Myths About Women’s Health – Female doctor explaining diagnosis to her female patient
Some women can spend their whole lives thinking things about their health that are just not true. Read these misconceptions before continuing to use yogurt-covered tampons for yeast infections or giving up on sexual happiness because you believe you’ve passed your prime. You might be shocked at what the world consistently gets inaccurate. Here is a list of seven myths about women’s health that you shouldn’t believe in.
1. Bras can lead to breast cancer
Has your grandmother, friend, or cousin warned you that bras cause cancer? But the truth is that breast cancer is not caused by wearing a bra. What can you do to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer? Maintain a healthy weight and abstain from alcohol. Obese women or heavy alcohol drinkers have an increased risk of acquiring breast cancer. Mammograms every year beyond the age of 45 are a proven technique to detect breast cancer early and prevent it from spreading.
2. It is easier to get pregnant if you lie on your back during sex
Conception is one of those things that looks so simple when you don’t want to get pregnant and so difficult when you do. There’s a long-held belief that lying on your back with your pelvis lifted during intercourse increases your chances of having children.
However, the practice isn’t as reliable as it appears. According to some studies, 40% of women believe that this technique makes it easier to conceive, yet gravity doesn’t make it any simpler for the sperm to reach your egg.
3. Vaginal discharge is always an indication of a problem
Vaginal discharge that is clear or milky white is totally normal and may vary in volume and consistency throughout your period. Your vaginal cavity is continually cleaning itself by removing old cells and mucus. However, if the discharge differs from its regular consistency or color, it can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or other conditions that can require professional treatment.
4. Urinary tract infections can be treated with cranberry juice
If all it needed to treat an illness was a glass of juice, women would never get urinary tract infections. Staying hydrated can assist to dilute the germs in urine, allowing women to have less acute symptoms, although water can also be equally beneficial. Often, a doctor’s visit is necessary to get an accurate UTI diagnosis and medications to get rid of the infection.
5. Yogurt cures yeast infection
While yogurt is healthy for your digestive system, it has no effect on your vagina. The lactobacillus bacteria in yogurt (acidophilus) are not the same as those in your vagina. It will not destroy the yeast or increase the amount of “healthy” bacteria in your vagina. If you have a yeast infection, it is better to contact your gynecologist.
6. It is not necessary to see a gynecologist on a regular basis
One of the most common women’s health myths is that you don’t need to see a gynecologist every year. Although a pap smear is not required every year, your gynecologist will perform a breast and pelvic exam.
Even if you don’t notice any symptoms or women’s health issues, your gynecologist will test anything from blood pressure to osteoporosis, and your annual appointment is a perfect time to address any concerns you have about your health, including your sexual and reproductive issues.
7. You can get STDs from toilet seats
STDs are spread through physical intercourse. This refers to skin-to-skin contact or body fluid exchange. Most microorganisms that cause STDs can’t survive long outside the body. Even if a germ survived, a person’s genitals would have to come into direct contact with the toilet seat to become sick.
