Skip to content

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping

Have an account?

Log in to check out faster.

Your cart

Loading...

Estimated total

$0.00 USD

Taxes, discounts and shipping calculated at checkout.

Free Shipping Over $85

  • Start Here
    • Shop Starter Kits & Sets
    • Absorbency Guide
    • How Cheeki Works
    • First Period Guide
    • Wash & Care Guide
  • Teens
  • Women
  • Kits & Sets
  • Accessories
  • Learn
Log in
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • YouTube

Cheeki Wear

  • Start Here
    • Shop Starter Kits & Sets
    • Absorbency Guide
    • How Cheeki Works
    • First Period Guide
    • Wash & Care Guide
  • Teens
  • Women
  • Kits & Sets
  • Accessories
  • Learn
Log in Cart

Absorbency Guide

Light Flow
  • Flow: 20mls* = Up to 4 Tampons * Based on 5ml tampon
  • Feels: Surprisingly sleek.
  • For: The start or end days of your cycle, or 'just in case'.
Medium Flow
  • Moderate: 30mls* = Up to 6 Tampons * Based on 5ml tampon
  • Feels: Slim and safe.
  • For: Heavy days.
Super Flow
  • Flow: 50mls* = Up to 10 Tampons * Based on 5ml tampon
  • Feels: Soft and reliable
  • For: Heaviest days and Overnight
Home Cycle Wellness 10 Period Myths You’ve Probably Heard (and the Truth Behind Them)

10 Period Myths You’ve Probably Heard (and the Truth Behind Them)

10 Period Myths You’ve Probably Heard (and the Truth Behind Them)

"When I experienced my first period, I was surrounded by confusion and conflicting advice. Friends warned me not to swim. Family members suggested it was best to rest and avoid activity. I learned about menstruation through whispers and myths rather than clear, factual information."

Years later, it's clear that many of those early messages were not only misleading but have contributed to unnecessary stigma and discomfort around a completely natural biological process. Menstruation is an essential indicator of health — yet misinformation still shapes how many people understand their bodies.

Here are ten of the most common period myths, and the truth behind every single one.

Jump to a myth Pregnancy Dirty blood Exercise Syncing Blood loss Tampons getting lost PMS Sex Pain Period underwear

The 10 myths — debunked

1
Myth

You can't get pregnant on your period

The truth

It's unlikely, but not impossible. Sperm can survive inside the body for up to five days, and if you have a short cycle, ovulation can overlap with the end of your period. Protection is still important — always.

2
Myth

Period blood is dirty

The truth

Not at all. Period blood is simply a mix of blood, uterine tissue, and mucus — completely natural and not "dirty" in any meaningful sense. It's your body doing exactly what it's supposed to do. There's nothing shameful about it.

3
Myth

You shouldn't swim or exercise on your period

The truth

You absolutely can — and in many cases, you should. Swimming, yoga, and light cardio can ease cramps and boost your mood thanks to endorphin release. Movement is one of the most effective natural remedies for period discomfort.

Cheeki tip

For most activities, period underwear offers comfortable leakproof coverage that moves with you. For swimming specifically, a tampon or menstrual cup is still needed — period underwear isn't designed for water submersion.

4
Myth

Periods sync up when you spend time with friends

The truth

The "menstrual synchrony" theory sounds compelling, but it hasn't been proven by science. What's actually happening is that cycles overlap sometimes — a coincidence that feels meaningful because we're paying attention to it. The research simply doesn't support the synchrony claim.

5
Myth

You lose a lot of blood during your period

The truth

Most people only lose about 2–3 tablespoons of blood over their entire period. It just feels like more because of the way it looks combined with the other fluids involved. If you're consistently soaking through protection every hour, that's worth mentioning to a doctor — but the average flow is much lighter than it appears.

6
Myth

Tampons or cups can get "lost" inside you

The truth

They can't travel past the cervix — so there's genuinely nowhere for them to go. While they can sit high or feel difficult to reach, they're not disappearing into your body. If you ever have trouble removing one, try relaxing your muscles and bearing down gently. If you're still unable to remove it, a doctor can help quickly and easily.

7
Myth

PMS is all in your head

The truth

PMS is very real and very physical. Hormonal fluctuations in the days before your period can cause mood changes, fatigue, bloating, food cravings, breast tenderness, and more. Experiencing these symptoms doesn't make you dramatic — it makes you human. If PMS significantly affects your quality of life, it's worth talking to a doctor about management options.

8
Myth

You can't have sex during your period

The truth

You can — it's entirely a personal choice. Some people find it relieves cramps thanks to endorphin release and uterine contractions during orgasm. There are no medical reasons to avoid it. Just remember that protection against STIs and pregnancy is still important during your period.

