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That's just one of the eye-opening findings of a new survey of more than 1,600 North American women, ages 14−35, conducted by Harris Interactive. Seventy-two percent of women polled felt society is more open to discussion of men's health than women's health, while 47 percent were more comfortable talking about vaginal health anonymously online than with close friends or family.
The lack of discussion about women's health has led to many misconceptions that experts such as Dr. Tomi-Ann Roberts, director of Colorado College's gender studies program, are now determined to correct using what Dr. Roberts calls "truth and transparency." Time, then, to separate some myths from the facts:
MYTH: The words "down there" cannot be used in advertising for feminine care products.
FACT: National TV networks do not allow feminine care commercials to even use veiled references to vaginas, yet male ED commercials go as far as suggesting the sexual act! How hypocritical!
MYTH: Everyone's cycle lasts exactly 28 days.
FACT: That's just an average. Anywhere from 21−35 days is normal, and teens' can last up to 45 days.
MYTH: All women get cramps.
FACT: Roughly 50 percent of women never, or barely, experience them during their periods.
MYTH: People can tell, just by looking at you, when you're having your period.
FACT: About 25 percent of all women between the ages of 10 and 50 will be having their periods at any one time. Go ahead, just try to pick them out on the street. (That dare is courtesy of Dr. Roberts, who U by Kotex, a line of feminine care products devoted to "updating the conversation on women's health," consulted with in coming up with the questions and answers on its very informative website, www.ubykotex.com.)
MYTH: There's no natural way to relieve pain from menstrual cramps.
FACT: Exercising activates endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. It can also alleviate water retention.
MYTH: You lose a lot of blood during your period.
FACT: Although it may seem that way, the average woman loses just four to six tablespoons.
MYTH: Dairy foods, like ice cream, should be avoided during your period.
FACT: Eating and drinking foods high in calcium (e.g., dairy products, fortified orange juice and soy milk) may actually help reduce PMS symptoms.
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