Many unique terms are used to refer to menstruation. These terms, although varied, reflect an attempt to hide the natural processes women go through each month.

Understanding menstruation and women's health is very important, but there are still many interesting facts about menstruation that are not known. Here are various interesting facts that you may have never heard before.

Interesting Facts About Menstruation

Menstruation, a natural process that is often shrouded in myth and misunderstanding. Come on, let's explore some interesting facts about menstruation.

1. Menstrual Blood is not Dirty Blood

Contrary to general belief, menstrual blood is not dirty blood. Just like wound blood, menstrual blood is part of the body's natural processes. This blood contains the remaining uterine tissue that sheds after ovulation.

2. Sexual Desire Increases During Menstruation

Interestingly, women's sex drive can increase during menstruation. This is caused by a decrease in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which trigger passion and interest in having sex.

3. Cold Weather Makes Menstruation Worse

Cold weather can actually make menstruation worse. Menstrual blood can become heavier and last longer, and be accompanied by more severe pain. Allegedly, this occurs due to lack of exposure to sunlight which produces vitamin D and dopamine, hormones that play a role in improving mood and health.

4. Menstruation Affects Your Voice and Body Smell

Research shows that women's voices can change slightly during menstruation due to the influence of reproductive hormones on the vocal cords. Some women even find their voice less attractive during menstruation.

Reproductive hormones can also influence the body's natural scent, which humans can sense with their natural hunting instincts. This can make women less attractive to men than during ovulation.

5. Swimming during Menstruation Attracts Sharks

The myth that swimming during menstruation attracts sharks is not proven. The amount of menstrual blood is very small and mixes with seawater, so it does not attract sharks.

6. Sex during Menstruation can cause Pregnancy 

Even though the chance is small, getting pregnant during menstruation can still happen. Therefore, the use of contraception is still recommended if you want to have sex during menstruation.

7. Hormonal IUDs can Stop Menstruation

Hormonal IUD contraception can stop menstruation during the first year of use. The menstrual cycle and fertility will return to normal after the IUD is removed. IUDs do not cause infertility, and some brands of IUDs can even make menstruation lighter or even non-existent.

Those are some interesting facts about menstruation. By understanding these facts, we can get rid of the myths and misunderstandings that have been circulating, and maintain health and comfort during menstruation.

References:

https://hellosehat.com/wanita/menstruasi/fakta-menstruasi/

https://www.klikdokter.com/gaya-hidup/perawatan-wanita/12-fakta-haid-yang-wajib-diketahui-wanita