13 Freaky Facts About the Female Reproductive System

Halloween is just around the corner – what better time to explore a few of the lesser-known facts about our freakishly cool female bodies? The following flow-facts range from “EEK!” to “what the FREAK?!” Check ’em out, and let us know if there are any we missed! 

1. Your uterus is home to the largest human cell in the entire body – the egg. It is the only cell that can be seen with the naked eye, and it’s responsible for the continuation of the human race. No big deal 😉 By contrast, the smallest human cell is a sperm cell. Girls rule! 

2. The average woman loses anywhere from two tablespoons to half a cup of blood during their period. File this under equal parts freaky and totally-freaking-cool!

3. Prehistoric women had an average of 50 periods over the course of their lifetime. The average woman living in the western hemisphere in 2016, however? She can expect about 450 periods during her menstrual years. Color us just the tiniest bit jealous of our female ancestors!

4. Often times, pain levels, duration, and blood flow can intentsify during the colder months. Our solution? Keep your self-care arsenal fully stocked as the temps drop!

5. The average woman will use around 11,000 tampons during her lifetime. (Psst…this is why it’s so important that you’re making an educated decision on the products you’re using. Some of the most frightening chemicals live inside conventional products. And letting those chemicals come into contact with our privates? That’s way scarier than your average slasher flick. You can find more information on the importance of knowing what materials are in your products HERE!)

6. Lysol – yes, that neon-yellow substance commonly used to scrub bathroom tile – was marketed as a female cleanser from the 1920s-1960s. Let’s all take a moment to let that sink in, and thank the period gods that our understanding of female health has journeyed a loooong way from that freaky yellow brick road.

7. Your period can actually affect the way your voice sounds. Say what?! Vaginal cells are quite similar to the cells in your larynx, and both sets of cells are affected by hormonal changes.

8. We are one of only three mammal groups that experience menopause. Elephants and humpback whales are the only other species to undergo this biological change. Bizarre, right?

9. As a woman, you are born with your entire egg supply – around two million eggs. Less than 500 of these are released in the form of a period, and a lucky few may go on to be fertilized and become children. Think about it – if you become a mother, the egg that becomes your child has been in your womb the entire time – like a little sidekick. Kind of like that scene from Alien 😉

10. We’re sure you’ve heard of the more common nicknames for your period. But did you know that periods have been referred to as the “Curse of Dracula” too? As a general rule of thumb, you might want to stay away from any potential vampires while your Aunt Flo is in town.

11. Some studies suggest that women’s cycles are affected by the moon. The moon may trigger ovulation and fertile times, affect your emotions, regulate your cycle, and more. To put it another way, our female bodies are linked to the powerful celestial body that orbits our planet and controls the tides. Basically, we’re werewolves. 

12. And as if you needed one more reason to realize how totally amazing women are: we may have menstruation to thank for our culture’s sense of time. Early lunar calendars were based on the length of a woman’s cycle. You’re welcome, everyone.

13. Okay – this one is totally freaky (And we promise, totally unlikely!) Very rare cases of women harmelessly bleeding from other parts of their bodies have been reported, starting in the 1800s. It’s called vicarious menstruation – and it’s by far the spookiest fact on the list.

Happy haunting!

Tara Bruley & the Be Prepared. Period team