There’s a lot of advice out there about periods, and not all of it is true. Some “rules” are myths, like not being able to swim. Others really do matter for your health. Here are eight things worth avoiding, based on NHS guidance, and what to do instead.
1. Don’t leave a tampon or cup in too long
Tampons and menstrual cups are safe, but leaving them in longer than the instructions recommend raises the small risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious illness.
Instead: wash your hands before and after, and follow the instructions on the pack. If you suddenly feel very unwell, with a high temperature, a sunburn-like rash, vomiting or dizziness, remove the tampon or cup and get medical help straight away.
2. Don’t wash inside your vagina
The vagina cleans itself. Washing inside it (douching) can upset its natural balance and lead to infections.
Instead: wash the skin around your vagina gently with warm water and a mild, non-perfumed soap once a day.
3. Don’t use perfumed products
Perfumed soaps, gels, deodorants and scented wipes can irritate the delicate skin around your vagina.
Instead: stick to plain water and unscented products. A change in smell during your period is common, but a strong, fishy or unusual smell, itching or soreness is worth getting checked. Read about discharge before a period.
4. Don’t skip exercise if you feel up to it
You don’t need to rest just because you have your period. In fact, gentle exercise is one of the things the NHS suggests for easing period pain.
Instead: try walking, swimming, cycling or yoga, and do whatever feels comfortable. Swimming is fine with a tampon, cup or period swimwear.
5. Don’t assume you can’t get pregnant
It’s less likely, but it’s possible. Sperm can survive inside the body for up to 7 days. If you have a short cycle and ovulate soon after your period ends, sex during your period could lead to pregnancy.
Instead: use contraception every time if you don’t want to get pregnant. Period and ovulation calculators, including ours, give estimates and must never be used as contraception.
6. Don’t just put up with severe pain
Some cramping is normal. Pain that stops you going to work or school, or that painkillers don’t help, isn’t something you should have to live with.
Instead: try a warm bath, a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, or paracetamol or ibuprofen following the pack. Cutting down on alcohol and not smoking may also help. See a GP if pain stops your daily activities, and get urgent advice if it’s severe or worse than usual and painkillers haven’t helped. Read what helps with period cramps.
7. Don’t ignore very heavy bleeding
Some periods are naturally heavier than others, but very heavy bleeding can leave you tired and short of breath, and can be a sign of something treatable.
See a GP if you:
- Need to change your pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours
- Need to use two types of protection at once
- Bleed for more than 7 days
- Pass blood clots larger than about 2.5cm
- Bleed through to your clothes or bedding
8. Don’t forget to look after yourself
Hormone changes around your period can affect your mood, sleep and appetite.
Instead: try to get enough sleep, eat regular balanced meals, and keep active. If your mood changes are severe, or you feel very low or anxious before your period, speak to a GP. If you ever feel suicidal, call your local emergency number straight away.
Myths you can ignore
- “You can’t swim on your period.” You can, with the right product.
- “You shouldn’t wash your hair or have a bath.” There’s no reason not to. A warm bath can even ease cramps.
- “Tampons can get lost inside you.” They can’t, according to the NHS.
Know what’s normal for you
Tracking your periods helps you spot when something changes. The period tracker keeps your log private on your device, and can print a summary to take to a GP.