A lot of what gets passed around about periods is either out of date or was never true. Below are the ones that come up most, with what health services actually say. This page is health information for learning, and a doctor or a trusted adult can help with anything that worries you.

"You cannot swim on your period"

You can. Water does not stop a period, and a period does not make water unsafe for anyone.

A tampon or a menstrual cup holds the blood inside so nothing shows in the water. Period swimwear also exists and works like period underwear. A pad is the one thing that does not work for swimming, because it soaks up water.

If you would rather not swim, that is a completely fine choice too, and you do not owe anyone a reason.

"You should not wash, or you should only wash a certain way"

Washing is fine and helps you feel better. Warm water on the outside — the vulva (the outside parts) — is all that is needed.

What you should not do is wash inside the vagina, or use scented washes, sprays or douches there. The vagina cleans itself, and products aimed at it upset the natural balance rather than helping [NHS].

"You cannot exercise"

You can do any sport or activity you normally do. Nothing about a period makes movement unsafe.

Some people find that gentle movement makes cramps feel better. Some feel more tired and want to do less. Both are ordinary, and you are allowed to judge it day by day rather than following a rule.

"You lose loads of blood"

This one surprises people. Across a whole period, most people lose only about 2 to 3 tablespoons in total [ACOG].

It looks like far more because it comes out slowly over several days and mixes with the lining of the uterus (womb). That is also why the colour changes from bright red to dark red or brown as it goes on. If you want the full picture of what is coming out and why, read what is a period.

Bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour or two is a different thing and is worth mentioning to a doctor — see is my period normal.

"Tampons hurt" and "a tampon can get lost inside you"

A tampon that is in the right place should not hurt. If it is uncomfortable, it usually is not in far enough, and taking it out and starting again with a fresh one is the answer.

A tampon cannot travel anywhere else in the body. The top of the vagina has a small opening into the uterus which is far too narrow for it to pass through. If a string is hard to find, it is still in the vagina and can be reached with clean fingers.

Tampons do need to be changed regularly and not left in for a long time, because of a rare but serious illness called toxic shock syndrome [FDA]. Follow the instructions on the packet for how often to change, and use the lowest absorbency that does the job. Period products, and how to choose goes through the options.

"Using a tampon means you are not a virgin"

No. A tampon is a piece of cotton. Virginity is about sex, and no product changes it.

Some people are told a tampon will "break" something. The tissue at the opening of the vagina varies enormously between people and stretches; it is not a seal, and many people notice nothing at all.

"Your period should come on the same date every month"

Not in the first years, and often not later either. Cycles vary, and in the first two to three years after a first period they vary a lot [ACOG]. Words like cycle and lining are explained in the glossary.

When to see a doctor

Nothing on this page needs a doctor. You or a trusted adult can arrange to see one if:

• bleeding soaks through a pad or tampon every hour or two
• a period lasts longer than about 7 days
• pain stops you going to school or doing your usual things
• you feel very unwell, feverish, dizzy or faint while using a tampon — take it out and get seen the same day [FDA]

Asking is always allowed, and you do not have to be sure something is wrong before you ask.