Will My Swimming Costume Get Stained
It is true that while in water, our menstrual flow slows down, but that need not happen all the time.Initially, I was not comfy with a tampon, but using it regularly got me used to it . A pad wonât stay in your swimming costume once wet. I did have to change my tampons now and again when I was in the pool for long durations . Hence, I always carried extras.
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.
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 .
Also Check: Usaa Grace Period
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.
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.
Read Also: How To Get Period Blood Out Of Your Underwear
How Does A Tampon Work
Unlike pads, which catch blood after it comes out of the vagina, a tampon is put in the vagina. It’s made of soft material with a string for easy removal. The opening to the vagina is between the urethra and the anus .
It may take a little time to get the hang of using tampons. Tampon applicators can be plastic or cardboard, and you can use whichever one you like better. Inside each box, there’s an instruction booklet that will tell you how to insert a tampon.
Tampons come in different absorbencies. Try starting with regular and then switching if you need to. You should change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours or when it’s filled with blood.
If a tampon ever does feel “stuck,” it’s only temporary. It can’t get lost inside you because there’s no way out except through the vagina. Relax and wait a few minutes, and then you should be able to get the tampon out.
Can I Go Swimming On My Period
Swimming during your period isnt a problem. However, you will want to use tampons so that the blood doesnt get on any swimsuits and ruin them for future wearings ! Pads wont work because they dont stay in place when wet like pads do at home . Tampon also helps with exercise or sports-related hydration problems since menstrual fluid flows freely without having accidents which can be embarrassing if not dealt with quickly enoughTowels are essential too: Theyre great as bath mats Youll need one per person taking part
Also Check: Usaa Grace Period Auto Insurance
Hormonal Changes During Your Period
- Day 1: Menses begins, estrogen and progesterone are low, which impedes dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. Less stress-tolerant until ovulation.
- Day 2-7: Early follicular phase, estrogen begins to rise.
- Day 8-14: Late follicular phase, estrogen is high progesterone is low.
- Day 14: Ovulation. Higher stress tolerance from here on out.
- Day 15-21: Early luteal phase, progesterone spikes.
- Day 22-28: Late luteal phase, estrogen and progesterone are low.
Will Swimming On My Period Make My Cramps Worse
Exercises like swimming or light jogging can actually help to relieve cramps, rather than worsen them.
If you still dont feel comfortable swimming during your time of the month, youve always got sunbathing to fall back on! Sometimes you cant beat a little snooze in the sun.
Have you tried swimming on your period before? Let us know your top tips over on .
You May Like: Can You Donate Blood While Menstruating
How To Safely Exercise While On Your Period
While there are no strictly off-limits exercises during your period, it is wise not to push yourself to extreme exhaustion. You may risk feeling symptoms of overtraining and then go into the following weeks of training feeling tired and sore, resulting in underperforming.
Watch your energy levels closely and prioritize sleep, nutrition, and recovery. Theres very good reason to continue being active during your period, but not to the detriment of your wellbeing.
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
Categories:
Recommended Reading: Period Blood Stains On Sheets
Period Swimwear: What Is It And Does It Really Work
Leak-proof or period swimwear is a relatively new invention, but its becoming increasingly popular. Learn how period-proof swimsuits work and the different styles available.
Period swimwear looks like regular swimsuit bottoms, but it contains a hidden lining that helps absorb menstrual fluid and protect against leakage.
Some people wear a menstrual cup or tampon while swimming but want extra protection. People who use pads may avoid swimming altogether when theyre on their period. Period-proof swimwear is made to hold menstrual fluid and prevent leaks in the water.
