Life

Periods Aren't As Bad As You Think

by Megan Grant

Periods are still seen as something people who menstruate have to hide, and for the life of me, I can't understand why. After all, the only reason any of us are here is because of our mothers' monthly cycles, right? (Thanks , Mom!) People need to understand that periods aren't as gross as you think; in fact, menstruation one of the most natural things on the planet that a huge number of people experience on the regular. Our bodies were designed for this, just like breastfeeding — which, coincidentally, is yet another thing many still insist those who do it keep to themselves. Free the nipple! Free the nipple!

Are you familiar with the most basic facts about periods? Have you debunked the traditional myths and misconceptions? College Humor is helping us gain a better understanding of menstruation by hilariously breaking down Aunt Flo's monthly visit, aka that horrible week when women turn into total lunatics. (Just kidding, because hey, guess what? That's precisely one of those misconceptions we're talking about here.) If you think you already know everything about periods, guess again. There might be a few surprises in there. But seriously, people: It's not as ugly as you think. It's simply the monthly shedding of the lining of our uterus since we're not pregnant... plus a demonic creature living in our abdomens. No big deal.

1. The Facts About Shark Week

From adolescence to middle age, almost all women have a period once a month, like these lovely ladies right here. The average woman bleeds for three to five days, but...

2. It's Really Not That Much Blood

To be more specific, it's about this much blood.

3. There Is Absolutely Nothing Dangerous About Periods

Except that the blood in the toilet might attract snakes from the sewers up through the pipes. This is why we carry huge purses: We travel fully armed for a snake invasion.

4. We've Been Lying About Why We Menstruate

It's not because our uterus is shedding. It's because an evil monster rests where our kidneys and liver normally would be. This is science.

5. Forget All The Period Myths, For Crying Out Loud

Yes, you can have sex on your period. No, using tampons doesn't mean you've lost your virginity. They're just tiny cotton plugs, silly.

6. Again, Periods Are Totally, Completely 100 Percent Natural

We all go through it, and it's nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of.

7. And Even Fun!

For some people, at least.

8. The Moral Of The Story Is...

Because periods aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

Watch the full video below, and make sure you stay through the end for an extra special message.

Images: Andrew Zaeh for Bustle; College Humor/YouTube (8)