8 Lies About Women’s Health vs the Actual Truth!
No One Else Is Talking About These
I’ll admit that before I got into medical school, I believed some of these myths, too. Now that I know better, I won’t leave you behind. Let’s get straight into it.
🔴Lie: Menstrual cramps are normal; nothing can be done about it, and women learn to tolerate it.
🔵Truth: Whoever says this deserves a dirty slap. Sorry, I mean⬇️
Some (minimal) discomfort during menstruation is normal but excessive pain is a sign of an underlying condition and you should find a doctor that’s willing listen and help you.
Related article: Do these 8 simple things to never feel period pain again!
🔴Lie: Menopause starts at 40.
🔵Truth: Menopause can start at 40, but it’s actually more common (on average) in women above 50 years of age. What definitely starts at 40, is life. (Common saying in Cameroon)
🔴Lie: Sex is uncomfortable/painful for women and only for male enjoyment.
🔵Truth: Sex should be enjoyable for both parties involved; women just need more stimulation. If you constantly experience discomfort or pain during sex, please come to the hospital, and let’s check something. (Or maybe you need a different man)
🔴Lie: Shaving vaginal pubic hair is hygienic.
🔵Truth: While shaving vaginal pubic hair is more aesthetic, you actually don’t have to if you can keep it clean and odorless. It’s there to serve as a natural protective mechanism.
🔴Lie: Yeast infections are caused by poor hygiene.
🔵Truth: The vagina normally contains a balanced mix of bacteria and fungi(e.g., yeast) as a protective mechanism. Yeast infections are as a result of a disruption of this balance, causing yeasts to outgrow the bacteria.
🔴Lie: Birth control pills cause weight gain.
🔵Truth: There are different types of birth control pills. Some cause weight gain, some cause weight loss, others don’t affect your weight.
🔴Lie: Menstruation is a sign of impurity.
🔵Truth: It’s 2024, please let’s think accordingly(like humans who have evolved mentally). Menstruation is a NORMAL biological process in women in their teen to mid-adult years.
🔴Lie: Urine incontinence(peeing on your body) is a normal part of aging.
🔵Truth: Urine incontinence is a medical condition that can be treated.
Now that we know better, let’s enlighten others as well.
Which of these lies did you believe until now?
