Every woman has questions about her body and what’s normal. From the first time she gets her period to whether or not it’s okay to have sex, a lot of information is withheld from women until they’re older. This can lead to a sense of insecurity and shame around normal bodily functions. 

In response to this lack of information, many common myths and misconceptions about the female body surface. These false truths make it hard for women to feel comfortable with their bodies, hindering their self-image and interfering with their personal relationships. Here are 4 common gynecological myths and how they affect women:

1. A tampon is bad for your vagina
Tampons are made of cotton and rayon, two types of fibers that absorb moisture. Many people believe that inserting the tampon too far can cause the vagina to become irritated or infected, but in fact, inserting a tampon is completely safe if you clean the area with an antiseptic wipe before and after to avoid infection. 

Another common concern is that the tampon will absorb too much of the natural bacteria that live in the vagina, leading to a “smell down there” and bacterial vaginosis. The truth is that tampons don’t absorb bacteria, and tampons and pads don’t give off any odor. There is also no evidence that using tampons (if you change them regularly) is harmful.

2. Menstruation is a disease
Menstruation is a normal, healthy bodily function. It is not a disease. Some cultures believe that it is a sign of “maturation” or “maturity,” while others believe that it is unclean. Many people believe that menstrual blood is “dirty”, which can lead to negative body image, shame, and self-consciousness. In fact, many studies have shown that negative attitudes about menstruation are also associated with increased depression in women.

3. All pregnancy symptoms are the same
When you’re pregnant, you might notice an increase in breast tenderness and nausea. Many women, especially those who have irregular cycles, worry that pregnancy-related symptoms are exactly the same as those that occur before menstruation. This is not the case and is a common misconception. 

Nausea, breast tenderness, and spotting will all be different for each woman. Most importantly, you should talk to your doctor if you experience any symptoms that you’re concerned about. Additionally, you may need to undergo a pelvic ultrasound and additional tests to define the cause of your symptoms. 

4. Your vagina is always wet
Many girls believe that their vagina is always wet. This misconception is probably due to the fact that the area is usually moist during sex and childbirth. However, the vagina is naturally dry most of the time. During sex, the vagina is usually moist because the body produces a natural lubricant that helps the penis slide in and out. 

5. Having sex during your period is harmful to your health
If you believe that having sex during menstruation is inappropriate or unhealthy, it's time to reconsider. Having sex during menstruation or at any other time is not restricted. The point is that sex and orgasm cause endorphins to be released. This means that sex may be able to take the place of painkillers.

The bottom line
These are just some of the many myths about the female body. It’s important to know the truth about your body, so you can be comfortable in your own skin. It’s also important to recognize these myths for what they are: myths that make women feel shame about their bodies. Solve the underlying issues behind these myths, including information gaps about your body and the people around you, and the myths about the female body will disappear.