Every woman has heard at least once some information about the female reproductive system that seems illogical. Unfortunately, many people tend to confuse facts and myths that can result in unpredictable outcomes. It is essential to understand that female reproductive health depends on many factors and requires proper care. Here is a list of eight common gynecological myths that should be addressed ASAP.
1. You should clean the vagina from the inside
Some women tend to douche or use scented soaps to clean their vaginas. But you should understand that your vagina is self-cleaning and it doesn't require any douches. On the contrary, douching and using harsh chemicals can disrupt the natural pH level of the vagina and lead to bacterial vaginosis.
2. The morning-after pill and abortion pill are the same things
To debunk this fact, it is important to understand that the morning-after pill doesn't terminate pregnancy, it only The morning-after pill, also known as plan B, contains the same hormones as hormonal birth control pills do. So if you have had unprotected sex, you can take this pill within 72 hours. An abortion pill can terminate pregnancy till the 11th week.
3. Periods can't be painful
There is a common misconception that some women pretend to have severe periods. But the truth is that some women have mild periods while others can experience severe pain and cramps. You should understand that extremely painful periods that interfere with your normal activities can be a sign of some gynecological conditions, so it is better to undergo a thorough examination.
4. STDs always cause severe symptoms
Even though sexually transmitted diseases can cause severe symptoms like itching, rashes, and abnormal discharge with an unpleasant smell, some of them can develop asymptomatically for a long time. Moreover, you can already be infected but not know about your condition. That's why it is extremely important to undergo regular gynecological exams and STD testing.
5. Only women can be infertile
Infertility is a condition in which a woman can't get pregnant during a year while practicing unprotected sex. If a couple can't have children, many people tend to blame the woman. But the truth is that both men and women can be infertile. That's why both partners should undergo examinations and testing. In many cases, male and female infertility can be successfully treated.
6. You should visit a gynecologist only if you have some symptoms
It is important to understand while managing gynecological conditions that they can develop asymptomatically or cause mild or even unnoticeable symptoms. To prevent the development of severe complications, a woman should visit a gynecologist at least once a year. A professional gynecologist can easily recognize the early signs of many conditions and perform the proper treatment.
7. Missed periods always indicate pregnancy
Even though missed periods are often linked to pregnancy, there are other factors that can make your periods late. The most common of them include stress, sudden weight changes, thyroid malfunctions, polycystic ovary syndrome, and premature ovarian failure. So if you have skipped three or more periods in the row, it is better to make an appointment with a gynecologist to define the exact cause of your issue.
8. Pain during sex is normal
If you experience pain during sex, it can be caused by various factors. For example, a lack of lubricant or an incorrect position can make your sex hurt. However, there are some gynecological disorders that can also cause pain and discomfort during sex. The most common of them are vaginal dryness, endometriosis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, and vaginismus. All these conditions should be treated by a gynecologist.