It’s okay if you don’t feel comfortable diving into the pool, but swimming is not a problem.
Periods are not a disease and should not be embarrassing! It is perfectly normal to go swimming on your period. You can use tampons or pads in the pool; they are sealed inside your swimsuit. The water will wash away anything leaking until you change them in the locker room after swimming.
If you need to change your pad in the locker room, don’t hesitate to ask someone for help! While most women have periods throughout their lives and feel comfortable changing their pads while they swim every few years (or more), some feel uncomfortable doing so because of body image issues or other reasons. If this sounds like an issue for you or someone else, try talking about it with them and see if there is something you can do together (like maybe making a list at home).
Read also: 10 Things to Stop Doing If You Want a Longer Life
Can You Swim On Your Period?
Yes, you can swim on your period with a tampon, menstrual cup, pad, or a combination of the three. Tampons and menstrual cups are designed to fit inside of your vagina so they won’t fall out while you swim.
Suppose you’re using pads (which contain the same absorbent material as tampons). In that case, you should still be able to use them just like usual in the pool — but keep in mind there will be some absorption happening, and it might feel more uncomfortable than usual because of that.
Can You Swim On Your Period Without a Tampon?
You have a few options when it comes to swimming on your period. You can use a tampon, menstrual cup, sponge, diaphragm, or softcup. The easiest way to do this is by using a menstrual disc (also called The DivaCup). This product is inserted into the vagina and collects blood as a tampon. It doesn’t absorb the blood—it just sits inside you until you’re ready to take it out again! Suppose you’re looking for something more traditional than an applicator-less tampon but less delicate than an internal cup (and only needs changing every 12 hours). In that case, we recommend trying out one DivaCups!
Tampons
Tampons are the most popular option for swimming on your period. They are inserted into the vagina and are designed to absorb menstrual fluid. Tampons may be a good option for swimming on your period, but it’s important to know that they can cause infections if not changed every 4-6 hours and not removed correctly.
To insert a tampon correctly, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap (or rub alcohol gel) to keep bacteria away from your vagina while inserting the tampon; get in the habit of washing up before handling any part of your body since even small amounts of bacteria can cause infection if left unchecked!
- Find where you want to insert it – there are two places where you can put it inside: near the opening or further inside near where blood flows out from one end (that area is called “inside”). You must choose which direction works best for you because there isn’t much space between walls once inserted, so it might hurt if you try again later without removing first.”
Menstrual cups
If you’re a person who menstruates, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard of menstrual cups. Menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina and catch menstrual blood rather than absorb it. They can be worn for up to 12 hours—or even overnight! They’re safe to use while swimming as long as they’re emptied before water.
Menstrual discs
If you’re more comfortable with tampons than menstrual cups, there are a few other options. The best-known one is the menstrual disc, which is worn inside the vagina and acts as a tampon alternative. Menstrual discs can be inserted up to 12 hours before swimming and stay in for up to eight hours.
They have an advantage over menstrual cups when it comes to cleaning: They’re smaller and easier for us to reach in there with soap and water without making things uncomfortable (not that we’d want to). They also don’t require special washing instructions or products—rinse them off after use, and they’ll be new!
Period-friendly swimwear
Many period-friendly swimsuits are built to hold pads or liners in place. If you’re going to be doing laps, it is important that your swimsuit is comfortable and doesn’t rub against your skin. Period-friendly swimwear also provides extra coverage for the thighs, which can be helpful if you are using tampons or menstrual cups.
It’s important to note that these suits are not designed specifically as menstrual underwear; they do not have waterproof materials like regular briefs do. The material will still let some water through, so if you’re planning on swimming laps, choose an option with high waist coverage and make sure it fits securely around the hips and backside (no ride-up!).
But pads and liners are a no-go.
If you are the kind of person who uses pads or liners during your period, it’s important to know that these products are not a good choice for swimming. Pads and liners may feel comfortable in a pool full of chlorine water, but they won’t hold up well against the force of the waves. Pads will get waterlogged and leak, while liners can fall off.
While we’re here, there are a few other myths to let go of
Myth #1: Everyone will know you’re on your period
Many people worry that they will tell you’re on your period, but if you use a tampon and insert it properly, there is no way to tell. If you insert a menstrual cup correctly and keep the seal with your muscles, it is unlikely that anyone can see you are on your period.
Myth #2: You’re going to leak in the water
You may have heard that you’ll leak in the water. This myth is that the menstrual fluids are so heavy that they will leak right through your swimsuit and onto the pool floor. But, as long as your period isn’t heavy, there won’t be any leaks—not even if you accidentally push up against something with pressure like a diving board. Don’t worry, though: if it makes you feel more comfortable, wear a black or dark-colored swimsuit.
Myth #3: Swimming on your period is unsanitary
You do not need to worry that your period will make you dirty or unsanitary. Blood is not dirty; it’s just the opposite—it’s part of your body, and there’s nothing wrong with it. You can’t get an infection from swimming on your period, so don’t let any myths about hygiene keep you away from the pool this summer!
If you’re still feeling shy about swimming while menstruating (and I’ll admit, I sometimes do), remember that you won’t be the only one in the water. Most women who swim during their periods probably don’t worry about how others see them or react if they know what is happening below. But even if someone does notice, who cares?! It doesn’t matter because we are all human beings with bodies and periods, and you should be involved with no shame whatsoever!
Myth #4: Periods attract sharks
Myth #4: Sharks are attracted to the smell of menstrual blood.
Shark attacks on humans are extremely rare, but you’ll often hear stories about sharks attracting menstruating women. While it’s true that sharks have a keen sense of smell and can detect blood from far away, there’s no evidence to suggest they’re specifically interested in menstruating women’s blood. Sharks are more likely to attack seals than humans—and both males and females have high levels of testosterone (which is responsible for aggression). This means that shark attacks are probably more about territoriality than anything else.
Bonus: Swimming may help relieve any PMS-related cramps
If you’re prone to painful menstrual cramps, water therapy may be a great option. Water therapy treatments have been shown to reduce the blood flow to the lower body and cool the body down, which can help relieve pain. The swimming movement may also help relieve PMS-related symptoms like bloating or headaches by activating muscle contractions that release endorphins. This feel-good chemical helps alleviate pain and stress.
If swimming sounds like a good idea but you’re worried about getting your period while doing so, remember that it’s all part of being a woman! There are plenty of ways to make this experience more enjoyable: you can wear a swimsuit instead of bikini bottoms; wear tampons instead of pads in case there’s leakage; take care not to swallow too much chlorine (it’s not good for your digestion); stay close enough so someone can rescue you if need be; remember that everyone else is probably thinking about their problems anyway—they won’t even notice!
The Takeaway On Swimming On Your Period
Just because you are menstruating, doesn’t mean you can’t swim. If you’re comfortable doing so and know your body well enough to tell when your period is coming on! use a tampon or menstrual cup.
If you get cramps while swimming and want some relief, try using a heating pad (with extra padding) in the area where the pain is most severe—the lower abdomen/lower back/pelvis area.
Or if nervousness is making it difficult to enjoy yourself at the pool or beach (and I get that), consider using a pad or swim diaper instead of tampons so that nothing sinks into the water with which other swimmers may interact later on.
