Periods and Myths

Periods & How to Protect Yourself

A period, also called menstruation, is when blood and tissue release from the uterus out of the vagina. It is a natural process that impacts most AFAB (assigned female at birth) people around the age of 12 but can happen sooner or later than that. Periods are often marketed as a “women’s issue,” but any gender can get a period!

Periods can be accompanied by cramps, cravings, headaches, acne, constipation or diarrhea, and joint pain. Most of these symptoms can be solved with over-the-counter medication, hot water bottles, and warm baths (and sometimes chocolate helps too)! If your pain or side effects feel too intense or painful, you should talk to your doctor and see if there are any other solutions they may have.

There are many forms of protection for periods (ways to catch the blood). Each person should use what works best for them. Below are some of the most common protection methods:

Pads: Pads are the easiest method of protection for periods. It is a cotton pad that sticks to your underwear to catch blood. Some are scented and some come with wings to attach under your underwear. Scented can cause irritation to sensitive skin and mess with the pH balance of the vagina. Pads with wings are super helpful to provide extra protection and prevent slipping of the pad.

Pads should be replaced every 3-4 hours to prevent bacteria growth but can be worn for extended lengths of time at night. They are the best to wear at nighttime because there is no risk of toxic shock syndrome.

They also make reusable pads for those worried about their environmental footprint. They can be more expensive upfront, and require more work (as you have to clean them), but are an option for those who may have sensitivity issues with disposable pads, those who want to save some money in the long run, or for those who want to live sustainably!

Panty Liners: These are essentially mini-pads that stick inside your underwear. They can be used with a tampon or menstrual cup to catch leakage, or on their own during light-flow days, or even when you’re not on your period to catch discharge.

They should be replaced every 3-5 hours.

Tampons: Tampons are bullet-shaped pieces of cotton that are inserted up into the vagina to catch blood. They can be a little tricky to get the hang of, but there are plenty of resources online that can teach you how to insert a tampon.

Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours but can be left in up to 8 hours. There is a slight risk of toxic shock syndrome while using tampons if left in for too long.

Menstrual Cups: A menstrual cup is a reusable funnel-shaped cup that is inserted into the vagina to catch blood. It is made of rubber or silicon and comes in different sizes (usually for people who have had children and those who haven’t). For those under 30 who haven’t had a vaginal birth, a small cup is recommended.

Menstrual cups can be a little tricky to use at first. It’s advised that you use water or a water-based lubricant around the rim of the cup to make insertion easier. You then fold the cup in half and insert it like a tampon. Once it is in, you twist it so it unfolds, creating an air-tight seal that catches the blood.

To remove, you insert your index finger and thumb into the vagina until you feel the stem of the cup. Pull it down, until you can feel the base of the cup, and pinch it to break the seal. You then pull down to remove the cup and empty the content into the sink or toilet.

Once emptied, you should wash the cup before reinserting. Cups can last anywhere from 6 months to 10 years and can be worn for up to 12 hours. They do have a learning curve, so it’s recommended that you pair it with a pad as you learn how to properly use one.

Period underwear: This is essentially like normal underwear but super absorbent. It’s really great for all ages, but especially for people just learning about their period and how their body works. It can be used in addition to pads or tampons for added protection, or overnight to alleviate fears about irritation or toxic shock syndrome.

Period Myths

You can’t get pregnant if you have sex on your period

Sperm can live inside the reproductive tract up to 10 days after intercourse. While it is less likely to get pregnant during your period (if you have a regular cycle), if you have an irregular cycle or a short cycle, the risk is still very prominent.

To protect yourself, you should always use condoms (to protect against STIs and pregnancy) as well as hormonal birth control.

Period blood is dirty

Stigmas around menstruation hurt AFAB individuals all throughout the world. From menstruation huts in Nepal to being told to stay out of kitchens and holy temples, periods are taboo in many cultures. And while it is easy to look overseas and place those ideals on others, there is still a deep stigma on periods in the United States.

Period shame is a real thing that impacts so many AFAB people. From hiding period products to feeling embarrassed or being made fun of for menstruation, it’s hard to avoid. The best way to combat this is to talk and normalize periods and speak out for those who can’t defend themselves. Period blood is not dirty. Menstruation is a totally healthy and natural process, and to say otherwise can lead to death, insecurity, and mental health issues for people with uteruses everywhere.

Only women get periods or all women get periods

Not every woman gets a period, and out of all people who do have periods, not all are women. Trans-men, non-binary people, and gender non-conforming individuals can all have periods.

Menstruation is not a women’s issue and shouldn’t be treated as such. Any gender can bleed, and language surrounding periods should change to better represent those who do have a period.

Gender Dysphoria and Periods

For trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people, having a period can be emotionally distressing. It can be a reminder that their body doesn’t match who they are, especially because periods are often equated with female bodies.

There are ways to try and alleviate feelings of dysphoria. For some, using internal period products helps because there are fewer visuals of blood. For others, internal period products, like tampons, can heighten feelings of dysphoria. Some people have issues with gendered packaging or shopping at the store for their products, so shopping online or having a friend or family member buy them for you can help prevent feelings of dysphoria. Journaling, cooking, or doing other activities you enjoy can also be a nice distraction. Cramps can be alleviated with exercise, rest, heating pads, and over-the-counter pain medication.

If you can, build a support system with trusted friends and family members. Finding a group of people who are there to listen and help you can ease feelings of isolation that can accompany dysphoria. If you don’t have friends or family you can confide in, there are online support groups for trans youth. Every person is different, so it is about finding what works best for you.

It’s important to remember that having a period does not mean you are a woman. But, if feelings of dysphoria are overwhelming, there are options to stop your period altogether.

Certain forms of birth control can let you skip periods or stop having them at all. Some people have luck with testosterone injections (although some might still have spotting or periods while on T). Another option is puberty blockers, which stop puberty from happening in young people, which prevents the development of the breasts and stops periods in AFAB people. A permanent option is a hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus.

Hysterectomies are not an option for minors, and it is very difficult to be approved for the procedure even as a young adult, as the operation is most often performed to treat cancer and other diseases affecting reproductive organs. This means it is absolutely necessary to find a trans-friendly OB-GYN who will work with you through your transition process. No matter what, consult your doctor to figure out what option is best for you.

No matter what, periods are a normal and healthy part of life.

What products you use and if you choose to use medication to stop periods is up to you. The important thing is that you advocate for yourself and your health. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to see a doctor or tell a trusted adult. The biggest priority is your health and happiness, and if the period blues get you too down, don’t forget to eat some ice cream and take a hot bath.