Truths and Lies of the Rule

1998/09/01 Agirre, Jabier - Medikua eta OEEko kidea Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Osasuna

For most women, regardless of their age, the monthly appointment or appointment with menstruation is usually quite annoying and uncomfortable. And that sense of disgust can be aggravated by erroneous information, so it is time to break those myths and false beliefs that have been traveling for some time.

Discarding taboos

Some authors say that during the days of menstruation the woman feels within her a certain rejection of femininity, linking a clear example of that disorder with menstruation (and also with the ability to make children). For others, however, the changes that occur those days are a consequence of the hormonal imbalances that the woman suffers.

Below, we analyze some information related to menstruation, both direct and incorrect and meaningless among the youngest.

Does the rule always hurt?

No, of course, there are women who only realize they have a rule. For others, however, the rule is always related to pain, which is called "dysmenorrhea." The pain appears in the lower belly and sometimes extends to the groin or lower back at the height of the kidneys.

Having sex has no effect in the month, either for good or for bad.

According to Dr. Guillermo López, Head of Gynecology at the University Clinic of Navarra, "it seems that primary dysmenorras, which are not related to any gynecological disease, are due to the pressure exerted on the uterus when in those dates typical contractions occur, harder than normal. Along with this, hormonal changes and psychological reasons as responsible for pain can be cited."

Is predead syndrome occurring in all women?

Predead syndrome is the set of discomfort that the woman perceives a few days before (sometimes even 15 days before) menstruation: irritability, tension, depression, fatigue, breast pain, fluid retention, back pain, etc. It does not necessarily appear associated with the disminor. There are women with premextrual and painless syndrome and vice versa.

With sexual intercourse do pains disappear?

It must be said clearly: having sex has no influence on this subject, neither for good nor for evil.

But it is also true that if the woman has pregnancies and deliveries, the pressure on the uterus decreases, which can lead to the disappearance of the pain.

Does alcohol relieve discomfort?

It is confirmed that the environment situation advances or delays the rule.

Drinking more than one cup can be analgesic and anesthetic. On the other hand, some studies have shown that it may have an extensive effect, which would facilitate the removal of blood, but what is clear is that the best treatment to relieve menstrual pain is not alcohol.

Does the monthly amount indicate anemia?

Not so, but one of the possible causes of anemia. Too much blood or clot can cause too high iron loss, with the consequent risk of anemia. Along with numerous blood losses, if the woman is more tired than normal, hair falls more than normal or nails are more fragile, it is advisable to inform the gynecologist of all this.

Is it possible to get pregnant even if you have menstruation?

Normally the woman is sterile on the days of menstruation, but in medicine the most absurd things can also be possible.

Is it convenient to have sex during those days?

The only factors to stop sexual intercourse during menstruation are personal (and partner) preferences or tastes. There is no reason to prescribe the absence of sexual intercourse from a sanitary or hygienic point of view. In fact, for some women it may be beneficial because it helps relieve menstrual discomfort.

Could stress, nervousness or any unforeseen hardship advance or delay menstruation?

According to gynecologists, it is often observed that the concession has been advanced or delayed menstruation due to a negative situation in the environment, a panic or a major change (and in most cases unfavorable) in his life.

Is it harmful to shower or wash your hair?

The bathroom is not harmful, but measures must be taken to avoid frights.

These shrubs have resulted in a large number of degenerate from which terrestrial shampoos have multiplied. Although a bathroom is not highly recommended for obvious reasons, a shower is nothing harmful. On the contrary, it can help you relax in addition to relieve discomfort. Alternating hot water taps with warm water, the shower will serve to activate circulation, streamlining and facilitating the elimination of blood.

And if you bathe on the beach or in the pool, what?

In no case is it harmful if the necessary measures are taken to avoid sustenance. Use size tampons and proper absorption capacity to meet your needs and change as often as needed.

Does the medical test change the rule?

It is true that some data are altered during menstruation. So when you're going to have a blood or urine test and are with the rule, tell your doctor. It has also been proven that mammograms performed in the last days of menstruation are less reliable.

Some tips for the medium

• Reduce the amount of salt ingested, especially the fairly fine salt. Excess salt causes fluid retention and gives you the feeling that you are inflated.
• 
  Add potassium to your diet (rice, wheat, potatoes, grapes, banana, pears, eggplant, peas, etc.)
• Also vitamin B6 (green vegetables, soy, egg white, pollen, yeasts, etc.)
• Finally add vitamin A (carrots, garlic, tomatoes, …)