Myths surrounding menstruation

GYNOISSUES

Donna Hussey-Whyte

Monday, April 26, 2010

FOR years we have heard stories of what women should or should not do while menstruating. In fact, it was once believed that menstruating women posed a threat to the well-being and safety of others and should if possible, keep to themselves. While some of these myths were written off as old wives' fables, others have been believed for years and have many women walking the chalk line even now.

However, gynaecologist Dr Charles Rockhead said the myths below are nothing more than foolish blather.

Do you believe any of them?

* Never hold a young baby while you are having your menses as this is believed to cause the baby's stomach to gripe.

* If a woman washes her hair during her period, it will not hold a curl and it will instead hang limp .

* Do not go to a funeral and look at the dead while having your period as this will cause your bones to rot.

* If you are menstruating, do not go out to sea, ie, no boat rides or cruises as this will cause the sea to become angry and may even overturn the vessel.

* If a menstruating woman cans fruits or vegetables, the fruits will spoil in the can.

* Dentist visits should not be done during the menses, because fillings put in during this time will fall out.

* During menstruation a woman should not go hunting as the animals will smell her blood, which will drive them away.

* A menstruating woman should not engage in sexual activity as the man will be cursed.

* A menstruating woman should not help to produce mayonnaise as it will not come together; it will instead curdle.

* She should not touch a fruit tree during this time as the fruits will become spoilt on the tree.

* She should not bake as the dough will refuse to rise.

* Jams or jellies a woman attempts to make at that time of the month will fail to set.

* A woman should not bathe or go swimming during her menses as others who uses the facility will be cursed.

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Myths surrounding menstruation