Debunking Myths About Puberty
Puberty can be dismaying to a great extent for kids; especially for girls as they start to approach adolescence. Usually, when a young girl hits puberty, she experiences loads of physical as well as psychological changes. During this transitory period, when young girls are struggling to familiarize themselves with these sudden changes, they come across various myths which ultimately make them struggle even more. Moreover, some of these myths don’t even make sense.
Hence, let’s debunk some of the most common myths that we all have heard during puberty :
Myth #1: Menstruation marks the beginning of Puberty
Fact : This is probably the most common misconception that getting your period means you’ve reached puberty. However, this isn’t the case. Generally, girls get their first period about 18 months to 2 years after puberty begins. Hence, they don’t go hand in hand!
Myth #2 : Getting acne means you’re unhygienic
Fact : Acne is caused by hormones and it has nothing to do with your cleanliness. Typically, acne disappears within a few days, therefore you shouldn’t worry about it too much. However, getting acne sometimes leads to self-esteem issues in teenagers. Hence, it is strongly required to eliminate such myths.
Myth #3 : Period blood is dirty
Fact : In several communities, period blood is considered to be “impure” and therefore girls aren’t allowed to eat or do certain things while they’re menstruating. In some cultures, girls are prohibited from temples during their periods. However, the truth is menstrual fluid doesn’t contain any toxins as half of the discharge is blood and the rest of it includes iron, calcium, sodium among other components. This is no more dangerous than regular blood and this is a completely natural process. Instead of being ashamed during menstruation girls should consider this as a blessing.
Myth #4 : Only boys get sweaty during puberty
Fact : During puberty, hormonal changes increase the amount of sweat production in people regardless of their gender. It is entirely false that only boys develop excessive sweat and odor as they hit puberty. Girls too go through this particular phase.
Myth #5 : Using Tampons means you’re not a virgin anymore
Fact : Virginity is simply a state of a person who has never engaged in sexual intercourse. Therefore, it has nothing to do with using tampons or menstrual cups during periods. In some cultures, it is believed that the tearing of hymen indicates losing one’s virginity and the myth has probably risen from this belief. However, the fact is that the hymen can be torn while exercising or can remain intact after having sexual intercourse. Hence, inserting a tampon doesn’t necessarily mean it will break.
Apart from these, you’ll hear loads of other myths here and there. But remember that everyone at some point in their lives has gone through this phase and so will you. Mothers should look after their children when they hit puberty and keep the lines open for communication to provide a safe place for them. So that these teenagers don’t feel unheard or misunderstood. It’s completely normal and there’s nothing to worry about. Reaching puberty is when you grow as a person both physically and mentally. Hence, enjoy the process by setting these myths aside.
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