Many guys are okay with the idea of getting down and possibly dirty when a woman is having her period. But at the same time, the majority of men are clueless about what’s actually going on down there. And not only is it annoying to be asked ridiculous questions about a totally normal biological event, it’s also a turnoff — think of it as the equivalent of a woman asking you if your erections are caused by penis elves. So I’m going to debunk the seven most common myths about her time of the month.
MYTH #1: WOMEN DON’T WANT TO HAVE SEX DURING THEIR PERIOD
Not only is there more lubrication (which equals more pleasure), but the combo of hormones and muscle movements that occur during an orgasm can actually relieve cramps. She may be declining sex because she’s worried you’ll be weirded out, so tell her you’ll lay down a towel and that a little blood is no big deal. If either of you are still squeamish, hop in the shower together.
MYTH #2: YOU CAN’T GET HER PREGNANT DURING HER PERIOD
Sperm can live in the body for up to five days, and ovulation doesn’t always occur in the middle of her cycle. So if you’re having unprotected sex and she’s not on birth control, she can end up pregnant at any pretty much time of the month.
MYTH #3: PMS IS BULLSHIT
Right before her period starts, changes in hormones can lead to a slew of symptoms ranging from acne to headaches to tension to depression. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 85 percent of women have at least one PMS symptom per cycle. So give her a break, or give her some space.
MYTH #4: SHE’LL ATTRACT SHARKS WHILE SWIMMING WITH HER PERIOD
Research suggests that human blood isn’t even all that appealing to sharks (fish blood is a very different story), and there’s absolutely no evidence that menstrual blood has ever lead to a shark attack. In fact, nine out of every 10 documented shark attacks have been on men; that no doubt has something to do with more men historically participating in aquatic activities, but still.
MYTH #5: WOMEN ENJOY INSERTING TAMPONS
You may think this is ridiculous, but I’ve honestly been asked by several men if this is the case. So I feel it’s necessary to lay this issue to rest — a tampon is nothing like a penis. At all.
MYTH #6: MENSTRUAL BLOOD IS DIFFERENT THAN REGULAR BLOOD
It’s the same blood that’s pumping around everywhere else. But because menstrual blood sometimes mixes with other … stuff as it exits the body, it can appear to have a different color or consistency.
MYTH #7: YOU CAN TELL WHEN A WOMAN HAS HER PERIOD
Some studies indicate women undergo slight physical and psychological changes at various points in their cycle. For example, one study found women have a slightly lower-pitched voice during her period. But you’re not going to notice anything based on her appearance.
Source: Modernman