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 , 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.
Drink Plenty Of Liquidsand Were Talking Water
You might be inspired to channel your inner Jersey Shore cast member and drink alcohol at the beach. But you need to stay hydrated in the hot sunespecially when you have your period. Although it seems counterintuitive, drinking water actually helps relieve bloating. The tampon company Tampax recommends that you drink 10 glasses of water, juice, or milk a day when you have your periodand thats not even when youre sitting in the sun all day.
Penn Medicine also notes that you may be more prone to dehydration when you have your period due to the hormones estrogen and progesterone fluctuating. Activities like swimming may trick you into thinking youre not sweating as much as you are. All this means that youre going to want to pack a ton of water for your beach day.
Yes, heading to the beach when you have your period is, well, no day at the beach. But if you plan accordingly, you can still embrace those sweet summer vibes and ocean waves no matter what your ovaries are up to.
Swimming On Your Period Is Painful
Swimming might be the last thing you want to do with cramps, bloating, and tiredness.
But many scientific studies have shown exercise actually helps reduce period pain and cramping. Hooray!
And we know bloating isnt much fun at the beach or by the pool.
If this is something you experience during your period, keeping hydrated and avoiding fatty and salty foods and caffeine might help.
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Is It Unsanitary For You
Periods were often historically portrayed as unclean and some of that stigma sadly still hangs around. You are not dirty because youre menstruating. You also dont need to be isolated from others.
The only health caution we would advise when swimming in the water is that if you use a period product to change it once youre done. Tampons, in particular, can absorb some water in addition to blood, and it is possible therell be bacteria in that water. So, its best not to leave them in longer than you have to.
Similarly, if you wear leakproof swimwear, be sure to rinse it well after every swim, just as you would regular swimwear,
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.
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Bonus: Swimming May Actually Help Relieve Any Pms
Still need convincing before you hop in the water on your period?
A 2018 study looked at 70 people who experience PMS and concluded that swimming significantly decreased many of their physical and psychological symptoms.
This means that, while you might not be interested in a super heavy workout during your period, engaging in some light physical activity might be exactly what you need to find relief.
Can I Swim Whilst On My Period
Remember those TV ads that showed women effortlessly frolicking on the beach in white dresses when theyve got their period, insinuating that *insert brand here*s products will make you feel confident enough to don your whitest whites and hit the beach during shark week?
As unrealistic as these ads seemed , theres a hint of reality in the messaging: your period really shouldnt stop you from doing any activity you want to assuming of course, you feel up to it, or arent in excruciating pain .
Here are some of your most common questions about periods and swimming, and the facts you need to know before taking a dive.
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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.
Interested In Period Swimwear Here’s How It Works
If your period is light, you can also consider wearing a dark bathing suit to prevent stains. While youre in a pool, the water pressure will stop your period flow temporarily. If you sneeze or cough in the water, theres a chance a tiny amount of blood will come out, but it will not be noticeable, as the water will dilute it.
Once you get out of the pool, your flow will go back to normal, so there is a chance for leakage at this point. When you get out of the water, cover yourself with a towel and head straight to the locker room or bathroom so you can change and get a pad on.
There’s also absolutely no shame in choosing not to swim because of your period, or having a leak now and then. Your swim instructor, friends or family will absolutely understand. If you arent comfortable with telling someone youre on your period, simply tell them youre sick. No-one can make you swim if you dont want to. On the other hand, there is also no shame in swimming on your period. It is not gross or weird, so never let anyone tell you otherwise!
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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.
Myth #: Our Rules Stop In The Water
It is likely that you have already heard that your menstruation was paused in contact with water. You may have noticed yourself that your menstrual flow was stopped when you took your bath. However, this is not the case. Menstruation is not paused once in the water. This phenomenon is explained by the pressure of the water which temporarily and partially slows down the flow of blood. So the rules are not really stopped.
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Can You Swim With Your Period
Picture this day: The temperature is expected to reach the mid-80s with sunny skies, and you have a day at the lake planned with the family. The beach bag is packed with your sunblock, towel, and hat. The cooler is full of refreshing drinks, snacks, and plenty of ice. Its looking like its going to be a perfect day until you change into your swimsuit and realize you got your period.
For many women, this can be a deal-breaker for summer water fun. You may be considering canceling your plans or changing into a tank top and shorts and staying on the beach jealously eyeing those having fun in the water. But you dont have to.
A common myth is that women cannot swim while its their time of the month, but thats all it is. You absolutely can enjoy taking a dip in a lake or pool when you have your period. There are a few things to take into consideration to make this happen without having the embarrassment of a leak.
The biggest fear of swimming with your period is it leaking and showing on your swimsuit. For some women, the water pressure of a lake or pool can be enough to prevent menstrual flow. However, its not enough to completely stop it, and while you are in the water, you are usually moving around and causing pressure on the abdominal muscles that may cause some leaking.
