Sexual Health
Myths and Facts about Women's Health
Menstrual cycle
A "normal" menstrual cycle is 28 days - MYTH
- A healthy menstrual cycle may vary from 21 to 35 days, and may vary within individuals. You may have a shorter cycle, followed by a longer cycle and this may be completely normal for you. The thing to be concerned about is if you have a regular pattern established which suddenly ceases or changes dramatically (e.g., you're always 26 days and then start having extremely long cycles or missing cycles completely). If this is the case, consult your health care provider.
You can get pregnant as a result of vaginal-penile sex during your period - FACT
- Pregnancy requires a sperm, an egg, and a "welcoming" environment within your uterus. Since ovulation doesn't necessarily happen at the exact same time each month, pregnancy can result if you have vaginal-penile intercourse during your period and you ovulate very early in your cycle. Remember, any type of unprotected sex at any time is a risk factor for sexually transmitted infections.
All women ovulate on day 14 of their cycle. MYTH
- Most women ovulate 14 days BEFORE they begin bleeding, rather than 14 days into their cycle. But every woman is different and you may ovulate sooner or later depending on health, stress, travel or other disruptions in your routine. The best way to detect ovulation is to learn about your body and the primary signs of ovulation, namely cervical fluid and basal body temperature.
You can't lose a tampon inside. FACT
- It's a "closed campus" so to speak. Your vagina is only about 5 inches long. At the top is the cervix, the gatekeeper to the uterus, which has a very small opening that allows menstrual fluid through but isn't big enough for a tampon or other object to pass through.
Sexuality
Fluid or discharge on toilet paper after urinating is a yeast infection. MYTH
- Cervical fluid is always present. During certain parts of our cycles, more is produced as the body prepares for possible pregnancy. At times, you may notice a lot of very wet, stringy clear fluid. This is completely normal. Abnormal discharge is likely to be thick, white or greenish yellow and may have a foul smell or be accompanied by itching or burning. If you have this type of discharge, contact your health provider. Again, it's a good idea to get to know your own body and your typical cycle. Most women have several days each month when they notice the more "fertile" clear, stringy cervical fluid.
You need a yearly pap smear even if you aren't sexually active. FACT
- Beginning at age 18 (or earlier if you are sexually active) you should have a yearly pap smear as a routine part of your health care. Even if you aren't sexually active, a pap smear provides very important information about the health of your reproductive system and can help detect any abnormalities early.
Breast self-exams
Normal breast tissue can feel somewhat lumpy or textured. FACT
- This is a cause of great anxiety for many women when they start doing breast self-exams. Normal breast tissue can feel somewhat lumpy and uneven. The key is to get a feel for your breasts then notice anything that feels harder or rounder than usual.
Breast self-examinations should be done each month during your period. MYTH
- Your breasts change slightly each month in reaction to hormone levels during menstruation. The best time to examine your breast is a day or two after your period ends. Try to do the exam approximately the same time each month so that you have a good idea of the normal shape and texture of your breasts and can detect any changes earlier.
Page updated: 3/27/08
