Can You Go In A Pool While On Your Period

Sodoes Your Period Actually Stop In Water Even Just A Little

SWIMMING ON YOUR PERIOD | BeingGirl Locker Notes Guru: Ep. 28

First, let it be known that water itself will never make your period disappear. It doesnt matter if youre in water or on the top of a mountain or in a ditch, your period still comes, says Michele Haughton, MD, an ob-gyn at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian.

Basically, barring any medical problems like hormonal disorders that can make you skip periods, your uterus will keep on shedding its lining whether you dive into the ocean or not, says Dr. Haughton. So, spending a week in your bathtub isnt an effective way to skip out on your monthly visit. Womp.

But getting into the water can make it seem like your period goes away. That’s all thanks to the pressure of the water surrounding your vaginait can counteract the force of gravity that helps blood flow out of your body. Theres no biological magic going on here, its all physics. When youre in water theres some opposite pressure happening, says Dr. Haughton.

Think back to your high school physics class for a sec: You may remember the word buoyancy. Buoyancy, also known as upthrust, is the upward force a liquid exerts to counter the weight of an object . Water has way more resistance than air, says Dr. Haughton. So water can counteract the blood flowing out of the vagina.

Essentially, the water doesn’t make your period stop, so to speak, but it can block the exit.

What Happens If I Don’t Have Pads Or Tampons Handy

If this happens, here are your options: Borrow from a friend, buy some from a restroom dispenser, visit the school nurse if you’re at school, or call home so your mom or dad can bring you what you need. If you are desperate and trying to keep your clothes from staining, you can fold up some tissues or toilet paper and place them in your underwear. That won’t work for long, so you’ll need to get some pads or tampons quickly.

If you’re nervous about telling the school nurse, a teacher, or another adult about what you need, write it down on a piece of paper or use code words. You might say that “it’s that time of the month” or that you need some “personal supplies.” Even better, keep extras in your backpack, locker, or gym bag.

Getting The Facts About Your Period

Today, you can find accurate and reliable information about your period. But it hasn’t always been that way.

In the past, people heard and believed a lot of untrue things about periods. Periods were only talked about in whispers, if at all. Typically, you learned about your period from your mother or girlfriends, but a lot of things that were passed down were wrong. Much of what people thought they knew was based on cultural beliefs that considered females and menstruation to be impure.

Schools tried to fill the knowledge gap, but it wasn’t always enough, especially if families stood firm in their inaccurate ideas. Even now, menstruation is taboo. Many people will not talk about it.

Let’s have a look at some of the big truths about your period.

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Is It Hygienic To Swim On Your Period

Most people pay close attention to their hygiene during their period. Depending on your comfort level, you may feel more cautious about swimming at this time. Nevertheless, its absolutely possible to swim during your period.

Both indoor and outdoor swimming pools add a halogen to the water either chlorine or bromine.

What do these chemicals do? They kill the bacteria and other microbes that accumulate in a warm, wet place where lots of people swim. In treated water, the chance of getting an infection when swimming in a pool is, thankfully, low. Some doctors recommend avoiding lake or ocean swimming due to a greater risk of infection, as these bodies of water cant be treated with a halogen.

If you wear sanitary products, make sure to keep any used ones out of the water because they could pose a health risk to other swimmers.

How To Swim On Your Period

ALERT: These Leak

If youre planning an epic trip to the beach or a weekend at the lake, there is no reason your fun should be stopped by your period. Dont huddle up on a lounge chair in sweats and a beach towel over your lapput on your favorite bikini and jump right in. That being saidthere are some things you can do to make your time on the coast or in the pool more comfortable and stress free if its that time of the month. If youre feeling any sort of anxiety about swimming on your period, lets nip those fears in the bud right now.

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It’s Gross To Have Sex On Your Period

As long as you and your partner feel comfortable and use protection, it’s totally fine to have sex during your period. You might even notice you want to have sex more while you’re on your period and that’s totally normal, too. “Menstruation causes a fluctuation of hormones and increase blood flow which can actually increase arousal,” Dr. Nucatola explains. “Many find that sexual arousal and having an orgasm helps relieve menstrual cramps.” It’s entirely about what you feel most comfortable with. Just make sure to still use a condom to protect against STDs as well as unwanted pregnancy.

