Periods come with a lot of rumours attached. Some get passed around school, some come from the internet, and some are so old nobody even remembers where they started.
The problem? A lot of them are complete nonsense and believing them can make periods feel scarier or more mysterious than they need to be.
We're here to set the record straight. Here are the most common period myths, busted.
Myth 1: "You can't swim, shower or exercise on your period"
Nope.
You can do all three. Water doesn't stop your period (and a pad or tampon has you covered if you want to swim). Showering is completely fine and actually helps you feel fresh. And exercise? Gentle movement can even ease cramps and lift your mood. Your period is not a reason to sit anything out unless you genuinely want to.
Myth 2: "Everyone can tell when you're on your period"
They really can't.
Unless you tell them, no one knows. Products are designed to be discreet, periods don't announce themselves, and that self-conscious feeling is almost always louder in your own head than in real life. Carry on as normal, because it is normal.
Myth 3: "Periods smell bad"
Not when you change your products regularly.
Menstrual blood only develops a noticeable smell when it's left too long. Fresh air and regular changes sort that entirely. And you definitely don't need scented products to "cover it up" - your body doesn't need perfume, and fragranced products can actually irritate sensitive skin.
It also helps to choose breathable materials: 100% organic cotton lets air flow rather than trapping heat and moisture the way some synthetics do. That keeps you feeling fresher and more comfortable throughout the day.
Myth 4: "Your periods will be like clockwork"
Very unlikely, and that's normal.
For the first year or two, periods are often irregular while your body settles into its rhythm. You might skip a month, have a short cycle, then a long one. Tracking them on an app or calendar can help you spot your own pattern over time.
Myth 5: "Really bad period pain is just something you have to put up with"
This one's important.
Mild, manageable cramps are common. But pain so bad it stops you going to school, sleeping or doing normal things is not something to just grit your teeth through. If that's you, tell a parent, guardian or doctor, there's help available and you deserve it.
Myth 6: "Using a tampon means you're not a virgin"
Completely false.
Tampons are just period products. Using one has nothing to do with virginity, that's a myth rooted in old misunderstandings about the body. You can use tampons from your very first period if you'd like to; just start with the lowest absorbency and follow the instructions.
Myth 7: "You shouldn't talk about your period"
The oldest myth of all and the one we most want gone.
Periods are a normal, healthy part of life for millions of people. Talking about them openly means better information, less embarrassment, and more support when you need it. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Full stop.
Myth 8: "All period products are basically the same"
They're not.
What products are made from really matters, because your body absorbs what touches it. Cheap, mainstream products can contain chlorine bleach, fragrances and plastics, while clean options are made from organic cotton with none of the extras. It's always worth knowing what you're actually using.
The takeaway
Most period myths do one of two things: make you worry about something you don't need to, or stop you asking for help you deserve. Knowing the facts takes away the fear and turns your period into just another normal part of life you totally understand.
Got a question a myth left you unsure about? Ask a trusted adult, a school nurse or a doctor. Curiosity is always the right move.
Learning the ropes?
Riley's clean, organic cotton pads, liners and tampons are gentle, honest and made with nothing to hide. Explore the range and start with products you can trust.
