9 Period Mythbusting Facts Every Dancer Needs to Know

Can my tampon get lost up there after one too many rehearsals? Should I skip cross-training in the pool during Aunt Flo’s visit? Does missing a period mean I’m dangerously underweight? When it comes to menstruation, everybody has an opinion—but few have the facts. We asked the experts to debunk common myths about that time of the month, so you can get back to focusing on dance.

MYTH:
If you’re not careful, menstrual cups or tampons might get lost in your body.

FACT:

Gynecologist Julie Levitt, MD, of Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, assures that while it may sometimes be difficult to remove a tampon or menstrual cup, it can always be done. “The vagina is a closed space,” she says. “Most girls can reach the end of their vaginas with the tip of their index finger.”

If you lose track of your tampon’s string or can’t reach your menstrual cup with your fingers, try lying down and pulling your knees back and to the sides (think grand plié)—then search for it in a circular motion with two fingers. The more relaxed you are, the better. If you’re really struggling after a few hours, call your doctor.

MYTH:

There’s no way to make your period lighter or shorter.

FACT:
While it’s true that some girls are prone to heavier or longer periods than others, Levitt says, “You aren’t stuck with the periods that your mother or mother nature gave you.” Popping an NSAID (aspirin or ibuprofen) the day before you’re scheduled to start your period can make it lighter, shorter, and less painful. Staying hydrated and eating foods rich in calcium and fiber may also help. If your periods last longer than eight days, you’re using more than six tampons or pads per day, or you’re experiencing debilitating cramps, your doctor may prescribe a form of birth control to make menstruation feel more manageable.

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MYTH:

Irregular periods as a teen mean health problems—or infertility—later.

FACT:
Most will experience somewhat irregular periods for the first few years after their period begins, so this is usually nothing to worry about. And normal cycles look different for each girl, ranging from every 21 to every 35 days, and lasting from 2 to 7 days.

If your period disappears for more than three months, it could indicate that your body mass index (BMI) has dropped to an unhealthy level—all too common among dancers. NY-State-based gynecologist Alyssa Dweck, MD, co-author of The Complete A to Z for Your V, warns that if you lose your period for a year or more, “long-term consequences include osteoporosis, vaginal dryness, or infertility.”

MYTH:
You can’t get pregnant during your period.

FACT:
This is technically true, but things aren’t always what they seem. “You can get pregnant during what you think is your period, but actually isn’t,” Dweck cautions. “In a normal cycle, your period comes after you ovulate. If you don’t get pregnant, your uterine lining sheds. But plenty of women, especially those with irregular cycles, bleed without having ovulated beforehand. It looks like a period but technically isn’t one, so pregnancy is possible.” To be safe, always use protection—no matter where you are in your cycle.

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MYTH:

Tampons are so uncomfortable.

FACT:
When a tampon is inserted correctly—as far into the vagina as it will go—you won’t notice it’s there. If you’re in pain, Dweck advises telling your doctor, since you may have an underlying anatomic condition, like fibroids, endometriosis, or an ovarian cyst. Itching or burning sensations may be the sign of an allergy or sensitivity to the brand or fragrance of the feminine product you’re using. Dry tampons may be uncomfortable to insert and remove, so use the lowest absorbency that still offers enough protection (i.e., light tampons on your lightest days).

MYTH:

Leave your tampon in overnight, and you’re destined for an infection.

FACT:
Nowadays, doctors suggest changing a tampon after eight hours—so the average night’s sleep is perfectly safe. If you’re forgetful, Levitt suggests leaving the wrapper next to your sink at night as a reminder in the morning. “Even if you forget your tampon is in place and it remains inside for another day, infection is extremely rare,” she says.

MYTH:

See a clot? Something’s wrong!

FACT:
It’s not uncommon to notice thicker clumps during your period. They may be blood that congealed before exiting the vagina, or tissue from the lining of the uterus. But Dweck warns that persistent (more than the first few days) or large (bigger than a quarter) clots could indicate a problem, and should be checked out by your gynecologist.

MYTH:

Eventually, my entire class will be synced up.

FACT:
More often than not, being period pals with the girls next to you at the barre is just a coincidence: “The menstrual cycle is under stronger personal factors (like hormones) than outside influences (like pheromones released by roommates),” Levitt says.

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MYTH:

No swimming allowed during your period.

FACT:
“Unless you’re concerned about a shark attack, no worries!” jokes Dweck, who assures there’s no risk in taking a dip during that time of the month. Pads get soaked in water, but a tampon or menstrual cup offers protection. To keep the tampon string dry, tuck it into your vaginal opening before diving in, and Dweck recommends changing your tampon once you’re out of the water. (FYI, there have been no documented shark attacks due to period blood.)

A version of this story appeared in the May/June 2018 issue of
Dance Spirit with the title “Menstrual Mythbusting.”