Could I Get An Infection From Swimming On My Period
Swimming on your period is completely safe and wont increase your risk of getting a vaginal infection. However, pools with chlorine might irritate your vagina, which could cause you to develop a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis . To reduce your risk of this as much as you can, make sure you take a shower and change into clean, dry clothes as soon as you can to avoid prolonged exposure to the chemicals. If anything seems out of the ordinary for your body or if theres something youre concerned about, be sure to book an appointment to see your doctor.
Is A Tampon My Only Option
While a tampon is the most common solution to swimming on your period, its not the only option. Tampons do absorb some water while swimming, but as long as you change the tampon before and afterwards, youll be fine. A menstrual cup will also work in the water. If youre not comfortable with using a tampon or menstrual cup yet, you have some other options.
If your period is light, you could wear 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. The best recommendation I have for this is to stay in the water unless absolutely necessary. When you get out, cover yourself with a towel and head straight to the locker room or bathroom so you can change and get a pad on.
There is absolutely no shame in choosing not to swim because of your period. 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!
Will Swimming On Your Period Leave A Blood Trail
No, you will not leave a blood trail if you swim on your period. The water pressure and buoyancy create an upwards force, which stops blood from coming out. Once youre out of the water, gravity and the exertion of getting out of a pool can cause your period blood to come out, which is why you might want to still wear protection.
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The Sharks Will Come For You
Its an old wives tale that sharks will be able to sniff out your period blood and come after you. According to Steve Kajiura of Florida Atlantic Universitys Shark Lab the sharks dont even want our blood! What theyre interested in is detecting amino acids in the water, such as those excreted by parts of marine animals that sharks are actually evolved to eat.
So, can you swim with sharks on your period? Marie Levine, founder and executive director of the Shark Research Institute, told Mother Jones: Ive been diving for decades and even got my period while underwater with a school of hammerheads. The sharks were not interested and I had to fin like crazy to get close to them.
Okay, so you can swim on your period without fear of sharks or infections, its not unhygienic, no-one will be able to tell and your cramps may even be relieved! But
What Is The Best Size Swimming Pool
For a family of 8 people, a pool size of 18 by 36 feet is adequate. Even if you all decide to swim at the same time, there will be enough space for everyone. A rectangular shape is the best choice for this size of the pool. If there are six or less in your family, a pool size of 16 by 32 feet will be sufficient.
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Can You Go Swimming On Your Period Without A Tampon
Yes, you can safely swim while on your period with or without a tampon. It is safe to swim while on your period and it does not increase your risk of infection. If you swim while on your period without wearing any feminine care products, the water pressure can temporarily slow your flow, but it wont stop it completely Dec 27, 2019.
What Foods Make Your Period Lighter
Try eating iron-rich foods like meat, seafood, beans, nuts, seeds and leafy green vegetables. Eating foods with lots of vitamin C like oranges, bell peppers and broccoli can help your body absorb the extra iron in your diet. Also, do your best to avoid foods with processed sugar, trans-fats and starchy carbs.
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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.
Youre More Likely To Get An Infection If You Go Swimming On Your Period
Swimming on your period shouldnt increase your chances of vaginal infection. There are, however, a few things to consider.
The chlorine used in swimming pools as well as the sediment in the sea may irritate the vagina or vulva . Thats why its recommended you always shower after swimming. If this is something youre worried about, getting changed out of wet swimwear may also reduce the likelihood of irritation or infection.
As a Mooncup Advice Assistant, I can assure you that vaginal infections are not an uncommon complaint around the time of your period, but they should not be ignored. Generally, the vaginal pH is acidic but, during menstruation the vaginal pH becomes more alkaline. Because of this, some people are more prone to getting a non-serious bacterial infection at this time regardless of whether they are swimming or not. If you feel you may have an infection or have noticed any change to your vaginal discharge , you should get it checked out by a doctor or nurse who will be able to help.
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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.
Other Products For Swimming On Your Period
Apart from period swimwear, there are other products for swimming while on your period. These include tampons and menstrual cups.
Tampons: A tampon is inserted into the vagina during menstruation. When inserted, the vagina holds the tampon in place, and the tampon expands as it soaks up menstrual blood. Tampons can be used while swimming.
Tampons need to be changed every four to eight hours.
Menstrual cups: A menstrual cup is a small, reusable, funnel-shaped cup made of silicon or rubber that is inserted in the vagina to collect menstrual blood. A menstrual cup rests in the vaginal canal. Menstrual cups should be washed and rinsed before each use and boiled every month for disinfection. They can also be worn while swimming.
Tampons can be a little easier to remove and replace. It sometimes takes people a little longer to become comfortable removing, rinsing, and reinserting menstrual cups. These are factors that can help one make the choice between using tampons or menstrual cups.
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So Does That Mean I Don’t Need To Wear Tampons In Water
Even if your period tends to be light, tampons and menstrual cups can save you when you exit the water. The second you come out of the water your period will start flowing again, says Dr. Haughton. And then you could have a stain on your bathing suit.