You’re Supposed To Get Your Period By 3 You’re Supposed To Get Your Period By

There is no “normal” age to get your first period. Seriously. What is normal, is for you and your friends to get your periods at different times. Most start menstruating anywhere between 9 and 15 years old, often around the time that others in their families got theirs. But, if there’s no sign of your period by the time you’re 15, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor, advises Dr. Nucatola.

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Can You Go Swimming On Your Period

It doesnt matter how many times youve had a period, you might go months years even wondering whether swimming on your period is okay Will I leak? Could I catch an infection? Will I get cramps? Will sharks know?

Its time for the myth to be debunked! You can swim on your period. And its super easy too.

Read on to find out our tips for swimming on your period.

Other Tips For Swimming On Your Period

Is It Okay to Swim with No Tampon during Your Period?

Being on your period might cause your face to break out in pimples and make your skin blotchy, which isnât great for a day out on the water. Reach for a high-SPF sunscreen especially formulated for your face, and top it off with a tinted moisturiser to even out your skin tone and conceal any redness. If all else fails, grab some oversized sunglasses and your favourite hat to shade your face from the sun.

Stomach bloating and period cramps also have no place at the beach or poolside. Steer clear of salty, fried and fatty foods, as well as caffeine. Stay hydrated with water, herbal iced tea, refreshing lemonade, and fresh fruit and veg. Some people swear by hot water and lemon to reduce bloating â figure out what works best for you.

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Can I Catch An Infection From Swimming During My Period

Its unlikely that you will catch a vaginal infection from swimming simply because you’re on your period, although the chance of infection is increased if you opt to go wild swimming.

“Swimming in polluted water can increase the risk of experiencing skin irritation and getting a Urinary Tract Infection ,” points out Dr O’Neill. “Wearing a wet bathing suit for a long time after you are done with your swim can also increase the likelihood of irritation and infection, however these risks are not exclusive to when you are on your period.”

She adds: “It is always recommended to have a shower and change into clean, dry clothes after you have been swimming to prevent the above from happening.”

The most common complaints from swimming in contaminated water often include skin infections and stomach illnesses .

You can always check with the regional health authority for information on the water quality at your favourite swimming spot, if youre worried.

In some cases, the chlorine in swimming pools can irritate the vulva and vagina, which can leave you at risk of developing a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis . If this happens, dont panic, just have a shower immediately after swimming in chlorinated pools, and dont sit around in your wet swimwear.

“If you have any unusual itching, burning or discharge that persists after your swim, consider speaking with your doctor,” reminds Dr O’Neill.

Heres Why Its Totally Fine To Swim During Your Period

Vake Swimming and Fitness Club in Tbilisi, Georgia became the subject of uproar after a sexist sign was spotted on the pool’s premises, instructing women not to enter the water during their periods. Not only does the sign, and the rule it stands for, represent some seriously retrograde ideasthere is nothing wrong with swimming on your periodbut it’s extremely offensive to its club members, who pay the equivalent of $140 a month to attend.

Sophie Tabatadze, a new member of the club, noticed the sign earlier this month and shared a picture of it on . Do you even realize how offensive this is?” Tabatadze wrote in her post, in which she tagged the club. “And, by the way, since according to your rules we are not allowed to use a swimming pool 5-6 days each month, do we get a preferential price compared with men?

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Tabatadze also wrote a post directly on the club’s Facebook page, calling them out for “such an openly misogynistic message.” The club’s response, however, was to insist that their sign isn’t sexist at all. Our statement is not sexist and has a preventive objective, the club wrote in response to Tabatadze. We had a case, when the water was contaminated due to which we had suffered damage. We try to follow norms of hygiene and we ask our members to do the same.

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Misconceptions About Menstruation And Swimming

Having your period can be a real pain sometimes, but it doesnt have to curtail your swimming. Misconceptions about periods and swimming abound, so lets take a look at some of the most common.

