Did you know that women weren’t legally required to be included in medical research until 1993 when the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Revitalization Act was passed? Before that, most clinical trials mainly studied men, assuming the results would apply to everyone. For way too long, medical research has mostly focused on men, leaving women’s health in the shadows and making the gender health gap even worse. And when studies do focus on women? They’re often old, outdated, or based on such a tiny sample size that they barely scratch the surface of the real issue.
Dr. Malini Uppal—women’s health expert and OVA’s go-to Medical Advisor—is here to break down the biggest myths, buzzwords, and trending topics that shape women’s health at every stage of life.
Women’s fertility drops off a cliff at 30
“There are multiple factors at play such as health conditions, genetics, lifestyle choices and more which can dictate a woman’s fertility more so than age. Women are born with all the eggs they’ll ever have, and while they do decrease in number and quality over time before reaching menopause, it’s important to keep those eggs as healthy as possible through a balanced diet and lifestyle. There are also supplements, such as OVA’s that help to support egg health and quality, to add to your routine for ease.”
You can sync up with your friends’ periods
“This theory came about in the 1970’s where a researcher indicated that pheromones cause women’s cycles to align when they are close together. There are no studies that support this theory and it’s likely that periods sync up purely by chance, as cycle lengths vary and overlap naturally.”
Cranberry juice can cure a UTI or yeast infection
“It’s thought that the sugars, called proanthocyanidins, in cranberry juice can help treat a UTI or yeast infection but studies show that there is no evidence to prove this.”
It’s abnormal to not orgasm during sex
“On the contrary, it is thought that only 30% of women orgasm during intercourse, and most (58%) orgasm with clitoral stimulation.”
You can’t get pregnant when you’re breastfeeding
“You can get pregnant while breastfeeding even if your period hasn’t returned to normal after giving birth. There’s also no scientific evidence that you’re more or less fertile after giving birth so it’s important to take precautions when needed.”
You shouldn’t exercise when pregnant
“As long as you aren’t pushing yourself beyond your limits then it’s safe to exercise during pregnancy. It’s even recommended by the NHS to exercise, as it will help you build resilience when your body changes shape. The NHS has a range of exercise tips and advice to take on board when pregnant.”
Pregnancy cures endometriosis
“Pregnancy does not cure endometriosis, and there are no studies that prove that pregnancy cures or helps symptoms of endometriosis. If you are experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, which can include painful or heavy and irregular periods, pain during sex, pain with bowel movements, and more, please consult a healthcare professional for the best treatment.”
If you have PCOS or endometriosis then you can’t get pregnant
“This is untrue – PCOS or Endometriosis can cause difficulties or barriers in conceiving but it’s still possible to conceive naturally, with 60-70% of those with endometriosis able to fall pregnant spontaneously. OVAPlus has been formulated by fertility specialists and helps with supporting and managing symptoms of PCOS and endometriosis, as well as reproductive health.”
Menopause starts when your period stops
“Menopause is defined as when you have a full year of no periods including bleeding and spotting, but symptoms of menopause can start before this moment in your life – this is called the perimenopause. A year or less of no periods can also mean other health conditions are at play, especially if you’re under 40, which is why it’s important to see a healthcare professional for a diagnosis.”
You can’t get pregnant during the menopause
“While you can’t get pregnant during the menopause, as your body has stopped ovulating and your ovaries are no longer releasing eggs, it is still possible to become pregnant during perimenopause when your body is still ovulating.”
Image shared via Unsplash – Alicia Petresc
