If you’ve ever been a bit shy about swimming while on your period, don’t be! We’re here to put your mind at ease and bust some myths on the topic, including answering the common question: Can you swim with a menstrual cup?
Absolutely! You can swim with a menstrual cup. Menstrual cups are designed to be worn internally and can effectively collect menstrual fluid without leaking, making them suitable for swimming and other physical activities.
Did you know that low impact activities like swimming can actually help reduce menstruation side-effects like period cramps? So, grab your bikini and hit the waves or pool stat!
Do Menstrual Cups Fill with Water When Swimming?
A question we often get asked is whether menstrual cups fill with water while swimming. No need to stress—the answer is no. Menstrual cups are designed to fit closely to your vaginal walls, preventing outside water getting in. So you can relax, you won’t have any leaks - in or out - with a menstrual cup or menstrual disc.
How to Swim on Your Period With A Menstrual Cup or Disc?
Wondering how to swim on your period without tampons? Using a menstrual cup or menstrual disc while swimming is easy. Here are some suggestions to help you feel comfortable and ensure that it works perfectly.
- Make Sure Your Menstrual Cup is Fully Open
When you pop in your menstrual cup, ensure it’s fully opened up. A little twist or running a finger around the base should do the trick to confirm it’s sealed properly. This helps prevent leaks and keeps the cup snug while you're enjoying the water.
- Empty Your Menstrual Cup or Disc Before Swimming
For peace of mind, empty your menstrual cup or disc before diving in. Starting with a clean slate means more time splashing around without fretting about changing or emptying your cup or disc.
- Take a Bottle of Water with You
Having a bottle of water on hand is a smart move if you find you need to empty your cup or disc in a cubicle that doesn’t have a tap. Just use water from your drink bottle to rinse and reinsert! Easy and faster than changing a tampon!
How Long Can You Swim in a Menstrual Cup or Menstrual Disc?
One of the fantastic perks of menstrual cups and discs is the fact they hold more than tampons so you can leave them in for up to 12 hours. Perfect for those long, sun-soaked days at the beach or pool. Enjoy your time without the hassle of constant bathroom trips. How fab is that?
Is It Better to Swim with a Menstrual Cup or a Tampon?
Alright, can you swim on your period using a menstrual cup or a tampon? When it comes to choosing between a menstrual cup or disc and a tampon for a swim, it really comes down to what feels right for you. But let’s be real, menstrual cups and discs have some standout perks. They hold more than tampons, so you're not constantly stressing about changing or leaking. Plus, unlike tampons, menstrual cups and discs don’t absorb water from the pool or ocean, so you can wave goodbye to that soggy, uncomfortable feeling.
The Benefits of Menstrual Cups and Menstrual Discs for Swimming
Switching to menstrual cups or discs for swimming is seriously life-changing. Here's why:
1. All-day, leak-proof protection
Menstrual cups and menstrual discs provide 8-12 hours of period protection by collecting your period blood. Menstrual cups create a seal via suction while menstrual discs sit up high in the vaginal fornix. They are suction-free and IUD-friendly - they stay put by tucking under the pubic bone. They both provide a barrier between the cervix and the water - ensuring you can have swimming without leakage.
2. More Capacity than Disposable Period Products
Menstrual cups and menstrual discs can hold up to 50 ml of menstrual blood. That’s 5x the amount of pads or tampons! Using a period cup and period disc for swimming means fewer product changes throughout the day, so can you go swimming on your period? Definitely, and it lets you keep on swimming.
Menstrual cups and menstrual discs are great for swimming if you have an irregular flow since they have the ability to hold either a lot or a little bit of menstrual blood without all in one product drying you out like tampons can.
3. Discreet Period Protection
No one wants a pesky tampon string poking out of their togs. Menstrual cups and menstrual discs are worn internally which means you can say goodbye to tampon strings poking out forever!
4. More Time in the Water
Not every beach or public pool has bathrooms. At least, not always comfortable ones! Your menstrual cup or menstrual disc holds way more than a tampon so that means fewer trips to the restroom to change your tampon or check for leakage and time swimming, surfing, scuba diving or whatever water activity you love the most.
