Myths & Facts
Period myths and facts
Common beliefs about periods — from “you shouldn’t bathe” to “periods sync up” — and what science actually says.
Key takeaways
- Period blood is a normal body fluid — there is nothing dirty or impure about it.
- Bathing, washing your hair, exercising and cooking during your period are all safe.
- Large studies have found no evidence that friends’ periods sync up.
- Pregnancy during a period is less likely but possible, because sperm can live up to 5 days.
1. Myth: period blood is dirty or impure
Fact: period blood is a normal body fluid made of blood and the lining of the uterus. There is nothing dirty or impure about it, and it is a sign that the body is working as it should.
The World Health Organization calls for menstruation to be recognised as a normal part of health, free from stigma and shame.
2. Myth: you shouldn’t bathe or wash your hair on your period
Fact: bathing is safe and keeps you fresh. Warm water can even ease cramps. There is no health reason to avoid washing your hair during your period.
3. Myth: you shouldn’t cook, touch pickles or enter the kitchen
Fact: a period does not affect food in any way. There is no scientific basis for keeping people out of the kitchen or away from others during their period. Normal hand-washing is all that is needed, as on any other day.
4. Myth: friends’ periods sync up
Fact: studies have not found that periods really sync. A large study by the period-tracking app Clue with the University of Oxford followed 360 pairs of women who lived or spent time together. Most pairs actually drifted further apart over time, not closer.
Because cycles vary and periods last several days, it is common for friends’ periods to overlap by chance — which can feel like syncing.
5. Myth: you can’t get pregnant on your period
Fact: it is less likely but possible. Sperm can live inside the body for up to 5 days. If you have a shorter cycle and ovulate early, sperm from sex during your period could still be there when an egg is released.
If you don’t want to become pregnant, use contraception every time — including during your period.
6. Myth: you should avoid exercise on your period
Fact: exercise is safe during your period and can actually ease cramps and lift your mood, thanks to endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
7. Myth: severe period pain is normal and must be endured
Fact: mild cramps are common, but pain that stops you from going about your day is not something to put up with. It can be a sign of conditions such as endometriosis and can be treated.
8. FAQs
Sources & further reading
- WHO statement on menstrual health and rightsWorld Health Organization
- Do menstrual cycles sync? Unlikely, finds Clue dataClue, with the University of Oxford
- Can you get pregnant on your period?Cleveland Clinic
- Can I get pregnant just after my period has finished?NHS (UK National Health Service)
- Period painNHS (UK National Health Service)
This article is general information, not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment, please speak to a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 112.
