It’s a common question that many women have – Can you swim on your period? The answer is yes!
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when swimming on your period, such as using a tampon or menstrual cup and wearing a dark-colored swimsuit. But other than that, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a dip in the pool or ocean during your period.
Let’s be with Tavik to get more detailed information through this blog post.
Top Things You Need To Know About Swimming During Your Period
- It’s not unhygienic to swim while you’re on your period.
- You won’t leave any bloody trail in the water.
- While swimming, you can use a tampon or sponge from a menstrual cup.
Many people ask us if swimming while having their period is okay. Are you likely to get severe cramps, an infection, or even be eaten by sharks while swimming? It is unlikely.
You can still swim when your period is over if you love swimming.
You can still choose to eat pizza on the couch, but that is also an option. For all your questions about period swimming, read on.
Can You Swim On Your Period?
The short answer is yes, you can swim on your period. “People often believe you can’t go swimming on your period,” says Dr. Helen O’Neill, a world-renowned expert in reproductive science, CEO of Fertility Health and founder of Fertility Health.
However, period products, such as tampons or menstrual cups, have allowed women to go swimming without fear of accidental leaks.
It’s okay to go for a dip when you’re wearing a tampon, menstrual cup, or another sanitary product. Dr. O’Neill recommends that you avoid using a sanitary towel and liner because they could absorb water.
You should not swim in the pool when you have periods. This was supposed to be done to protect swimmers from menstrual blood contamination. However, it is essential to remember that swimming while menstruating does not risk anyone’s health.
Will I Leave A Bloody Trail In The Water?
While water pressure can temporarily stop your flow while you swim, it can cause blood to come out if you cough, laugh, sneeze, or otherwise move around. It won’t usually be noticeable, which is the good news. Your period will return to normal once you get out of the water.
It’s best to use a tampon while swimming. Pantyliners and pads are not a good choice as they absorb water and can become ineffective. They can be kept in the cup for as long as 12 hours to be used longer than tampons.
Swimming With A Cup, Sponge or Tampon
If you don’t have or can’t use a tampon or an alternative product such as a sponge or menstrual cups, there are a few options. To prevent staining, absorbent swimwear can be worn.
Waterproof absorbent swimwear looks like regular bikini bottoms but has a hidden leak-proof lining to absorb menstrual blood. A pad can be worn before or after swimming.
Am I Going To Be Eaten By Sharks?
Many individuals are terrified of sharks while swimming in the ocean because of renowned films like Jaws. Period blood may attract sharks, hence some women with periods are advised not to swim in the ocean during their periods. Sharks have never been known to attack someone who is on their period.
Many people can safely dive while menstruation, according to the International Shark Attack File. More research is needed, however, no trend of increased attacks on divers during their periods has been discovered.
Marie Levine, the Shark Research Institute‘s Founder and Executive Director, has been diving for decades without incident. “I even received my period while diving with a school of hammerhead sharks—the sharks were not interested,” she told Mother Jones.
Can I Catch An Infection From Swimming During My Period?
Although it is unlikely that you will get a vaginal infection from swimming, the risk of infection increases if you go wild swimming.
Dr. O’Neill says that swimming in polluted waters can increase your risk of skin irritation and a Urinary Tract Infection. The likelihood of infection and irritation can be increased by wearing a wet bathing suit for long periods after your swim.
She says, “It is always recommended that you take a shower after swimming and change into clean, dry clothing to prevent this from happening.”
Swimming in contaminated water can lead to skin infections and stomach problems.
Swimming pool chlorine can sometimes irritate the vulva or vagina. This can lead to yeast infections (BV) and other health problems. Don’t panic if this happens. Take a shower right away after swimming in a chlorinated pool. And don’t wear wet swimwear.
Dr. O’Neill reminds swimmers to consult their doctor if they experience unusual itching, burning, or discharge after swimming.
Can Swimming Make My Cramps Worse?
Low-intensity exercise, such as swimming, can help relieve cramps. Your body releases endorphins during exercise, which act as natural painkillers. Dr. Welsh says that it can be beneficial to move your body while on your period and do some swimming.
Research has actually shown that regular exercise can be very effective in preventing premenstrual symptoms (PMS).
Can I Delay My Period Until After I Go Swimming?
Combination hormonal contraceptives, such as those used in typical cases, allow you to skip your period or delay it by starting your next pack immediately. This will either delay your period or give you time to take the placebo pills.
Dr. O’Neill explains that if you’re on hormonal contraception, such as the combined oral contraceptive pills, your doctor may recommend two consecutive packets (‘back-to-back’) to avoid the hormone-free period where you’d usually experience a withdrawal bleed.
If you are taking the progesterone-only contraceptive pills, taking them back to back will not cause your period to be delayed. Talk to your GP to discuss switching to the combined oral contraceptive pills or another medication that may delay your period.
Your doctor may prescribe you norethisterone, which you can take three days before your period starts if you aren’t taking any oral contraceptives. This can be taken up to 20 days. Once you are done with it, your period will begin.
Do People Know That I Have My Period? What If My Bikini Gets Stained?
No one needs to know that you’re on your period while swimming. You can wear a dark swimsuit if you are concerned about leaks or stains. Or, you can tell a friend to alert you and let you go swimming.
How Do I Know If I Started My Period?
The first period can be short or very long. You may see a lot of red spots or a bright red patch. Your period will usually last between 2-7 days. Your period is part of your menstrual cycle. They typically occur every 21-45 calendar days. During the first few years, the frequency and length of periods can change.
Each person has a different body. You might notice some changes in your body before you get your first period.
- Nipples/Breasts
- Pubic Hair
- The Body Shape
- Fluid underwear
Track your period by marking the day that you bleed in Clue. You will be able to better understand your body by keeping track of your period.