Sex Talk: 5 common myths about periods busted

05 March 2017 - 02:00 By Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng
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It is not unusual for the number of days in each menstrual cycle to vary from month to month.
It is not unusual for the number of days in each menstrual cycle to vary from month to month.
Image: iStock

Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng answers your sex questions

Q: I started my periods when I was 13 and my cycle is still unpredictable 12 years later. There's no pattern to my periods. Sometimes I don't have a period for two months and other times I menstruate for a day before it stops, only to start up again a few days later. I have never taken any contraceptive pill. I only use condoms.

A: The age at which you started your periods is appropriate and not cause for concern.

A normal menstrual cycle can be as short as 21 days or longer than 35 days. For most women, the menstrual cycle lasts 25-30 days. But it's not unusual for the number of days in each cycle to vary from month to month.

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Here are some common myths regarding menstruation:

• Every person's cycle should be 28 days long;

• Every person will or should bleed every month;

• Every person will or should ovulate every cycle;

• If a person bleeds, she is not pregnant; and

• A person cannot ovulate or get pregnant while they are menstruating.

Due to the irregularity of your menstrual cycle over so many years, this may be your normal. The concerns become amplified because people commonly compare and share details about their cycle between friends.

It is advisable that you seek medical advice. In the absence of a medical issue needing intervention, you could test for ovulation once you decide that you would like to get pregnant. In this way, you can plan and receive pre-conception assistance where necessary.

Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng (MBChB), sexual and reproductive health practice, DISA Clinic, 011-886-2286, visit safersex.co.za

 

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