Share On facebook Share On facebook Share Share On vk Share On vk Share Share On pinterest Share On pinterest Share On pinterest Share On pinterest Pin Share On lineapp Share On lineapp Share On twitter Share On twitter Share Share On email Share On email Email Share On sms Share On sms Share On whatsapp Share On whatsapp Share On more Share On more More Share On tumblr Share On tumblr Share On link Share On link Share On copy Share On copy Copy Link 1. Here's what actually happens during your period: View this photo on Instagram 2. But if you're taking hormonal birth control, you're basically getting a fake period. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 3. It is totally fine and healthy to get no period at all while on birth control. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 4. And skipping your period with birth control is fine, too. 5. Toxic shock syndrome is VERY rare — so it's fine to sleep with a tampon in. View this post on okaymontana.tumblr.com Both experts swear this is extremely unlikely. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a very rare but life-threatening complication that can happen as a result of a bacterial infection, and it was associated with the use of super-absorbant tampons in the past. When it was most prevalent in 1980, the rate was only 6 to 12 per 100,000 menstruating women (per the CDC). By 1986, that rate dropped to 1 in 100,000. And, obviously, tampons have changed even more in the last 30 years. That said, it can happen, so if you have a super-high fever, you're nauseous, and your skin is flaking off (the major symptoms), call your doctor ASAP, says Minkin. But really, you shouldn't be too worried. It's safe to leave a tampon in overnight, says Minkin. Just always use the least absorbant tampon you can get away with, and don't forget about it. Seriously, both experts have had several patients come in with tampons that were left in and forgotten — and they were fine (though smelly). 6. Dark or brown period blood doesn't mean you're dying. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 7. A missing period isn't always a sign of pregnancy...but it usually is. 8. The best way to beat period cramps is by taking an OTC pain reliever BEFORE they start. 9. PMS is seriously no joke, and it's all your hormones' fault. View this photo on Instagram 10. Just because you get a period every month doesn't necessarily mean you're ovulating. View this photo on Instagram 11. You can get a monthly period and still not be ~regular~. 12. Occasional irregularities aren't a big deal, but if your period is always unpredictable, it might be a problem for your future fertility. View this photo on Instagram 13. Pretty much any medical condition can mess with your periods. View this photo on Instagram 14. A little ~odor~ during or after your period is also normal, but there's no need for scented tampons. 15. Spotting between periods is usually no big deal. 16. Your period can start ~changing~ as early as your late thirties. View this photo on Instagram 17. Getting your period while pregnant is kind of possible. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 18. It's normal for your genitals to feel a little tender and sensitive around your period. View this photo on Instagram 19. Passing little clots in your period is normal, too. View this photo on Instagram 20. But if you're soaking through a pad or tampon more than every two hours, that might be an issue. View this photo on Instagram 21. In general, the only reason you should see your doctor about your period is if it changes drastically. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF