Can You Go Swimming On Your Period?

Many women will agree that nothing is more annoying than getting your period on the first day of your beach vacation. And somehow, it always happens, no matter when the holiday is scheduled; it’s like your period somehow knows when to show up and ruin all the fun! 

The good news is, there is absolutely no reason to miss out on the beach fun with your family or friends just because you are on your period. You can still enjoy swimming while you are on your period, even though there is a commonly believed myth that swimming on your period should be avoided as it can be dangerous or even unhygienic. So let’s explore the subject and answer all the questions you have been asking yourself regarding whether can you go swimming on your period.

Can I Go Swimming On My Period?

The answer is short and simple- yes, you can go swimming on your period. There are no health or safety concerns when it comes to swimming during your period. However, there are some precautions you will need to take to collect the flow, just like you would do outside of the water. We will explore your best and safest options too. 

What Are The Best Collection Options When Swimming? 

When it comes to submerging yourself in the water while wearing a bathing suit, the only option that isn’t going to work is padded since they would immediately get soaked up with the water that you are swimming in, rendering them useless. On top of that, wings would be visible, and that is a look many women want to avoid.

So if you are just sunbathing in your shorts on the beach or by the pool, feel free to stick a pad to your bikini bottoms and enjoy the day. However, if you plan on going into the water and swimming, you will need some heavy-duty protection options. Some of the best collection options include: 

1. Tampons 

Most tampons are made of rayon, cotton, or a combination of these two. Many women are used to rayon, but cotton tampons are also a good option, as well as the combined option; it comes down to a personal preference. Since tampons are inserted into the vaginal canal, they will not absorb too much water you are floating in, even though they might absorb some.

Make sure to bring more than a few tampons to the beach, and have a private place to change them. You should put a new tampon in before going into the water and then exchange it every time you take a longer break out of the water. If you never wore tampons before, it’s wise to practice wearing them before your swimming appointment to get more comfortable with the feeling and the inserting and removing process.  

2. The Sponge

The sponge is very similar to the tampon, except for the string: there is no string with the sponge. The sponge is equally absorbent, and it can be more comfortable than a tampon due to its rounder shape. It is also reusable.  

3. Menstrual Cup 

Menstrual cups are flexible little container cups made of silicone or rubber, which are inserted into the vaginal canal. They are just what the name says- little cups that sit in your vaginal canal and collect your period flow. The menstrual cup is the only collection method that doesn’t absorb but collects, which means it can be emptied and removed, making it reusable.

Menstrual cups can be worn for four to twelve hours, depending on the brand. Make sure to read all the instructions before inserting the product. A menstrual cup is a cost-effective option that produces no one-time-use waste, but getting it right the first time can be tricky. Just like with tampons, try wearing them a few times before your swim meet or your fun day at the beach to get it right. 

4. Period-Friendly Swimwear

With period-friendly swimwear, a thin layer of natural material, similar to a built-in menstrual pad, is built into the swimwear lining. This lining will collect and trap the blood from the menstrual flow, allowing you to swim freely and without any worries. 

Period swimwear or underwear is absorbable and reusable, making it very eco-friendly but also budget-friendly. It might seem pricey initially, but it is an investment, and it will be cost-effective if you are an avid swimmer while also being against inserting your flow collection method. Depending on the brand and the type of period underwear you choose, this period swimwear can hold as much menstrual blood as two tampons.‌ 

Make sure to change and clean your period swimwear at least every twelve hours, and make sure to read the instructions before you wash it to avoid ruining the previously-mentioned thin layers of fabric in the washing machine. If you like the idea of period swimwear, there is also period underwear, which you can wear whenever you are on your flow. 

Also Read: Is Swimming A Good Workout For Weight Loss?

Will Everyone Know I Have My Period? 

Streams or leaks concern us while we are out of the water, and they concern us equally as much in the water. If you think your worry will ruin your fun, there is an option of wearing a dark-colored swimsuit or adding an extra layer by wearing swim shorts.

The pressure of the water is very likely to stop an easy flow from showing, while a heavier flow might need some other help. If you are feeling insecure, you can also ask a friend to ‘check you out’ from time to time, just to set your mind at ease and make you feel less worried. 

Can I Delay My Period? 

Many of us have wished that our period would just come a day after the pool party or a week before our swim meet so that we can swim and have fun uninterrupted. It turns out that delaying your period is possible, and it is made possible by using hormonal birth control. There are even some kinds of hormonal birth control that make sure you have a period every three months!

If you are an avid swimmer or prefer not to use other alternative options we talked about earlier, make sure to speak to your healthcare provider about your preferences. If your period is scheduled to come in in just a day or two, you won’t be able to delay it. 

FAQ SECTION 

Let’s answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding periods, swimming, and if or how they go together. 

Q: Is It Safe To Swim On My Period? 

As previously stated, yes, it is completely safe to swim while you are on your period. This is because water does not enter your vagina while swimming, regardless of whether you are on your period.

Q: Can Periods Cause A Shark Attack? 

This myth has been going around for years, but there is no evidence to prove that sharks will be attracted to your flow. This myth came from the fact that sharks can smell blood in the water, which is true. However, it is also true that sharks can smell mucus, urine, sweat, and other bodily fluids that contain amino acids. Sharks’ preferred kinds of food and snacks are other fish, and sharks will not attack unless they feel threatened. 

Q: Will Swimming Make Cramps Worse? 

You may not feel in the mood for swimming if you have painful period cramps because you feel bloated and crampy. You might even be put off my swimming because you are scared it will make cramps worse.  

However, the complete opposite is true! Gentle aerobic exercise, such as swimming, can actually reduce period cramps and the bloated and painful feeling in your abdominal area. Aerobic exercise also releases endorphins, which are known as nature’s painkillers.