Menstrual Cups For Swimming
If period swimwear is not really your thing, or youd prefer just to use period swimwear as a back-up, then you may like to try a menstrual cup.
What I love about menstrual cups is they can be worn for a long time, up to 8-12 hours, depending on your flow and the specific cup guidelines.
This is really perfect for long days at the beach, the lake, by the pool or on a boat
There are so many menstrual cups on the market at the moment, it can be a little overwhelming. And I dont have one brand of menstrual cup that I recommend, because menstrual cups can vary in their length, firmeness, capacity and more. What might work for me, or your best friend, might not be right for you and your body. We all have a unique anatomy that needs to be taken into account when choosing a menstrual cup.
If youd like to learn more about how to choose a menstrual cup thats right for you, you can read my free Guide to Choosing Your Best Menstrual Cup. Its worth a read before you decide which menstrual cup to invest in! Just enter your details below and I will send the guide direct to your inbox:
You Have A Few Different Options Though
There are many safe and effective options for preventing leakage when youre in the water on your period. The most important thing to consider is your own comfort.
Whether youre using tampons or something different, changing whichever menstrual product right before you go is a great way to prevent leaks.
Do Periods Stop In Water
The short answer: no. You might have noticed that the counter-pressure of the water does slow your flow a little, but it does not completely stop it. Your period will continue to flow normally, especially if its one of your heavier days.
Even though it might seem ok to go swimming without protection on one of your lighter days, it would be inconsiderate to other swimmers.
You wouldnt pee in the pool so make sure to stay protected throughout your period too.
Also Check: Painkiller For Stomach Pain During Periods
Period Pads For Swimming
If menstrual cups arent an option, you may still be wondering how to swim on your period without a tampon.
Getting into the water with a pad is a bit trickier when compared to using tampons or a menstrual cup. Pads are super absorbent if they come into contact with water, they will become useless.
When disposable pads get wet, they can slip out from under your swimsuit.
A pad without wings will be the most discrete, as it wont peek out from your clothes. Instead of getting your whole body wet, you may decide to sit at the edge of the pool with your feet dangling in the water. If youre at the beach, you can wade through the water, which will keep your pad dry.
If you do choose to get in the water, you can wear dark-colored shorts over your swim bottoms. This will make the pad less obtrusive and hide any leakage.
Periods Attract Sharks In The Ocean
Where did this crazy myth come from?! If your mom told you to stay out of the ocean when you have your period, they were a bit misinformed. Sharks will *not* smell the blood on you and come attack you. “There is no scientific evidence to suggest that women are more susceptible to shark attacks, or bear attacks for that matter, while menstruating,” explains Dr. Nucatola. Good to know this one is officially not true.
Also Check: My Period Is 5 Days Late Am I Pregnant
Can I Go To The Beach On My Period Without Wanting To Swim
Yes, you can tailor your activity level to whatever makes you comfortable. This varies for everybody based on personal factors like your flow, the time of year, the friends youre with, etc. If youd prefer, you can relax and watch the waves or other people. Also, you can wade through the water without actually going in for a swim.
If you plan to swim outside, don’t forget to put on sunscreen. This is especially important if youre prone to acne, as sunshine and periods can increase your risk of breakouts or aggravate existing acne.
Myth #: Periods Attract Sharks
Sharks have really good senses of smell, so they pick up on more than just blood in the water.
They also sense urine and other bodily fluids which they arent into that will deter even the most curious shark from trying to make you an afternoon snack.
Still worried? There isnt any research to suggest that periods increase the likelihood of a shark attack, so you really are in the clear.
Recommended Reading: What Causes You To Not Have A Period
What Is Period Swimwear
Period swimwear is a special type of swimmer that contains a hidden lining which works to absorb menstrual fluid and protects the wearer from leakage. Its great for people who are seeking added protection alongside a tampon or menstrual cup or who people arent comfortable wearing these but still need some kind of barrier.
Period swimwear also works as a protective barrier against light bladder leakage, pelvic floor mishaps and spotting, making it a great alternative for people of all ages.
The Beach Is Your Friendjust Like The Pool
You can swim in the ocean just as freely as your backyard pool. Obviously, the amount of water in the ocean is going to dilute the chances of germs being spread through bodily fluids. And if youre worried about sharksdont be. A shark will sense menstrual blood in the water just like any other fluid, but youre just as likely to be bitten by a shark when youre on your period as when youre not . So noJaws wont be after you just because youre dealing with Auntie Flo.
Don’t Miss: After Your Period How Many Days To Ovulation
Can I Swim On My Period Or Is It Unhygienic
The long and the short of it is no, not at all. You can definitely go swimming while menstruating and not worry about leaving blood in the pool.
If you use a tampon or a menstrual cup, its extremely unlikely that blood will even enter the water, but if it does, swimming pools are all chlorinated to protect swimmers against the spread of disease from bodily fluids .
This fact was obviously overlooked by a fitness centre in Georgia in 2016, who posted a sign in the womens changing rooms sayingDear ladies! Do not go into the pool during periods. Supposedly, this was to protect other swimmers after someone contaminated the pool with menstrual blood, but its important to remember that you’re not endangering anyones health by swimming when menstruating.
Does Water Pressure Stop My Period When I Swim
Itâs complicated. Essentially, it may appear as though youâve stopped bleeding when you swim, but itâs actually physics at work. Because water creates more resistance than air, when youâre swimming in a pool, lake, ocean, or even just lying in the bath, there is pressure against the opening of your vagina that can temporarily prevent blood from coming out. Swimming or being in water does not stop your period altogether â once you exit the water, the pressure is gone and youâll likely start bleeding again.
