While conversations around women’s health issues like menopause, sexual wellness, and infertility are becoming more common, discussions about menstrual health still often feel taboo and are surrounded by myths and misunderstandings. This is concerning, as recent studies show that millions of women suffer such severe period pain, heavy bleeding, and other menstrual issues that they frequently have to adjust their daily lives.

These symptoms can be so disruptive that at some point, nine out of ten women have wished they didn’t menstruate at all. A study sponsored by Evana and Ultravana, providers of over-the-counter solutions for heavy menstrual bleeding and period pain, discovered that nearly half of the women surveyed (49%) mistakenly believe they must endure these issues, despite the availability of effective treatments.

Shockingly, many women do not consult their general practitioners about these disruptive symptoms, even though they might indicate serious conditions like endometriosis or cancer. Dr. Janine David, a GP, highlights: “Menstruation is indeed a natural part of being a woman, but it shouldn’t be painful or interfere with daily life. There’s much that can be done to alleviate menstrual discomfort, especially with the growing trend of self-care options and medications transitioning from prescription-only to over-the-counter, following a consultation with a pharmacist.”

Sukhi Basra, an independent pharmacist and vice-chair of the National Pharmacy Association, remarks: “Considering the significant impact of menstrual problems, it’s remarkable that discussions about menstrual health remain limited, compounded by a flood of myths and misinformation.”

Here are some of the most enduring myths:

MYTH: YOU CAN’T GET PREGNANT ON YOUR PERIOD

Fact: While it’s less common, it is still possible. Only 30% of women experience their “fertile window” between days 10 and 17 of their cycle, and most experts agree that sperm can survive up to five days in the vagina. However, a study reported that sperm could survive up to 12 days, even after menstruation. Therefore, if you ovulate early and have sex during your period, there’s a chance that sperm could be waiting in the vagina, leading to pregnancy.

MYTH: AVOID EXERCISE AND SWIMMING WHENYOU ARE MENSTRUATING

Fact: The new research found that 13% of women have avoided exercise, work or socialising, yet 53% have found exercise helpful during their period. Just Swim, a Swim England programme, says there’s no reason not to swim during your period and advises using a tampon or menstrual cap. Period swimwear is available, but isn’t suitable for heavier days. NHS England advises women that exercise can help to ease period pain.

MYTH: WOMEN ARE UNCLEAN DURING THEIR PERIOD

Fact: The new research for Evana and Ultravana shows one in three women have thought this, but it’s an age-old myth linked to several faiths. The Bible even states: “When a woman has her regular flow of blood … anyone who touches her will be unclean.”

In some Hindu communities, women are still banished to remote huts during their period, and observant Orthodox Jews believe women need ritual cleansing after every period. However, menstrual blood is still sterile until it leaves thebody and many of these religiously based beliefs stem from a desire to maximise the chance of sex leading to conception. There is, however, some evidence that having sex during menstruation might increase the risk of transmission of a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

MYTH: WOMEN’S PERIODS CAN SYNCHRONISEWHEN THEY LIVE TOGETHER

Fact: This idea was first mooted in academic literature in a small study of university students in the 1970s. More recent research has debunked the claim and puts any apparent synchronicity down to chance.

• Both Evana and Ultravana are available over the counter after speaking with a pharmacist. Go to evanaperiods.com for more information on period health