Morgan Rotar, Period Pro from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Period Pro, Morgan Rotar
As the heat of the summer peaks, so does the fun – barbecues, fireworks, and lots of swimming and water activities! But this may leave you wondering what you can and can’t do while on your period, specifically when it comes to being in the water. There are plenty of myths around your period and swimming, so let’s debunk those, so you can freely enjoy your summer!
Myth #1: Swimming while on your period is unhygienic.
Swimming while on your period is perfectly safe and healthy. In fact, swimming can help with period pain relief, so if you feel comfortable enough to get in the water, we encourage it! The key to maintaining hygiene while swimming on your period is ensuring you have the right period protection.
Tampons are one of the more popular options for period protection in the water. They stop the blood flow inside the vagina, so you won’t need to worry about your flow leaking out. Just be sure to bring extras for when you need a change and make sure the string is tucked into your swimsuit if you don’t want others knowing you are on your period. It’s a good idea to change your tampon after swimming. Tampons can absorb chlorinated or salt water, which may cause vaginal irritation or reduce their effectiveness.
Menstrual cups and discs are another great option for swimming as they are also inserted into the vagina and collect blood flow from the inside. These can be a great option for heavier flow days as most options hold as much blood as multiple tampons.
Additionally, there are now period swimwear, similar to period underwear. Like period underwear, these options are more expensive upfront, but can be used over and over again to save money over time and are a more sustainable option.
You will want to avoid using pads while swimming since these function to absorb fluids on the outside. A pad cannot tell the difference between your period flow and the pool or ocean water, so it will quickly fill with water before it can act as protection for your flow.
Finally, just know that leaks can happen, but you should not worry about this. If you accidentally leak in the pool, the chlorine and pool filters will act to neutralize the blood to keep the water safe for swimming. If you are worried about leaking, consider wearing a darker color swimsuit that will hide any stains. It also helps to prepare with extra period products, an extra swimsuit, and shorts or a coverup so you can feel confident the rest of the day!
Myth #2: You don’t need period protection in the water because the water stops your flow.
While being in the water does actually slow your flow, it doesn’t completely stop it— so yes, you still need period protection in the water! As noted above you have many options including tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, and period swimwear. As always, you can adjust your period protection to match what you need for your flow.
Myth #3: You can’t go in the ocean while on your period because sharks will be attracted to the smell of blood.
You may have heard that sharks have a great sense of smell and are attracted to blood. While this may be true, there is actually some research from a marine lab that suggests sharks might not like period blood. This is because sharks prefer fresh blood, like the bright red blood you see when you get a cut. Menstrual blood sits around for a while in the uterus and vagina which is why it is often darker than the blood that comes from your cuts and scrapes on your body.
Also remember that your period flow is more than just blood – it also contains sweat and other bodily fluids.This marine research also found that sharks seem to be repelled by human sweat, giving further reason to believe that sharks will not be attracted to period flow.
Given this little bit of research we have on sharks and period blood and that the amount of blood that comes out when you swim on your period is very small and will be diluted by the ocean water, it is safe to swim in the ocean while on your period with proper period products. There is nothing to suggest that you are more likely to be attacked by a shark than anyone else in the ocean, menstruating or not.
We hope this article helps clear up some of the myths around periods and swimming. As always, if you still have questions, reach out to us through “Ask a Period Pro” on our website or ask your primary care provider (someone like a pediatrician, general practitioner, or family medicine doctor) or your OB/GYN. And most importantly – enjoy your summer!
References:
Howley, E. K. (2021, February 5). Can I swim during my period? U.S. Masters Swimming. https://www.usms.org/en/fitness-and-training/articles-and-videos/articles/can-i-swim-during-my-period
Maged, A.M., Abbassy, A.H., Sakr, H.R.S. et al. Effect of swimming exercise on premenstrual syndrome. Arch Gynecol Obstet 297, 951–959 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-018-4664-1
Baldridge, H. D. & Mote Marine Laboratory. (1974). Shark Attack: A program of data reduction and analysis. In Contributions From the Mote Marine Laboratory (No. 2; Vol. 1). Mote Marine Laboratory.