Misinformation about women’s health spreads easily. Some myths have been around for so long that they’ve started to feel like facts. However, relying on these red herrings can to poor decisions about your body and well-being.
Today, we’re setting the record straight for some of the biggest myths in women’s health.
Myth 1: Your Egg Supply Is Fixed Throughout Life
Women are born with all their eggs—approximately 1-2 million. By puberty, this number naturally decreases to about 300,000-400,000.
This decline continues throughout reproductive years, with significant changes typically occurring after age 35. However, fertility isn’t just about the number of eggs a woman has—egg quality matters more.
As you age, your eggs go through structural changes that affect their ability to be fertilized. While you may still have eggs available, lower-quality eggs are less likely to result in a successful pregnancy.
This is why some women in their 40s struggle to conceive, even if they technically have eggs left.
What You Can Do
- Egg Freezing: If you’re thinking about having children later in life, freezing eggs in your 20s or early 30s can preserve higher-quality eggs.
- Lifestyle Choices: Avoid smoking, maintain a balanced diet, and limit alcohol consumption—these factors can influence egg health.
- Fertility Testing: If you’re planning for the future, speaking with a specialist can help you understand your options and assess egg quality.
Myth 2: Severe Period Pain Is Normal
Mild cramps are common, but extreme pain isn’t something you should ignore. Severe period pain can be a sign of conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
If your cramps are so intense that they interfere with your daily life, it’s worth getting checked out. Many women are told to “tough it out,” but there are treatments available to help manage pain and underlying conditions.
When to See a Doctor
- If pain lasts longer than a few days or gets worse over time.
- If heavy bleeding soaks through a pad or tampon every hour.
- If you experience nausea, vomiting, or fainting from period pain.
Ignoring the symptoms won’t make them go away. Seeking medical advice early can make a huge difference.
Myth 3: Fertility Can Be Affected by Birth Control
Many women worry that taking birth control for years will make it harder to get pregnant later. The good news? That’s not true.
Birth control methods like the pill, IUDs, and implants prevent pregnancy while you’re using them, but they don’t cause permanent infertility. Most women regain their normal fertility within a few months of stopping.
What If You Struggle to Conceive After Stopping?
If you have trouble getting pregnant after quitting birth control, it’s likely due to an underlying condition that was masked by the contraception. Issues like PCOS or irregular ovulation can make conception more difficult, but they existed before—not because of—birth control.
Myth 4: Bras Cause Breast Cancer
This myth has been around for decades, but there’s no scientific evidence linking bras to breast cancer.
The idea started from the belief that bras (especially tight ones) block lymphatic drainage, leading to toxin buildup. But research has debunked this theory. The real risk factors for breast cancer include genetics, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
How to Lower Your Risk
- Maintain a healthy weight. Women who are overweight have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
- Limit alcohol intake, as excessive drinking increases risk.
- Get regular screenings. These can help detect medical conditions such as cancer early, improving the chances of successful treatment.
The best thing you can do for your breast health is focus on lifestyle choices and regular checkups.
Myth 5: Breastfeeding Prevents Pregnancy
While breastfeeding can delay ovulation, it’s not a reliable form of birth control. Some women ovulate while still nursing, even before their first post-birth period.
If you don’t want another pregnancy right away, consider using contraception.
Myth 6: Pap Smears Check Everything
Many women think a Pap smear checks for all reproductive health issues. But in reality, it only detects abnormal cervical cells that could lead to cancer. It does not test for ovarian cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or other reproductive diseases.
If you want a full health check, ask your doctor about additional screenings, such as HPV tests or STI screenings.
Myth 7: Heart Disease Affects Only Men
Heart disease is the number one killer of women, yet many still believe it’s only a concern for men. The truth is, heart disease affects millions of women, and the symptoms can be different from men’s.
Signs of Heart Disease in Women
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or dizziness
- Unexplained fatigue
- Pain in the jaw, neck, or back
Preventing heart disease starts with a healthy lifestyle. Eating well, exercising, and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol can all help lower your risk.
Final Thoughts
Misinformation can lead to poor health choices, but staying informed helps you take control. Question what you hear, rely on credible sources, and talk to your doctor. Small, informed decisions—like regular checkups and healthy habits—make a big difference in the long run.
Written by Austin Page
About the Author: Austin Page may be new to the freelance writing world, but he’s taking it by storm one engaging article at a time. He currently writes for various websites, covering a plethora of topics, including tech, business, human resources, as well as lifestyle, and relationships.
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