So, do yourself a favor and leave the pads behind and snag a tampon. All
Fact: There is no reason to fear swimming while on you period, as it is completely safe. Water doesn't get inside your vagina when you swim regardless of whether you have your period or not.
Can You Swim On Your Period Without a Tampon? As with swimming in general, it's okay to swim on your period without a tampon — or any menstrual product for that matter, says Dr. van Dis. If you want to prevent potential leaks or blood spots on your bottoms by using a period product, you have options.
The Takeaway
You can swim in the ocean on your period without worrying about sharks or leaks by wearing a tampon or a menstrual cup. Rael offers holistic, effective period care products to keep you comfortable all month long, whether you're on the sand or in the sea.
Wearing a tampon or a menstrual cup will stop blood from leaking when you're swimming. If you want to, you can ask a friend to alert you of any leaks, or take a quick trip to the bathroom to check—this way you can relax and just have fun in the water.
Yes, you can swim on your period.
If it's a hot summer's day at the beach or you're swimming laps at your local pool and you've got your period, you shouldn't have to worry about leaving a trail of blood or being attacked by a shark in the ocean (a legitimate fear for some people!).
Once a period has started, it is not possible to stop it. Some home methods may help reduce the amount of bleeding that occurs for a short time, but they will not stop the period altogether. People who are interested in preventing their period for medical or personal reasons should talk with their doctor.
Period (or leakproof) swimwear is a superb option for confidence in water on your period. It can be used on its own or as a backup to other products (like tampons or menstrual cups). Knix period-proof swimwear is made to hold menstrual fluid and prevent leaks in the water.
If you want to pause your period temporarily, you can do so safely and effectively using hormonal birth control methods. Period delays can be beneficial for people with endometriosis or painful periods. However, some risks include possible problems with future fertility and breakthrough bleeding.
"Your body is still releasing menstrual blood while you are underwater. However, the pressure while your body is underwater (aka buoyancy) slows the flow," explains Dr. Ramsey.
Wear a tampon
If you feel comfortable wearing a tampon, this is one of the easiest ways to deal with your period at the beach relatively stress-free. Because tampons expand to fit your body, there is minimal chance of leakage and they are swim safe and not visible.
Swimming on your period with a pad is not advised. Pads are made out of absorbent material that soaks up liquids within seconds. Submerged in water like a pool, a pad will completely fill with water, leaving no room for it to absorb your menstrual fluid. Plus, it may swell up into a big soppy mess.
When tampons and applicators are flushed down the toilet, they can end up in the ocean when sewer systems fail and harm ecosystems. Tampons can take up to 20 years to break down in marine environments and can cause health complications or death when ingested by animals.
Though they may absorb some water, the tampon will still be absorbent to collect flow. Tampons should be inserted prior to entering the water and changed shortly after your time in the water is completed (or during a long break from the water).
If you notice your tampons get soaked through in a couple hours, or you see blood on the string when you change it after a short time, you might need a larger size. You may need to size down if the tampon is mostly dry after wearing it for a few hours.
Tampons are specifically designed to absorb period flow before it can leave your body which makes them one of the best products to use for swimming on your period and you won't have to worry about signs of your period showing in the water.
Menstrual sponges are natural or synthetic sea sponges that some folks use just like a tampon. Though absorbent and sustainable, their safety is questionable. According to some OB-GYNs, if you clean your sponge thoroughly before and after use, it *might* be safe to use.
In reality, there's no proven way to stop periods immediately once they have started. However, certain strategies and medications can help lighten your menstrual flow and relieve period-related symptoms. This can help you feel more comfortable and free during your periods.
When it comes to the exact way an elevation change may affect your period, experts do not have a simple answer. “Older studies suggest women living at higher altitudes may have hormonal changes affecting their periods, but these are very small studies,” as Sharyn N.
Great news! A recent study in the journal Ethology reveals that men can detect from a woman's voice whether she is menstruating. Psychologists Nathan Pipitone from Adams State College and Gordon Gallup from SUNY Albany recorded 10 women counting from one to five, at four different points in their menstrual cycles.
Most competitive swimmers and other swimmers rely on tampons when it comes to managing their periods while swimming. And according to a recent Knix study, they're the second most popular period product in general. Tampons have the advantage of being familiar.
If your flow isn't too heavy, using organic pads or tampons is an easy fix to your monthly visit from Aunt Flo. Since leotards are pretty tight and fitting, they will typically stay in place and/or do the trick during practice or a competition.