Common Questions About Swimming on Your Period
Here, we tackle your most common questions and offer some handy tips to ensure you have a comfy and enjoyable swimming experience during your period.
1. Does Your Period Stop in the Pool?
Kind of! If you’re not wearing a menstrual cup, menstrual disc or tampon, you definitely won’t bleed as much as you might expect. This is because pressure around you can temporarily slow your menstrual flow in the water. However, it won’t stop it completely so if you want a completely stress-free experience, then we’d recommend a menstrual cup or menstrual disc.
Personally we prefer them to tampons because tampons will soak up not only your menstrual blood but also a bit of seawater or pool water meaning they get soggy pretty quickly. And no one likes a soggy tammy.
2. Will My Period Contaminate the Water?
People often wonder can you swim on your period without contaminating the water?
Actually, menstrual blood won’t contaminate the water. As gross as it might sound - indoor swimming pools, especially public swimming pools end up on the receiving end of all kinds of bodily fluids like sweat, saliva, or urine, which is why they’re treated with chlorine or bromine. So, in short, don’t worry about contamination but also don’t focus on any floaty bits in the pool.
3. Can You Get an Infection from Swimming on Your Period?
Swimming during your period doesn’t increase your risk of infection. Whether you have your period or not, looking after your vaginal health is always important. Sometimes infection or irritation around the public area after swimming can come from sensitivity to chemicals in pools, or from staying in a wet bathing suit too long after getting out of the water so, not wanting to sound too much like our grandmothers, a shower after swimming and making sure you dry your vagina well are always our top ‘housekeeping’ tips.
4. Does Menstrual Blood Attract Sharks?
No, Jaws won’t be hunting you down because you are swimming while on your period. The amount of menstrual blood that might get out while swimming during your period gets diluted by the water anyway, and is nowhere near enough to put you at risk of attracting sharks.
While sharks have a great sense of smell, they’re really looking for fatty acids released by dead fish and other marine life. We even asked Florida. According to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File, it’s true that sharks can likely detect most bodily fluids in the water, there’s no evidence that menstruation has any factor in shark attacks.
Tips for Swimming on Your Period
So, it turns out the tips for swimming on your period with the help of a Period Cup or Period Disc are the same tips for anyone going for a dip, period. Keep these in mind for the next time you hit the water while menstruating:
1. Swim Where It’s Safe
Know the quality of the water you’ll be swimming in. Check with local officials to see that outdoor swimming areas are monitored and have been recently tested, and make sure public pools are cleaned regularly. This is especially important when you're wondering, can you swim on your period?
2. Drink Water (but not the pool water!)
It’s easy to forget to hydrate when we’re surrounded by the water all day, but it’s still important to replenish your fluids when you’re active and out in the sun.
3. Change Out of Your Wet Swimsuit
Wet bathing suits can irritate your skin, especially in sensitive areas. It’s best to change once you’re done in the water.
4. Give Yourself Permission to Stay Home
If you’re not in the mood for swimming (or any activity) during your period, there’s no shame in staying home and taking it easy. The water will be there when you’re ready!
What Is The Best Menstrual Cup for Swimming?
Swimming during your period doesn’t have to be a big deal and having your period shouldn’t ever stop you from enjoying activities such as swimming. Menstrual cups and menstrual discs make great swimming pals. With the right cup or disc, you’ll have both a stress free and a leakfree swimming experience allowing you to feel confident in the water knowing you're 100% protected and comfortable—no strings attached.
Can you swim with a menstrual cup? Absolutely. Menstrual cups are a great leakproof alternative to tampons. Whether you're swimming in the ocean or pool, a menstrual cup gives you period freedom and peace of mind. Ready to dive into the wonderful world of bloody brilliant, sustainable period products? Visit Hello Period to shop the best period products for swimming.
References:
International Shark Attack File. (2022, July 6). Menstruation and sharks. Florida Museum of Natural History. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/reduce-risk/menstruation/