9
Myth

Period pain is normal — so just deal with it

The truth

Mild cramping is common, yes. But pain that stops you from going to school, work, or living your daily life is not something you should simply push through. Severe period pain can be a sign of endometriosis, fibroids, or other treatable conditions. You deserve care and answers — not dismissal. If your pain is disruptive, please talk to a doctor.

Worth knowing

Endometriosis affects roughly 1 in 10 people who menstruate, yet takes an average of 7–10 years to diagnose. Advocating for yourself with a doctor is always the right call if your pain feels out of proportion.

10
Myth

Period underwear isn't as effective as pads or tampons

The truth

Modern period underwear is designed with high-absorbency layers that hold as much as several tampons' worth of flow — while being comfortable, reusable, and far more sustainable than disposables. Cheeki's 4-layer technology wicks moisture, locks in flow, and prevents leaks for up to 12 hours. It's not a compromise. It's an upgrade.


Try it for yourself

Cheeki Teen First Period Kit

The easiest way to experience leakproof period underwear for the first time — medium and heavy flow styles plus a carry pouch, all in one kit.

  • ✓Up to 12 hours of leakproof protection — day or overnight
  • ✓Feels exactly like regular underwear — no bulk, no shifting
  • ✓OEKO-TEX® certified — tested for 100+ harmful substances
  • ✓Reusable for 2+ years — better for your body and the planet
  • ✓No PFAS, no harsh chemicals, no mystery ingredients
Get the Starter Kit →

Breaking the cycle of misinformation

Understanding the truth about menstruation is an important step toward breaking long-held taboos and building real confidence in your body. When we replace myths with facts, we normalise the conversation around periods — and make menstrual health something everyone feels comfortable talking about openly.

At Cheeki, we believe education and innovation go hand in hand. Every product we make is designed to offer comfort, reliability, and sustainability — helping you manage your cycle with confidence, every month.

Period care that actually works

Comfortable, leakproof, and certified safe. No myths, no compromise.

For teens
Teen First Period Kit

Everything from day one — $79

For women
Women's collection

Styles for every flow and occasion

How it works
Period underwear explained

See why thousands have made the switch

Get the Starter Kit Shop women's styles

Share:

Next

Latest Articles

Your First Period Starter Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Your First Period...

Read More
5 Reasons Women Are Ditching Pads for Period Underwear

5 Reasons Women...

Read More

Best Sellers

  • Cheeki Carry Pouch

    Cheeki Carry Pouch

    Cheeki Carry Pouch

    Regular price $10.00 USD
    Regular price Sale price $10.00 USD
  • Cheeki Starter Kit

    Cheeki Starter Kit

    Cheeki Starter Kit

    Regular price $79.00 USD
    Regular price Sale price $79.00 USD
  • High-Rise Leakproof Brief

    High-Rise Leakproof Brief

    High-Rise Leakproof Brief

    Regular price $29.00 USD
    Regular price Sale price $29.00 USD
  • Laci Leakproof Brief - Medium

    Laci Leakproof Brief - Medium

    Laci Leakproof Brief - Medium

    Regular price $35.00 USD
    Regular price Sale price $35.00 USD
  • Laci Leakproof Brief- Heavy

    Laci Leakproof Brief- Heavy

    Laci Leakproof Brief- Heavy

    Regular price $35.00 USD
    Regular price Sale price $35.00 USD
  • 15% off
    Seamless Low-Rise Leakproof Brief

    Seamless Low-Rise Leakproof Brief

    Seamless Low-Rise Leakproof Brief

    Regular price $32.00 USD
    Regular price $38.00 USD Sale price $32.00 USD
    15% off
  • Seamless Period Brief – Rose

    Seamless Period Brief – Rose

    Seamless Period Brief – Rose

    Regular price $29.00 USD
    Regular price Sale price $29.00 USD
  • Seamless Period Brief- Sky

    Seamless Period Brief- Sky

    Seamless Period Brief- Sky

    Regular price $29.00 USD
    Regular price Sale price $29.00 USD
  • Teen Bamboo Comfort Leakproof Brief

    Teen Bamboo Comfort Leakproof Brief

    Teen Bamboo Comfort Leakproof Brief

    Regular price $34.00 USD
    Regular price Sale price $34.00 USD
  • Teen Starter Period Kit

    Teen Starter Period Kit

    Teen Starter Period Kit

    Regular price $79.00 USD
    Regular price Sale price $79.00 USD
  • Wash Bag

    Wash Bag

    Wash Bag

    Regular price $10.00 USD
    Regular price Sale price $10.00 USD

Get 10% Off When You subscribe

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
  • Shop
  • Learn How Period Care Works
  • FAQ
  • Absorbency Guide
  • About Us
  • Teens
  • Women's
  • Period Kits
  • Accessories

Contact Us

  • info@cheekiwear.com

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
Payment methods
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Visa
© 2026, Cheeki Wear All rights reserved.
  • Privacy policy
  • Refund policy
  • Terms of service
  • Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
  • Opens in a new window.