True or false? 6 common beliefs about 'regla'

1. Myth: You cannot take a bath when you have your period

Just like any body fluid, blood — along with urine, perspiration and saliva — can harbor bacteria. Inadequate washing and bathing during days with your monthly period may lead to vaginal infection and even UTI.
2. Myth: Wiping the blood of your very first menstrual flow on your face can prevent pimples

Eww and double eww! It's gross enough that women have to tolerate bloody discharge flowing out of the vagina for a couple of days. But to even consider applying this to the face, one must have nerves of steel!
Acne is caused by the overactivity of the oil glands which is most common during the teenage years. This increased amount of oil on the skin will lead to pimples if the skin is clogged with dirt, dry skin and bacteria.
Blood is a culture media for bacteria. Therefore, putting blood on the face may aggravate pimples.
3. Truth: Avoid exercising or lifting heavy objects during your period

During menstruation, the cervix is more open and the uterine ligaments are more relaxed to allow better menstrual flow. Extra exertion like jogging, lifting weights, climbing up and down the stairs will increase the amount of blood loss. These activities may also lead to prolapse of the uterus or "mababa ang matres" later in life.
During that time of the month, stick to low impact exercises such as brisk walking on a flat surface or stretching. For yoga practitioners, avoid doing the head stand when you have your period. It is believed to cause backflow of the blood into the tubes.
4. Mainly a myth but sort of the truth: Drinking beer can increase menstrual blood flow

The amount of blood lost during menstruation is dependent on the amount of blood stored during the past 2 to 3 weeks. This is dependent on the woman's hormonal level. Drinking beer or any alcohol cannot influence the amount of blood secreted during menstruation.
My most logical explanation for the "apparent" impression that more blood comes out after drinking beer is probably due to the overall relaxation of the body when one is intoxicated with alcohol. The uterus is a muscle, therefore relaxing the uterine muscles may lead to further opening of the cervix and maybe also to increased blood flow.
There is no scientific basis for this theory. It is purely anecdotal from personal observations of some women.
5. Myth: Women cannot have sex during their menstruation period

Of course, women can have sex anytime they please. There is no harm in having sex during the menstrual period. It is just a little messy on the sheets.
Since blood may harbor bacteria, both partners should urinate immediately after sex and wash with an antiseptic wash. Blood and bacteria may enter the urethra during intercourse and may lead to UTI. Peeing after sex prevents this from occuring.
6. Myth: You will not get pregnant if you have sex during menstruation

The length of the menstrual cycle of each woman varies. If you are the type that bleeds for only 3 to 4 days, then you will not get pregnant while you have your period.
But if your period lasts for more than 7 days, maybe even spotting for 10 to 14 days, then you are not safe. You will get pregnant.
The fertile period begins as  early as the 7th day of the cycle. Even with bloody discharge, the ovary may already release an egg. Sex at this time can lead to pregnancy.
There are many more folklores mentioned regarding menstruation. Many are simply supertitious beliefs with no scientific evidence to support them.
The best advice is: when in doubt, ask your doctor.

whew!!