Question: I Am A Competitive Swimmer And Am In The Water Everyday Day At Least Once For 25 Hours I Also Have A Really Heavy Flow And Feel Really Self Conscious Whilst Swimming And Am Scared That I May Leak Even Though I Use Heavy Tampons Whenever I Have To Get Out Of The Water For Dives I’m Always Scared That Some Blood Will Trickle Down My Legs And I Can’t Help Checking Because I Am So Embarrassed How Can I Ensure That I Don’t Leak When I Can’t Change My Tampons Regularly During Swimming Also I Am Pretty Fit And Have Heard That If You Are Under 20% Body Fat You Lose Your Period I Think I Am Under This But My Period Continues To Be Heavy
Dr. Farah Kroman: Usually, for heavy flow days, it’s recommended to change your tampon when its full or after a maximum of 8 hours. Also consider a super tampon for the extra absorbency. Alternatively you may like to consider talking to your GP about hormonal contraception like the pill or progesterone rod – this can lighten the flow and allow you to skip periods altogether. The general consensus for when a period stops is BMI less than 17. This of course varies from person to person. Your period stopping is a sign that ‘mother nature’ thinks that it would be unsafe for you to carry a baby. If you are fit and healthy then you would still be able to be pregnant even if you have a low body fat percentage, and so your periods would continue.
Also Check: Dark Brown Discharge Instead Of Period
Can You Swim With A Tampon In
The Mayo Clinic reports that it is perfectly safe to swim with a tampon in place. When inserted, the flow of menstrual blood should be collected by your chosen absorbency level or high absorption material and sit higher than usual within vaginal cavity for safety purposes aside from this one exception , all other activities such as dancing would not cause discomfort because there isnt exchange between whats inside versus outside during these timesa point made clear by CNM Jennifer Meyers also certified at The Health System.
How Does It Work
While each brand differs slightly in their method, all period swimwear has the same goal to absorb liquid. Modibodi are an Australian company who specialise in period proof underwear, sleepwear and swimwear. Given that we live in a beach-loving country, its no surprise that theyve been steadily increasing in popularity since their creation.
Using their innovative patent-pending Modifier Swim Technology, their swimwear line is water-resistant, stain-proof and odour preventative. Basically, it can do anything and everything. Each swimsuit is fitted with a triple-layered gusset which absorbs and locks in fluid to prevent it from leaking out so you can feel extra secure while youre in the water.
If youre wondering just how absorbent they are, each garment can hold up to 10ml of fluid which is the equivalent of two tampons. Theyre also UPF50+ which is the maximum sun protective rating achievable for fabrics. We told you they were pretty great.
The best part is, they look and feel just like regular swimmers but still allow you to go surfing, swimming, snorkelling or hit the sauna. Theyre also a saving grace if youre at the end of your period and keen to lie on the beach without worrying about light leakage once youre out of the water.
Also Check: How To Get Period Blood Out Of Blanket
Swimming On Your Period: Some Deep
Menstruation. Its a pretty awkward subject, and even today, its not something we talk about all that openly. Unsurprisingly, questions about swimming on your period remain relatively unasked. We want to bring a little clarity to the discussion, so heres what we think about the myths and misconceptions of swimming during menstruation.
Can I Delay My Period Until After I Go Swimming
Typical, combined hormonal contraceptive pills give you the option to skip or delay your period instead of taking the placebo pills or having a few days’ break , and this will delay your period until you finish your second pack.
“If you are on hormonal contraception such as the combined oral contraceptive pill, you can speak to your GP about taking two packets consecutively so you can skip the hormone-free interval where you would usually experience a withdrawal bleed,” explains Dr O’Neill. “If you’re taking the progesterone-only contraceptive pill, taking it ‘back to back’ will not delay your period. But, you can speak to your GP about switching to the combined oral contraceptive pill or taking another medication to delay your period.”
If youre not taking an oral contraceptive and want to delay your period, your doctor can prescribe you a pill called norethisterone to take three days before your period is due to start. You can take this for a maximum of 20 days and, once you finish it, your period should then arrive.
Read Also: How To Clean Period Blood Out Of Sheets
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.
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.
You May Like: Usaa Grace Period Auto Insurance New Car