8 Things No Woman Should Do On Her Period
No matter how many periods you get, it is not an experience that you can just get used to! Our bodies tend to be very sensitive during this period of the month, and one wrong move can send you into a series of infections, hormonal imbalances and more.
There are a number of things that you should not do on your period, and it works in your best interest to follow them. Failure to follow them often leads to trouble that is very unpleasant. That time of the month is already a bummer as it is, so why make it harder on yourself?
While most of us have a good idea of what we should do on our periods (eating fruits, drinking a lot of water, hot water bottles), we might not be well accustomed to what we should not do.
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Here’s a comprehensive list of what you should not do during your periods.
During your periods, your estrogen levels are usually at the peak, which heightens your body’s sensitivity. For this reason, if you wax or shave during this time, you are likely to feel more pain than usual.
It is wise to reschedule any pain-inducing activities such as waxing or even a dental appointment for a tooth extract.
Most people don’t know this, but salty foods contribute to bloating and water retention that women feel during their periods. Therefore, eating salty foods can actually make your period symptoms worse.
If you are craving some French fries during your period, take a halt and drink off your craving with a bottle of water.
Unless you are trying to get a baby, unprotected sex is often not a good idea, particularly when you have your period. Blood is a good medium for transmission of viruses and other bugs. During periods, transmission of HIV, STDs and other viruses is higher.
Additionally, the cervix is slightly dilated during your period, which gives a good entryway for bugs and viruses to get from the vagina to the cervix and into the pelvis.
For those who are not trying to get a baby, it is crucial to understand that having unprotected sex during your period is not a pregnancy-prevention measure. For women with irregular flows, there is a chance for ovulation and bleeding to take place at the same time, which would put you at risk of getting pregnant.
The body prefers to stay put on the couch or on the bed rather than go for a walk, or for regular workout sessions. However, do not listen to this side of your body. Get up, stay active. Exercise will save you from headaches, fatigue and even anxiety. It will help the body re-energize as well as reduce menstrual cramps.
Remember what we mentioned earlier about estrogen during periods? As the level of estrogen rises during that time of the month, breasts are incredibly sensitive to changes in hormonal production. Aside from making breast exams and mammograms extremely uncomfortable, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can also be a cause of misdiagnosis. Cystic breast changes are likely to be palpated on an exam, which can raise an unnecessary red flag.
Breast exams are very good, and they are very much encouraged, but be careful not to set your appointment during the first few days of your heavy flow.
Dairy products are not your friend during your period. Most women are gassy during their period. Adding dairy is like adding salt to injury. It makes you crampier, more bloated, and irritates your bowels.
Tampons or pads should be changed after every 3–4 hours. Failure to implement this hygiene practice could lead to unpleasant odor and bacterial build-up which could result to infections. If you don’t frequently change your tampons or pants, they can lead to soiled pants, which is a situation that you wouldn’t want to find yourself in.
Caffeine is known to worsen discomfort from cramps and bloating. It also constricts blood vessels which can cause harsher menstrual symptoms.
Originally published at https://lifeallround.com on January 6, 2021.
