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There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about the female reproductive system since many women obtain the majority of their medical information from relatives, friends, television, and the internet.
Unfortunately, there is a significant amount of questionable material available outside of the doctor's office, which can lead to misinformation and potentially hazardous medical issues. That’s why it is essential to debunk the most popular myths about women's health. Here is a list of seven common gynecological myths that should be addressed ASAP.
1. You should visit a gynecologist only after the onset of sex life
Many women think that gynecological exams before the onset of sexual life are not necessary. But you should understand that there are a lot of conditions and infections that can develop in the female reproductive system even if a woman has not yet had sex.
Additionally, starting in their teens, a woman can build a relationship with her gynecologist and allow the doctor to start collecting the history of her future gynecological health.
2. Hormonal contraception can make you infertile
One of the most common misconceptions about contraception is that hormonal birth control can make you infertile. You should understand that hormones in contraceptives work only when you take them on a regular basis. If you stop taking pills or use other types of hormonal contraception, you may get pregnant during the first ovulation.
3. STDs always cause obvious symptoms
In many people, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) cause abnormal discharge, pain, itching, and other symptoms. But in others, STDs can develop asymptomatically for months or even years. The main problem is that the infected people (even if they are asymptomatic) can pass infections to other people. That’s why it is recommended to use condoms.
4. Pain during periods is not severe
Pain during periods, also known as dysmenorrhea, is familiar to many women. Most women experience mild pain and cramps during periods. But some women can suffer from unbearable pain and cramping that makes them stay in bed and skip work.
In most cases, such pain is caused by some gynecological disorders like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and others. In this case, it is better to contact your gynecologist for an examination.
5. Douching prevents pregnancy and STDs
Some women believe that douching right after ejaculation can help flush away the sperm and bacteria so they will not get pregnant or be affected by STDs. But the truth is that douching can help the sperm and bacteria get to the uterus faster. Additionally, douching can cause bacterial vaginosis so it is better to avoid such a practice without a medical prescription.
6. It is impossible to get pregnant during periods
Many people believe that having unprotected sex during periods means that a woman can’t get pregnant. Indeed, the chances to conceive during periods are much lower than during ovulation but they are not zero. The point is that the fertile window usually occurs a few days before ovulation. If this time coincides with the last days of periods, you can get pregnant. Additionally, the sperm can remain active for five days so it can fertilize the egg after periods.
7. PMS is not real
There is a common misconception that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is not real and women made up some symptoms to justify their irritation. But the reality is that PMS can be caused by various factors like hormonal fluctuation, chemical changes in the brain, some mental health issues, and lifestyle factors. PMS affects almost half of all women of reproductive age, with around 20% of them experiencing symptoms severe enough to disrupt their daily routine