Fact Vs. Fiction: Debunking Women’s Health Myths
From old wives’ tales to viral TikTok content, misinformation about women’s health is everywhere. With a string of social media platforms and instant messaging, false information can spread rapidly, making it challenging to discern facts from myths. It’s not only confusing and frustrating, but it can also put women’s health at risk.
This Women’s Health Month, let’s debunk common myths to help you make informed health choices.
Myth 1: Taking a Bath During Your Period Will Stop the Flow of Menstruation
Fact: Your lola or tita might have warned against bathing during your period, believing it affects menstrual flow, but that is just another pamahiin passed down through generations. Based on Healthline, there’s no scientific evidence that taking a bath can disrupt menstruation flow. Bathing may give the impression that the menstrual flow has stopped due to dilution but in reality, the shedding of the uterine lining continues.
Bathing during menstruation is safe and hygienic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), menstrual hygiene can help prevent infections, minimize odors, and maintain comfort. Taking a warm bath can also help relax the muscles and alleviate menstrual cramps.
Myth 2: Pregnancy Cravings (“Paglilihi”) Will Affect the Baby’s Appearance
Fact: It’s an old wives’ tale that what you eat and crave during pregnancy will influence your baby’s appearance. For example, “kapag naglihi ka sa labanos, magiging maputi ang anak mo” or “kapag naglihi ka sa duhat, magiging maitim ang anak mo.” This superstition is not limited to food. Many still believe that things you’re overly fond of smelling, touching, and seeing during pregnancy could influence your baby’s looks. No wonder many elders warn pregnant women against looking at disfigured people and watching horror films.
There is no scientific evidence that cravings and obsessions during pregnancy affect the baby’s physical appearance. MedlinePlus states that a person’s appearance such as
Myth 3: Exercise Can Cause Miscarriage
Fact: Some expecting moms, especially those who are very cautious or brought up in a conservative family avoid exercising because of fear of miscarriage. However, according to UC Health, women who do not have high-risk pregnancies can safely engage in moderate-intensity exercise. The benefits of physical activity during pregnancy include improving balance, strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. In addition, exercise can also promote psychological well-being. Walking, aerobics, stationary bike, dancing, aquatic exercise, and prenatal yoga are generally safe for expectant moms.
Iza Calzado, Isabelle Daza, Solenn Heussaff, Judy Ann Santos, Andi Eigenmann, and Aubrey Miles are examples of celebrity moms who have debunked this myth. They exercised during their pregnancy under the guidance of their doctors and fitness coaches to promote their wellness and the health of their babies.
UC Health also states that women who stay active during pregnancy are more likely to maintain normal blood pressure, have a term delivery, and experience a spontaneous vaginal delivery.
Women with complicated pregnancies and pre-existing conditions may be restricted by their doctors from exercising. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor before starting or continuing any exercise program.
Myth 4: Wearing a Bra Can Cause Breast Cancer
Fact: BreastCancer.org claims that there is no scientific evidence that links bra usage to breast cancer, including the type of bra (with or without underwire), the age you started wearing one, or the average number of hours worn.
Rather than focusing on bra usage, prioritize breast cancer prevention by eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding smoking, and scheduling annual mammograms starting at age 40.
Myth 5: Osteoporosis Only Happens to Women Over Age 50
Fact: Women generally have lower bone mass and smaller bone structures than men, contributing to a greater risk of osteoporosis.
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, while osteoporosis is a more common condition in older women, it can affect women of all ages, including children and adolescents. Osteoporosis occurs when there is a decrease in bone mineral density and bone mass, or when the structure of bone deteriorates. This can result in bone weakening, significantly increasing women’s risk of fractures. Nutrition, hormones, level of activity, and medications are some of the factors that can impact bone health.
Many people believe that osteoporosis is an inevitable consequence of getting older. It’s about time to change this mindset. The Department of Science and Technology Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) urges Filipinos to eat calcium-rich food, ensure sufficient Vitamin D intake, engage in regular exercise, avoid smoking, and avoid heavy drinking to prevent osteoporosis. Talk to your healthcare provider to understand risk factors, get an early diagnosis, and get proper treatment if needed.
Know the Facts
control of your health. It’s about time that you discard old wives’ tales and exercise caution with health information found on social media. Always seek reliable information and consult healthcare professionals to help you make informed decisions about your overall wellness. Secure your health by choosing comprehensive healthcare Philippines for you and your family.