Does Your Period Stop In Water If You Swim For A Long Time
Even though your period stops while you are submerged in the water, getting to the pool might be an issue since you will definitely end up with a red spot in your bathing suit, especially if you are wearing a light-colored one. While you are swimming, you have to be aware that any sudden movement of your lower abdomen can cause some changes in pressure and eventually allow blood to flow out. Even something as simple as sneezing can potentially trigger a change in pressure! As stated earlier, once you get out of the pool, there will be change of pressure that has a reverse effect the moment you get out as a result there will be a lot of flow upon exiting the water. This can become a big issue if you dont have immediate access to a changing room and your normal clothes.
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Its Unhealthy To Skip Your Period
Theres no medical reason why you need to get your period every month, says Dr. Nucatola. Its fine to use hormonal birth control to lesson the bleeding or stop your period all together. Some skip their periods for health problems, such as anemia or painful cramps, and others just dont want to bleed that month and thats okay. Just check with your doctor first. If you are sexually active and use birth control to skip your periods, its best to get routine pregnancy tests just in case.
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 Swim On Your Period Experts Explain
Health & Wellness
Doctors debunk the myth that swimming on your period is unsafe and explain how the exercise can ease symptoms.
If youre a menstruator whos ever got their period before a day of splishing, splashing or a swim meet, youve probably wondered: does my period have to put a damper on my water activities? Can I swim on my period?
Below, gynaecologists answer these and other relevant questions about how to swim on your period.
Can You Swim On Your PeriodAnd Is It Safe?
Whether you own a set of inflatables or a slick racing suit, you can go swimming any day of the monthincluding the days youre menstruating, said Alyssa Dweck, M.D., O.B.G.Y.N. author of The Complete A to Z for Your V and INTIMINA sexual health expert.
As long as you know how to swim, it is as safe for you to swim on your period as it is any other time, she said.
For the record: no matter what kind of water , its generally safe to do so while menstruating.
According to Dweck, many people are afraid that treading in seawater while they bleed will attract sharks or other sharp-toothed swimmers. But sharks arent more likely to attack you while you bleed, she said.
Indeed, the International Shark Attack File reports that there is no evidence that people who are bleeding are more likely to be bitten by sharks than non-bleeders.
Many people safely dive while menstruating, and we have continued to see no obvious pattern of increased attacks, the report stated.
The Bottom Line
Is It Possible To Swim With A Menstrual Cup
Since its perfectly safe to go swimming when you have your period, you can swim with a menstrual cup to enjoy a leak-free period even when youre in the water. A menstrual cup works with suction, creating a seal with your vaginal wall to collect your blood. Your menstrual cups seal allows you to swim leak-free and prevents water from traveling up into your cup. No water gets in and no blood gets out, until you empty your cup, of course.
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Will You Bleed In The Pool On Your Period
If you dont use any period products, youll probably bleed when swimming.
So, how can you swim when you are on your period and avoid unwanted leaks?
Tampons are the most common solution.
Because they absorb your period flow before it leaves the body, they make great sense for swimming.
With a tampon, you wont have to worry about your period showing in or out of the water.
Just remember to tuck the string into the lining of your swimsuit before you leave the bathroom, and youre good to go.
Using a tampon for the first time can feel daunting.
So if tampons are new to you, look at how to insert a tampon and consider practicing a couple of times before you go swimming.
Itll be one less stress on the day, so you can just enjoy the water.
Can You Wear A Menstrual Cup While Swimming
Like tampons, menstrual cups are worn internally and so can be worn while swimming in any kind of water. Menstrual cups give you an additional option when it comes to pool day period solutions, but there are a few important things to consider before you decide. If youâre looking to pack light and make room in your beach bag, a menstrual cup might be a good choice theyâre made of medical grade silicone and are reusable, so you only need to pack or wear one and can use it all day. Itâs invisible and mostly sensation-free if inserted in the right position. Even better is that you can wear a Tampax Cup for up to 12 hours at a time, giving you the freedom to insert your menstrual cup at home, wear it all day and remove it when youâre back home at the end of the day. However, a downside of the menstrual cup is that because itâs reusable, if you need to clean it and re-insert it while youâre out and about, you will need to clean it by rinsing with mild soap and water every time, which could be challenging in a public toilet. Not to mention the fact that you do not want your menstrual cup getting any amount of sand on it!
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What Will Happen If You Swim On Your Period
Really, nothing that different happens.
Swimming wont change your period cycle, and its nothing to worry about health-wise.
So, the next question is: how can you swim on your period?
Well, its a good idea to change your tampon or menstrual cup shortly before and after swimming just to prevent any unwanted leakages. And thats about it!
There are some common misunderstandings about swimming during your period. So lets get a few out the way:
When Should I Avoid Swimming
Its always your choice whether to swim during your period or at any other time, for that matter. If you dont feel up to it, you have every right to make the best choice for your body at that time.
If you have symptoms like a fever or feel otherwise unwell, its best not to swim. Staying home to rest is always a safe option.
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