You cant swim with your period

This is a straight-up myth. You absolutely can swim while having your period. I successfully swam solo across the English Channel on the heaviest day of my flow in August 2009, in fact.

Most other female swimmers have similar stories. Fu Yuanhuis charming candor during a post-race interview poolside at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympicsshed gotten her period the night before the race and wasnt feeling greatis a great example of how this normal and natural bodily function doesnt have to hold you back from pursuing your aquatic goals.

The key to swimming while youre having your period is to make friends with tampons or another type internal menstruation product, such as a menstrual cup or disc, that can catch the flow.

Your period stops in water

Not quite. Although its true that the pressure of being immersed in water can slow the flow, your period will carry on to some degree, even if you cant see evidence of it in your swimsuit. This is why its important to always wear a tampon or use a menstrual cup to collect the blood and keep it from entering the pool.

You should wear a pad, even when swimming

You should avoid open water when you have your period because itll attract sharks

Everyone will know I have my period

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What If You Leak Blood Into The Water Anyways

Can You Swim With Dolphins While On Your Period?

If you’re concerned about seeing your blood in the water due to a leak, put your mind at rest it should be diluted pretty quickly.

“Any small amount of blood that were to get into the water would either be neutralized by chemical treatment of the water or vastly diluted by a large body of natural water ,” says Meyers.

Another concern that may come to mind when swimming with your period, especially if you’re swimming in the ocean or another large body of water, is sharks. If you’re concerned that sharks will swarm around you, it likely won’t happen.

“There is no data that shark attacks increase while a woman is on her period,” says Millheiser.

Your regular flow shouldn’t prevent you from swimming. In fact, it can even benefit your body. “Swimming and exercise may be helpful for period cramps as well,” says Ho. Just make sure that your cramps aren’t too bad when you first get in the water and that you can swim comfortably without much pain.

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Can You Swim With A Period Pad

Pads are designed to absorb all liquids, so they arent as effective when swimming as theyll absorb the water you swim in as well as your menstrual blood! While its very unlikely that youre going to leak as pads create an effective barrier, it might be a little uncomfortable to wear a sodden pad whilst swimming or when you leave the water!

Some conventional pads also contain super absorbent polymers , which will quickly absorb water, and may not leave any room to absorb your period blood once you get out of the water. If you do prefer to wear a pad and want to be more discreet, you may want to use pads without wings.

Facts About Swimming And Menses

Most of the information that you find recommending restricting your physical activity during your period is based on cultural beliefs, taboos, and myths about menstruation. Being in the water while you are menstruating does not put you at an increased risk of infection.

Also, there are no changes in your body during your period that would make you more susceptible to injury while swimming.

Another common fear about swimming in the ocean during your period is the thought that menstrual blood will attract sharks. Although potentially a compelling reason to pass up on a swim, the consensus among shark experts is that people who are menstruating do not attract sharks.

The most important thing to consider when swimming with your period is to be sure that you have adequate protection to control your bleeding.

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Will I Leave A Bloody Trail In The Water

When you get into a pool or take a dip in the sea, the water pressure can stop your flow temporarily. The only time this water pressure can drop slightly is if you laugh, cough, sneeze or move around.

“Weve all had nightmares of leaving a trail of blood behind us, but its not time to panic,” points out Dr Sarah Welsh, gynaecologist and cofounder at Hanx. “The water pressure can help prevent the blood flowing out as you swim. However, any increase in abdominal pressure such as coughing or laughing, would change the pressure and a small amount of blood may leak out,” she adds, although “a small leakage of blood would be diluted in the water, so very unlikely to be seen.”

However, if you do happen to have any leaks during your swim, swimming pools are all chlorinated to protect swimmers against the spread of disease from bodily fluids .

It’s important to be mindful though, that getting out of the water will change the pressure and your period will flow again normally, so its probably a good idea to use a tampon or a menstrual cup while swimming to avoid leaking once you head for land again. If you have an intrauterine device , you should check with your doctor before using a menstrual cup.

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