Even though there is a lot of information about the female reproductive system and gynecology, many people still believe in certain myths and misconceptions. The point is that these myths can affect your understanding of some conditions and this can lead to serious complications.
It is essential to pay sufficient attention to your condition if you want to stay healthy. You need to maintain proper intimate hygiene, practice safe sex, and visit your gynecologist regularly. In this article, we have gathered five common gynecological myths you shouldn’t believe in.
1. Severe pain during periods is normal
Many women of childbearing age experience pain and discomfort during periods. However, if the pain and cramping are so severe that they interfere with your normal activity, it may be a sign of a certain underlying medical condition. Pain that occurs during periods is called dysmenorrhea.
If it is caused by naturally occurring cramping and can be eased with the help of painkillers, it is called primary dysmenorrhea. Secondary dysmenorrhea is a severe pain that is caused by some conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, etc. Timely and proper treatment can ease your symptoms and make periods feel better.
2. STIs always cause obvious symptoms
Sexually transmitted infections are infections that affect the reproductive system and can be passed through unprotected sex. In many cases, they lead to abnormal discharge, genital itching, and rash.
But you should know that many people with STIs may have no symptoms. As a result, they can infect other people and don’t know about this. That’s why it is extremely important to use condoms even if you don’t see any signs of STIs in your partner.
3. A woman can’t get pregnant during periods
Even though most people think that it is impossible to get pregnant during periods, the reality is not so certain. The point is that a woman can get pregnant during ovulation that usually occurs two weeks after the fort day of menstruation.
If periods are late or ovulation starts earlier, periods and ovulation can actually coincide. As a result, you can get pregnant during periods if you have had unprotected sex. If you don’t want to get pregnant, it is better to use condoms even during periods.
4. Only women can be infertile
One of the most popular myths about the female reproductive system is that only women can be infertile. But the reality is that men can also be infertile. About 9 percent of men and about 11 percent of women of reproductive age in the United States have fertility issues.
It means that the number of infertile men and women is almost the same. That’s why it is important to diagnose both partners that experience fertility issues to define the exact cause of this condition and undergo proper treatment.
5. All types of contraception can protect from STIs
Many people think that all contraception options can help prevent the transmission of STIs. But the reality is that only condoms (both male and female) can protect you from most STIs. You should also understand that it is essential to use condoms during oral and anal sex as well.
Even though condoms are deemed the most effective option against STIs, they still don’t provide complete protection. Viruses like herpes and human papillomavirus can be passed through sex if the affected area wasn’t covered with a condom.
The bottom line
You should understand that you are the only person who is responsible for your health. That’s why you shouldn’t consider myths and misconceptions as truth. Try to distinguish useful information from fakes and pay sufficient attention to your symptoms.