They also come in handy if you tend to have a lot of blood clots .
Menstrual Products For Swimming
Your best choice for menstrual products for swimming is either a tampon or a menstrual cup. Pads don’t work because they can’t absorb your menstrual flow once they get wet. You can end up with visible stains on your swimwear, and some of your flow will leak into the water.
When using a tampon for swimming, you may need one of higher absorbency. Some water will be absorbed by the tampon, making it swell a little and have less absorbency for your flow.
You may find that you have to change your tampon more frequently. Bring extra along so you can change after your swim. As always, do not wear a tampon for more than eight hours as that increases the risk of toxic shock syndrome.
If you are comfortable using a menstrual cup, this is an excellent option for swimming because it does not absorb any water that may enter your vagina.
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You Are More Likely To Get An Ear Infection Than A Vaginal Infection From Swimming
Skin infections, ear infections, and stomach illnesses from swallowing contaminated water are more common complaints than vaginal infections from swimming . Always check with regional health authorities for information on water quality at local swimming spots. Wet bathing suits can cause pH changes and irritate your vagina and vulva, leading to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis . To reduce the risk of a yeast infection or BV, you can change into dry clothes after you swim. If you notice any itching, burning, or unusual discharge after swimming, talk to your healthcare provider.
How Do I Tell My Mom Or Dad That I Got My First Period
It’s normal to feel a little shy about sharing this bit of news. In some families, talking about body stuff might seem like no big deal. With this kind of family, they might take you out to dinner to celebrate your period!
Other families might be more private, so it can be hard to know exactly what to say or whom to tell.
But this news needs to be shared, at least with one grown-up in the family. You might just pull the person aside and say it clearly, like this: “I got my first period today. Do you think you can help me get some supplies?”
If brothers and sisters find out, they might tease you a bit. Just tell them that it means you’re getting older.
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What’s The Best Period Protection For Swimming
While pads and panty liners won’t help you in the water, you have a few period protection options when it comes to swimming: tampons, menstrual cups, and menstrual discs.
When in comes to tampons, you want to pick the size and protection level that will make you feel comfortable, but with the lowest absorption possible. Higher absorbency tampons have been linked to an increased risk for toxic shock syndrome a bacterial infection that can be deadly.
Its important to avoid leaving tampons in for more than eight hours, says Gianni Rodriguez-Ayala, MD, who works in obstetrics and gynecology at Northwell Health. Selecting the right tampon for your particular body and flow can make it easier to avoid habits that could lead to TSS. Whether you want a more traditional tampon, or the organic variety, is up to you.
If you’re worried about TSS or just find tampons uncomfortable, a menstrual cup or disc can be a great option . If you’re new to reusable period protection like cups and discs, use this handy guide to learn how to insert and remove them.
Another option? Period-proof swimwear. With a similar construction to period-proof underwear, period-proof swimwear can help you avoid any leaks or stains when you’re menstruating. Brands like Ruby Love offer cute options that can act as your sole protection or as backup to a tampon or cup.
What If You Go Swimming On Your Period Without Any Feminine Care Products
If you’ve ever tried swimming while on your period without wearing any feminine care products, you’ve likely noticed your period may seem to temporarily stop when you’re in the water. And there’s some legitimate science behind it.
“Blood typically flows out from the uterus into the vagina through the cervix because of gravity, and the water pressure can decrease the flow while swimming,” says Ho.
So it can slow your flow but it doesn’t totally stop your flow from happening.
“Water pressure may temporarily stop the flow of your period while in the water, but coughing, sneezing, laughing, big movements may override this,” says Dr. Leah Millheiser, MD, OB-GYN and director of the Female Sexual Medicine Program at Stanford Health Care.
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Other Tips For Swimming On 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.
Period Proof Bikini Bottom
Style/Fit/Design: This is the active swimwear bikini brief. The brief is made with Modibodis exclusive hi-tech, patent-pending Modifier Swim Technology built into the gusset. The bikini brief is UPF50+, water resistant, super fast drying and odour fighting.
Absorbency: The absorbency of the bikini brief is 10mL / 2 teaspoons / 1-1.5 tampons. Modibodi specifically describes the bikini brief as being designed for light-medium period days.
So on the heaviest days it may not be a solution in itself, to last you for the whole day. However they be used for a couple of hours or for longer in conjunction with a tampon or cup to protect from leaks.
On your heaviest days you should be okay using the swimwear for no longer than the amount of time you would bleed 10mL or 2 teaspoons.
Price:
Reviews: At the time of writing , the Modibodi bikini brief has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 568 reviews! Now thats an impressive rating.
If you think you like the sound of the period-proof bikini briefs you probably should get in quick. Ive seen the period swimwear sell out super quick in the past and experience massive pre-order madness.
If you want to see what the Modibodi Active Swim Bikini Brief looks like in real life, take a look at my video below. I show you the swim brief up close and I even try it on so you can see what it looks like!
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