Common Questions About Swimming on Your Period

Common Questions About Swimming on Your Period

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. 

Swimming during your period doesn’t have to be a big deal and menstruation shouldn’t ever stop you from enjoying activities such as swimming.

Common Questions About Swimming on Your Period

Can You Go Swimming On Your Period?

Absolutely! Having your period doesn’t mean you can’t make a splash. There are plenty of period care options that allow you to swim without worrying about leaking - menstrual cups, menstrual discs and even period-proof swimwear. 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. 

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.

Will My Period Contaminate the Water?

No! 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. 

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.

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. 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.

The Benefits of Menstrual Cups and Menstrual Discs for Swimming 

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, tucking under the pubic bone. Menstrual discs are suction-free. They both provide a barrier between the cervix and you water - ensuring you can have swimming without leakage. 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 you can keep on swimming.

Menstrual cups and menstrual discs are great for swimming if you have an irregular period since they have the ability to hold either a lot or a little bit of menstrual blood, all in one product and they don’t dry you out like tampons can.

Discreet Period Protection

Sometimes having your period is a private affair. Menstrual cups and menstrual discs are worn internally which means you don’t have to worry about period pad wings or tampon strings poking through your bathing suit. 

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.  or in the pool enjoying yourself.

 

Tips for Swimming on Your Period

Keep these in mind for the next time you hit the water while menstruating:

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.

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.

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.

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!









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