Read Also: Why Did I Start My Period Early
How To Prevent Leakage
You may have heard that your period stops when youâre in the water because of the water pressure. Thatâs not true. The water pressure may slow the flow, but your period will still continue. Thatâs why you should use a tampon or menstrual cup when youâre going swimming.â
Donât use pads in water. You may prefer to use pads during your period, but theyâre not meant for use in water. Pads will just absorb the water around you. Using one in water makes it ineffective and messy.
Tampons. Tampons are usually made of cotton, rayon, or a combination of the two fibers. You can use tampons when swimming. They might absorb some water but this will only make it a bit wet. Change the tampon shortly after swimming.â
Tampons are linked to toxic shock syndrome. This is a rare but serious complication. It may be caused by toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus â staph â bacteria or group A streptococcus â strep â bacteria.â
Toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone. Itâs been associated with:
- Recent surgery
- Viral infections, such as chickenpox or flu
- Use of tampons, diaphragms, contraceptive sponges, and menstrual cupsâ
Symptoms and signs of toxic shock syndrome include:
What To Do When You Hit The Beach
If youre on a beach, make sure you position yourself not too far from the nearest café or toilets, so you can change tampons easily. If youre out in the wilds and there are no toilets close by, you may need to hide behind some bushes or improvise with a beach umbrella. Whatever you do, dont buy into the notion that swimming on your period is a no-no. Just make sure you plan ahead and have fresh protection with you.
Read Also: Is It Safe To Have Sex During Period
Benefits Of Swimming During Your Period
Not only is it safe to go swimming during your period, but it is also a good idea. Staying active has been shown to help ease the cramping and fatigue that some people experience during their monthly period.
Swimming, in particular, can be very helpful. Since your body is buoyant in the water, you may not notice the discomfort of the bloating that you may have during your period. Gentle nonswimming aquatic exercise has also been shown to be very helpful in managing painful periods.
Swimming or other aquatic exercises might be a great way to get pain and stress relief during your period. Even if you are simply wading at the beach, dont let your period stop you from enjoying a nice day in the sun. Just dont forget to pack a few extra tampons along with your sunscreen.
How To Use Tampons
Tampons come in different sizes , like light, regular, and super. Its best to use the lowest or lightest absorbency that lasts you a few hours. Some tampons come with applicators small sticks made of cardboard or plastic that help you put the tampon in your vagina. And some tampons dont have an applicator, so you just put them in with your finger.
-
Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position. You can squat, put one leg up, or sit on the toilet with your knees apart.
-
Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have.
-
Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if youre relaxed. Using tampons with smooth, rounded applicators may make it easier. You can also put a little bit of lubricant on the tip of the tampon or applicator. If youre having trouble, ask someone you trust to show you how to put the tampon into your vagina.
Throw the wrapper and applicator in the trash dont flush them.
Its best to change your tampon every 4-8 hours. Dont leave your tampon in for more than 8 hours. You can wear a tampon overnight, but put it in right before bed and change it as soon as you get up in the morning.
Tampons have a string at one end that hangs out of your vagina. You take the tampon out by gently pulling the string. Its easier to take your tampon out when its wet from absorbing the max amount of period flow it can.
Recommended Reading: Medicare Supplement Policy Free Look Period
Can I Go Swimming During My Period
Swimming during your period isn’t a problem. However, you will want to use a tampon when swimming so you don’t bleed on your swimsuit. Pads won’t work and will just fill with water. The tampon won’t fall out if it is inserted correctly, so go ahead and make a splash!
Tampons also can be helpful for girls who exercise or play sports during their periods. Pads will work, but can feel uncomfortable during sports.
How Can You Swim In Your Period Without A Tampon
Many women have the same question, can you swim in your period? This happens to the best of us. When we get that first period it is exciting but also a little uneasy. After the first cycle though it becomes routine and we dont notice the change.
The main reason for this is the fact that the male body also responds to hormones. You may find that when you first start swimming your periods become more frequent. After a while they stop altogether. Why do tampons stop your period though?
One of the first things to look at is where you have been swimming. Many women have a problem with poor water quality, which causes them to become irritated. As they get older and use less chlorine and other such chemicals the problem can become worse. This is because as we age our bodies become less tolerant to what we have come to know as trickery with water.
Water trickles through our bodies and is absorbed by the skin. It is this absorption process that can cause problems. As we get older, our bodies are no longer able to break water down quickly enough. This can cause our body to become overloaded.
This overload can cause the hormones in our bodies to go out of control. One of these hormones is cortisol. Cortisol is responsible for our first period. Once this happens we start to see our bodies go through the motions of our menstrual cycle. This means that we have periods but they are far from being what we would consider normal.
Read Also: Why Is The First Day Of My Period So Painful
Will Period Blood Attract Sharks
A fair question. The simple answer is no period blood does not attract sharks. So, breathe a sigh of relief â your beach holiday that your period happens to fall on is not a disaster waiting to happen. No worries and no shark attacks! While a lot of people like to joke about this, the science behind it proves that thereâs no correlation between menstruating people and an increase in shark attacks. The amount of blood lost throughout an menstrual cycle is merely six tablespoons, so the small amount lost during a swim in the sea would be very low â and very unlikely to send any nearby sharks into frenzy.
There you have it. Your answer and guide to if can you go swimming on your period. Hopefully youâll have peace of mind the next time you swim in the ocean on your period.