Breaking the Taboo: Uncovering the Truth About Menstrual Hygiene

Menstruation is one of the most natural biological processes, experienced by nearly half the world’s population for a significant part of their lives. Yet, it remains clouded in myths, taboos, and cultural misconceptions. For centuries, silence around the subject has created an environment where misinformation thrives, leading to poor menstrual hygiene practices, preventable health issues, and unnecessary social stigma.

Addressing these myths is more than a matter of health—it is about dignity, equality, and empowerment. Let's explore the most common myths surrounding menstrual hygiene, uncovers the truth behind them, and explains why breaking these misconceptions is essential for healthier communities.

Myth 1: Menstruation is “dirty” or “impure”

In many cultures, menstruating women are considered unclean. They may be excluded from cooking, entering religious spaces, or even touching household items. Some are asked to sleep separately or avoid social gatherings during their period.

The truth: Menstruation is not a sign of impurity. It is a natural biological process where the uterine lining sheds in preparation for a new cycle. Far from being unclean, it is an indicator of reproductive health. Associating periods with impurity only deepens stigma and prevents open discussions that could improve menstrual hygiene.

Impact of this myth: When women are considered impure during menstruation, they often experience feelings of shame and isolation. Girls may skip school during their periods to avoid embarrassment, and women may miss work or social events. Such exclusion only reinforces inequality.

Myth 2: Menstrual blood is harmful or toxic

A widespread belief in some communities is that menstrual blood can spoil food, kill plants, or harm people who come into contact with it.

The truth: Menstrual blood is simply a mixture of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. It is no more harmful than the blood from a small cut or nosebleed. Scientifically, there is no evidence that menstrual blood is toxic or contaminates anything it touches.

Impact of this myth: Women may be restricted from handling food or participating in normal activities, creating unnecessary shame. More importantly, this belief makes it difficult for young girls to feel comfortable discussing their menstrual health or asking questions.

Myth 3: Exercise or physical activity during menstruation is unsafe

Some families discourage girls and women from exercising or even walking long distances during their periods. They fear it may cause heavier bleeding, cramps, or long-term reproductive issues.

The truth: Regular exercise during menstruation can actually ease symptoms such as bloating, cramps, and fatigue. Activities like yoga, walking, cycling, or light aerobic exercises improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and elevate mood. Professional athletes, for example, continue training during their periods without harm.

Impact of this myth: Girls and women who avoid physical activity miss out on its health benefits. In the long run, lack of exercise can contribute to obesity, poor fitness, and weaker immunity.

Myth 4: Bathing or washing hair during menstruation causes illness

In certain traditions, menstruating women are told not to bathe, swim, or wash their hair. The belief is that it may cause infertility, arthritis, or other illnesses.

The truth: Personal hygiene is crucial during menstruation. Bathing not only helps prevent odor but also reduces the risk of infections caused by prolonged dampness or sweat. Warm baths, in fact, can relieve menstrual cramps and promote relaxation.

Impact of this myth: When women avoid bathing, it can result in poor hygiene, which increases the risk of bacterial or fungal infections. It also affects mental well-being, as women may feel uncomfortable and self-conscious.

Myth 5: Using sanitary products is unsafe or unnatural

In some communities, sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups are seen as unsafe or inappropriate. Some even believe tampons or menstrual cups affect virginity, which further restricts their use.

The truth: Modern menstrual products are designed for safety and comfort. Pads, tampons, and cups are all effective when used correctly. Virginity is not defined by menstrual products—it is a social construct linked to cultural expectations rather than a physical condition. What truly matters is using products that are hygienic, accessible, and comfortable for the individual.

Impact of this myth: Limited use of safe products leads many women, especially in low-income areas, to rely on cloth, rags, or even ash and sand to manage their periods. This increases the risk of infections and reproductive health problems. In fact, according to UNICEF, millions of girls worldwide lack access to safe menstrual hygiene products, partly due to stigma and misinformation.

Myth 6: Talking about menstruation is shameful

One of the most damaging myths is the silence itself. In many homes, schools, and workplaces, menstruation is treated as a private or embarrassing subject. Girls are often taught to hide pads or avoid mentioning their periods altogether.

The truth: Open conversations are key to normalizing menstruation. When discussed freely, girls and women learn proper hygiene practices, feel confident in managing their cycles, and are less likely to miss out on education or work. Involving men and boys in these discussions also helps break generational cycles of stigma.

Impact of this myth: Silence fosters ignorance. Without proper education, girls may believe false information, use unsafe practices, or feel unnecessary shame about their bodies. This prevents them from seeking medical help when needed, leading to untreated conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, or anaemia.

Why Breaking Menstrual Myths Matters

1. Health and Safety: Accurate information ensures women use safe products and maintain good hygiene, reducing the risk of infections and reproductive health issues.
2. Education and Opportunity: UNICEF reports that in some countries, girls miss up to 20% of the school year because of their periods. Breaking myths ensures that menstruation does not interfere with learning or career opportunities.
3. Dignity and Empowerment: When myths are challenged, women feel confident in their bodies, empowered to participate fully in society, and free from unnecessary shame.
4. Community Well-being: Menstrual hygiene is not just a women’s issue—it affects families, workplaces, and communities. By creating awareness, societies move closer to equality and inclusiveness.

Conclusion: Toward a Culture of Awareness and Respect

Menstruation is a natural, healthy process that should never be hidden behind shame or superstition. The myths surrounding it—whether about impurity, harmful blood, or unsafe practices—are rooted in misinformation and cultural taboos. Breaking these myths requires open dialogue, education, and access to safe hygiene products.

By normalizing conversations around menstruation, we empower girls to stay in school, women to thrive at work, and communities to embrace equality. A world where periods are understood and respected is a world where women live with dignity, health, and freedom.