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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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!
What Type Of Period Protection Is Right For Me
Its totally up to you! Think about your lifestyle and what will best fit your needs. Its also helpful to try different products, or ask a friend or family member what works for them.
Its common to use different things at different times during your period. For example, someone may use tampons during the day and pads at night. You can also wear period underwear, a pad, or a pantyliner while youre using a tampon or cup, for backup protection in case of leaks.
Some people think wearing a tampon or cup inside your vagina is more comfortable and convenient, because its out of the way and you usually cant feel it. Others feel like period underwear and pads are more comfortable than tampons or cups, or they prefer period underwear or pads because they dont want to put an object in their vagina. But you cant wear period underwear or a pad in the water, and pads can move out of place or feel awkward during some activities. So use a tampon or cup when youre swimming or playing sports during your period.
Many people like the convenience of products that you use once and throw away, like tampons and disposable pads. These are usually easier to find in stores, too. Others choose reusable protection, like menstrual cups, period underwear, or fabric pads, because they can save money and theyre better for the environment.
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Myth : Your Period Stops When Youre Submerged
Maybe youve heard something along these lines: your period takes a time out when you come into contact with water. Maybe youve even noticed your menstrual flow stops when you take a bath. Thing is, thats not actually true. Water doesnt really give you a timeout. Whats going on is water pressure temporarily and partially slows your flow, but that doesnt mean it ever fully stops.
Why Does My Tampon Leak When I Swim
There are a few culprits of a leaky tampon. Here are the most common ones:
- You may not have inserted it correctly .
- It may be inserted at an odd angle – try inserting a clean index finger and ensure it’s sitting in the right spot . Otherwise, remove your tampon and re-insert a new one.
- You may not be using the right size for your flow .
If tamps aren’t working for you whilst in the water, you might want to try a reusable menstrual cup, instead. They sit a little lower in the vagina than a tampon, and take up more surface area internally, so are pretty good at catching any flow trying to make its way out! Some people report they have less leaks with cups but again, much like tamps, it’s important to insert and use them correctly.
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Can You Go Swimming With A Tampon
Yes, of course, it’s probably the safest and easiest option out there.
But, as in daily life, there are always other options available if you cant, or dont want to use a tampon. Try using a menstrual cup or sponge as an alternative. If your flow is light, then you could also try wearing a dark coloured suit, as this will prevent staining.
A final option is to wear waterproof, absorbent swimwear, like the Ruby’s swimsuits here. They look like normal bikini bottoms, but have a hidden and leak-proof lining that helps absorb menstrual blood.
Is It Safe/hygienic To Swim Whilst On Your Period
From a physiological perspective, theres no reason why your period should prevent you from swimming*. There is nothing unhygienic about it, or unsafe – it really comes down to personal preference.
Most public pools are chlorinated to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of diseases, so unless you’ve got unruly limbs or an out-of-control butterfly stroke, youre unlikely to endanger anyone else by swimming whilst youve got your period.
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In Other Words: You Still Need Protection To Prevent Leakage
Just because your period isnt quite as active while youre in the water doesnt mean its going to stop completely especially if youre frequently moving in and out of the water.
If youre worried about someone noticing that youre on your period , try not to stress. You definitely dont have to avoid the water altogether.
Here Are The Best Products For Swimming On Your Period
- Tampons tampons are designed to catch your flow before it leaves your body, so your tampon will absorb your blood before it gets to the water. You should change your tampon every 2 3 hours so make sure youre fully stocked and prepared if youre out all day. Check out this guide on how to put a tampon in and prevent leaks.
- Menstrual cup similarly to tampons, menstrual cups also catch your blood before it leaves your body. While you can wear a menstrual cup for longer and dont need to bring extra products with you, you will have to wash it, which could be difficult in public areas.
- Period proof swimwear period proof swimwear looks just like normal bikini bottoms, except they have another hidden layer which absorbs menstrual blood, so you dont need to worry about leaking!
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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.
Am I Going To Get Eaten By Sharks
We’ve already covered this very important question here, but there’s no harm in a recap. Basically: don’t worry. Just because youre on your period, doesn’t mean youre going to attract sharks and recreate a scene from Jaws. To date, there are no recorded cases of sharks attacking someone who was menstruating, and according to the International Shark Attack File, people quite happily dive while on their period. And although its true that more research into this topic could be done, there’s currently no correlation between menstruating divers and increased numbers of shark attacks. Phew.
Marie Levine, Founder and Executive Director of The Shark Research Institute has been diving for decades with no problems at all. She told Mother Jones, 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.
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What Do Female Swimmers Wear During Periods
You should wear a pad, even when swimming These devices are designed to soak up liquid, and wearing one in the pool will render it ineffective, messy, and probably quite obvious to other pool-goers. Instead, opt for a menstrual cup or tampon that goes inside the vagina to catch the blood before it exits the body.
Can You Go Swimming On Your Period Facts Options & Strategies
Swimming on your period can be stressful, but it doesnt have to be. As with anything in life, how you choose to deal with it is up to you! Its your body, your life, and your choice. And for the rest of the time, theres KT by Knix. Happy swimming!
Dealing with your period can always bring on a bit of anxiety, but swimming on your period can put you into full-on panic mode. Growing up, I was enrolled in swimming lessons year-round as I worked towards my lifeguarding certification. Like most young girls, I started out using pads to deal with period leakage, not tampons. Pads cant be worn in the water because they absorb water from the pool, instead of your period leakage. For about two years before I was comfortable using tampons, I would skip swimming lessons while on my period because I was afraid of leaking.
So, is it ok to swim on your period? Yes. Were going to go over some of the most common questions associated with swimming on your period and the best solutions if you want to hop in the water while Aunt Flo is in town.
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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.
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:
- Redness in your eyes, throat, and mouth â
To lower your risk of toxic show syndrome, follow these recommendations:
You should change and clean your period swimwear or underwear at least every 12 hours. Read the instructions before you wash it. â
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