Are you too sick of those aunties telling you what to do or what not to do during those ‘haunting days’ of the month? Cause same! *High five* The ‘not so weaker sex’ already struggles with mood swings, stupid cravings and deadly cramps coupled with bloating and these annoying aunties freak them with not welcomed and unwanted advises that totally makes no sense. Worry not Ladies! We’ll reveal the ‘secret’ to you so you can easily ignore those baseless advises without giving a second thought. What’s Menstruation? First of all, lets discuss what’s the fussy thing is? Basically, menstruation is the natural part of the reproductive cycle in which blood from the uterus exits through the vagina. It is a natural process that occurs in girls usually between the age of 11 and 14 years and is one of the indicators of the onset of puberty among them. Despite being a phenomenon unique to girls, this has always been surrounded by secrecy and myths in many societies. Myths and Misconceptions Girls are often considered impure, contaminated, and dirty when they menstruate. This manifests in severe exclusion, segregation, curtailed movements, and dietary restrictions for young girls and women. From being forbidden from entering the kitchen to eating in isolation, these customs and mores stem from seriously oppressive notions attached to menstruation. There’s also a widely known myth that if a menstruating woman touches a pickle jar, it will most certainly turn out to be bad. Myths like these further propagate a culture of silence, in a patriarchal society where girls and women are already mistreated and considered second class citizen. So girls! Go eat pickle and live your life. However, silence feeds shame, shame feeds silence and this vicious circle has hampered the dialogue around menstrual hygiene from reaching some of the most disadvantaged women in rural and primitive areas. Notably, a girl’s first period is often celebrated in Western countries as it welcomes her into womanhood. In contrast, period shaming is a nasty practice witnessed in our society. It is a natural phenomenon with a girl having no control over it. So all you people shaming and bullying a girl out there for bleeding, go get some life. Moreover, in some cultures, women bury their cloths used during menstruation to prevent them being used by evil spirits. Adding to this, in some parts of the world, particularly in South Asia, some strict dietary restrictions are also followed during menstruation such as sour food like curd, tamarind, and pickles are usually avoided by menstruating girls. It is believed that such foods will disturb or stop the menstrual flow. Last but not the least, people suggest not to take bath during periods. Could you believe this? It is a high time to keep yourself clean and hygienic. The Impact Such taboos about menstruation present in many societies impact on girls’ and women’s emotional state, mentality and lifestyle and most importantly, health. Furthermore, poor protection and inadequate hygiene facilities may increases susceptibility to infection, with the odor of menstrual blood putting girls at risk of being stigmatized. So all the girls out there, always consult a qualified gynecologist before you put your ears to these stupid myths.