H. (2020). Systematic review of surgical and nonsurgical interventions in normal men complaining of small penis size. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 8(1), 158–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.01.004 

[11] Noel, J. K., Jacob, S., Swanberg, J. E., & Rosenthal, S. R. (2023). Pornography: A concealed behavior with serious consequences. Rhode Island Medical Journal (2013), 106(3), 29–34.

[12] Papadopoulos L. (2010) Sexualisation of young people – Review. Available at: https://dera.ioe.ac.uk/10738/1/sexualisation-young-people.pdf. 

[13] Park, B. Y., Wilson, G., Berger, J., Christman, M., Reina, B., Bishop, F., Klam, W. P., & Doan, A. P. (2016). Is internet pornography causing sexual dysfunctions? A review with clinical reports. Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 6(3), 17. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs6030017 

[14] Privara, M., & Bob, P. (2023). Pornography consumption and cognitive-affective distress. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 211(8), 641–646. https://doi.org/10.1097/NMD.0000000000001669

[15] Shirk, S. D., Saxena, A., Park, D., & Kraus, S. W. (2021). Predicting problematic pornography use among male returning US veterans. Addictive Behaviors, 112, 106647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106647 

[16] Shrivastava, T., Agarwal, P., Vora, V., & Sethi, Y. (2022). Aggravation of obsessive-compulsive disorder due to excessive porn consumption: A case report. Cureus, 14(12), e33018. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.33018 

[17] Wéry, A., & Billieux, J. (2017). Problematic cybersex: Conceptualization, assessment, and treatment. Addictive Behaviors, 64, 238–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.11.007

Debunking Period Myths

Jessica Luu
June 2024

Periods. The natural bodily function experienced by half of our world’s population.^[9] Yet, why does the word “period” itself evoke such a sense of discomfort and embarrassment in many? From old wives’ tales to misguided beliefs, periods have continued to be misunderstood and misrepresented. It’s time to set the record straight and separate fact from fiction. 

Myth #1: Menstruation is Dirty

Probably the most pervasive myths about periods is that they are unclean and dirty. The idea that menstruation is impure can be traced back to ancient cultural and religious beliefs.^[6] In many cultures, menstruating individuals have been isolated or excluded from certain activities under the notion that they are contaminated and will bring bad luck.^[6] 

Menstruation is not dirty. As mentioned previously, the process is a natural bodily function, similar to sweating or urination. Period blood is not toxic or harmful either. It is simply the body’s way of shedding its uterine lining, which is necessary in restoring its reproductive health.^[2] And in reality, proper hygiene practices, such as using menstrual products and regularly changing them are sufficient enough to maintain cleanliness during one’s cycle. 

Myth #2: Women Should Avoid Physical Activity During Their Periods

Many believe that women should avoid exercise or physical activity while menstruating, thinking that physical exercise could worsen menstrual symptoms and cause harm. However, in reality, moderate exercise can actually alleviate symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and mood swings by increasing blood flow and releasing endorphins (i.e. the body’s painkillers).^[5]So while it’s important to listen to one’s body and not overdo it, regular physical activity can actually be beneficial during menstruation and often prove to be more advantageous than not. 

Myth #3: You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period

Another common myth is that women cannot conceive while on their period. While the chances of getting pregnant during menstruation are lower, it is still possible, particularly for women with shorter menstrual cycles.^[8] Sperm can live inside the female body for up to five days, and if a woman ovulates soon after her period, conception can occur.^[7] Therefore, contraception should still be used if pregnancy is not desired. 

Myth #4: Menstrual Blood is Different from Regular Blood

No, menstrual blood is not different from regular blood. Rather, menstrual blood is the same as regular blood, with some added components. It contains the same elements as the blood that circulates through the body—red and white blood cells, and plasma.^[1] However, menstrual blood also includes endometrial tissue and cervical mucus, which gives it a thicker consistency and can sometimes cause it to appear darker or have clots.^[4] 

Myth #5: Tampons Can Get Lost Inside You

There is a common fear that tampons can get lost inside the body, causing many to be reluctant to use tampons. However, the reality is quite different. 

Tampons are designed with a string attached to the end precisely to prevent them from getting lost. The cervix, which is the opening to the uterus,^[3] is too small for a tampon to pass through. The cervix ensures that tampons stay in the vaginal canal and do not enter the uterus or other parts of the body. 

Conclusion

It’s about time we normalize conversations about menstruation and educate society about its importance. They are a normal and essential part of life for many people, and they deserve to be discussed openly and without shame. Period. 

References: 

[1] American Society of Hematology. (2020). Blood basics. American Society of Hematology. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-basics

[2] Better Health Channel. (2024). Menstrual cycle. State Government of Victoria, Australia. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menstrual-cycle

[3] Canadian Cancer Society. (2021). The cervix. Canadian Cancer Society. https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/cervical/what-is-cervical-cancer/the-cervix

[4] Clue. (2016). Blood clots during your period: What are they? Clue.  https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/blood-clots-during-your-period-what-are-they

[5] Holland, K. (2019, May 15). Exercise during your period: Is it good or bad? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-during-period

[6] Khan, S., Ali, S. A., Siddiqui, M. F., Shinwari, Z. K., & Afzal, B. (2019). Estimation of healthcare waste generation in different hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment . https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-019-7732-4

[7] MedlinePlus. (2015). Sperm survival. MedlinePlus.  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007015.htm

[8] National Institutes of Health. (2020). Misinformation During a Pandemic. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10008511/

[9] Zerbo, O., Bell, G., Lee, H. C., Mangurian, C., & Crown, L. A. (2023). Maternal mental health conditions during and after pregnancy and the risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring: A population-based cohort study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05770-8