Myth-Busting Women’s Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know
When it comes to women’s health, misinformation runs deep. Too often, we accept myths about our bodies simply because they’ve been passed down through generations or spread across social media.
As a board-certified OB/GYN and women’s health advocate, I’ve dedicated my career to educating women about their bodies, empowering them to ask the right questions, and helping them take control of their health.
In this article, I’ll tackle some of the most common myths I hear in my practice, share insights on how to navigate the overwhelming amount of health information out there, and offer guidance for medical professionals looking to make a broader impact.
Women’s Health Myths
Myth #1: Painful, Heavy Periods Are Just Something You Have to Live With
One of the most common misconceptions I hear from patients is that extremely heavy or painful periods are normal. Many women have grown up believing that soaking through pads or tampons, doubling over in pain, or missing school or work due to their menstrual cycle is just part of being a woman. That’s simply not true.
Painful or excessively heavy periods can be a sign of underlying conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or hormonal imbalances such as PCOS. Yet, because women often don’t talk openly about their cycles—or only hear about them from family members who have had similar struggles. These symptoms get dismissed as “just the way it is.”
When I see patients, I start by asking open-ended questions: Do your periods interfere with your daily life? Do you find yourself planning events around your cycle? Are you comfortable with your period, or do you dread it every month? These conversations help women recognize that suffering is not the norm.
If you’re dealing with these symptoms, don’t accept them as inevitable. Talk to your doctor. There are treatments—both medical and lifestyle-based—that can improve your quality of life.
Myth #2: If You Haven’t Gotten Pregnant, You Must Be Infertile
I frequently hear women say, “I’ve never gotten pregnant before, so I must be infertile.” This is a myth that causes unnecessary anxiety and leads some women to assume they’ll struggle with fertility before they’ve even tried to conceive.
Fertility is complex, and just because you haven’t had an unplanned pregnancy doesn’t mean you’re infertile. Many people assume that getting pregnant is instant, when in reality, even in the best circumstances, the odds of conceiving in any given month are only about 20–25%.
If you’re planning to conceive and have concerns about fertility, I encourage you to track your cycles, monitor ovulation, and discuss any potential risk factors with your doctor.
For women under 35, we typically advise trying for a year before seeking further evaluation. For women over 35, it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor after six months of trying.
Myth #3: You Need to “Cleanse” or “Detox” Your Vagina
One of the biggest myths fueled by marketing and misinformation is that the vagina needs special cleansing products, detox pearls, or douches to stay healthy. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
The vagina is self-cleaning. It maintains its delicate balance of bacteria and pH levels to prevent infections. Using scented washes, douches, or other “feminine hygiene” products can do more harm than good by disrupting this natural balance and increasing the risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infections.
If you’re worried about odor or discomfort, the best approach is to stick to gentle hygiene practices:
Wash the external area (the vulva) with warm water and mild, unscented soap.
Avoid douching, scented wipes, and sprays.
Wear breathable, cotton underwear to prevent excess moisture buildup.
If something feels off—persistent odor, unusual discharge, or irritation—see a doctor rather than trying to “fix” it with over-the-counter products that may make things worse.
Navigating Misinformation in the Digital Age
We live in a time where health information is everywhere—social media, blogs, podcasts, and even major news outlets. While it’s great that women have access to more discussions about their health, it also means we’re constantly exposed to misinformation. My patients frequently come in saying, “I saw this on TikTok,” or “I read an article that said…” and they’re often confused about what’s actually true.
The challenge is that misinformation doesn’t always come from obvious sources. It can come from influencers without medical backgrounds, outdated health advice, or even well-meaning friends and family who share something they believe is helpful. This is especially true when it comes to reproductive health, fertility, and menopause—areas where myths and misconceptions have been deeply ingrained for generations.
How to Identify Reliable Health Information
If you’re trying to determine whether a health claim is trustworthy, ask yourself these key questions:
Who is the source?
Is the information coming from a board-certified doctor, a registered dietitian, or another medical professional? Or is it from someone with no formal training in health? Experts back up their claims with research, not just personal stories.
Is it backed by scientific research?
Reliable health advice is based on studies, not just anecdotal experiences. Look for citations from reputable medical journals or health organizations like the CDC, WHO, or ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists).
Does it sound too good (or too scary) to be true?
If something is marketed as a miracle cure for PCOS, fertility issues, or vaginal health, be skeptical. Health is complex—there’s rarely a single magic solution. Likewise, if a post is using fear tactics to scare you away from treatments like birth control or vaccines, check the science before panicking.
Is the message trying to sell something?
Many misleading health trends are linked to products—detox teas, vaginal cleansers, or fertility supplements that promise impossible results. Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s effective or necessary.
Are medical professionals debunking it?
If multiple OB/GYNs or other specialists are speaking out against a claim, take that as a red flag. A great way to fact-check health trends is to follow reputable doctors on social media who actively correct misinformation.
The Role of Social Media in Women’s Health
Social media can be a great place for learning, but it can also be overwhelming. On one hand, it’s giving women a platform to share their experiences with fertility, pregnancy, and conditions like endometriosis—things that weren’t talked about enough before. On the other hand, it’s also full of unverified medical claims that can lead women to make decisions based on fear rather than facts.
As a healthcare provider, I see it as my responsibility to be part of the conversation. That’s why I contribute to medical advisory boards for platforms like Verywell Health, Flo Health, and Elle Magazine—so women have access to accurate, evidence-based information.
If you’re a medical professional, I encourage you to engage with social media and online publications. The more experts we have out there correcting misinformation, the better. You don’t have to be an influencer—just sharing one post or responding to a common myth can make a difference.
How Patients Can Advocate for Their Own Health
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by conflicting information, the best thing you can do is ask questions. Bring your concerns to your doctor and say, “I read this online—what’s your take on it?” A good doctor will welcome those discussions and help you make sense of what’s true and what’s exaggerated.
At the end of the day, your health decisions should be based on science, not social media trends. The more informed you are, the more empowered you’ll be to take control of your well-being.
Taking a Holistic Approach to Women’s Health
Women’s health isn’t just about reproductive organs—it’s about whole-body wellness. In my work with the Honeypot Company and Flo Health, I focus on how lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, and exercise impact menstrual and reproductive health.
For example:
Sleep: Poor sleep can increase inflammation and worsen PMS symptoms. Prioritizing rest can improve hormonal balance.
Diet: While there’s no single “fertility diet,” research suggests that anti-inflammatory foods can support reproductive health.
Exercise: Movement can help reduce period pain, improve mood, and even regulate cycles.
Many of these topics don’t fit neatly into a short doctor’s visit, which is why I emphasize patient education beyond the exam room. If you’re a healthcare provider, consider offering resources, handouts, or reputable websites where patients can continue learning.
Taking Charge of Your Health and Your Career
Women’s health is full of myths, but the more we educate ourselves and each other, the more empowered we become. Whether it’s recognizing that painful periods aren’t normal, questioning fertility fears, or navigating the flood of online health information, knowledge is power.
For healthcare professionals, stepping beyond traditional roles to educate and advocate can make a lasting impact—not just on individual patients, but on the broader conversation around women’s health.
So, what’s one step you can take this week to prioritize your health—or to share your expertise in a new way?
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