Myanna Cook, Period Pro from Indiana University School of Medicine
Ugh, I got my period the day before going to the pool. Guess I will have to sit this one out.
Myanna Cook, Period Pro
If this thought has crossed your mind – think again! We have all been there – having plans for a pool party, summer camp at the lake, big swim meet, and our period seems to pick the worst time to show up. Your period does not have to keep you on the beach, on the sidelines, or at home. There are many ways you can enjoy the water while on your period.
I grew up as a competitive swimmer and swam in college. That being said, I have years of experience of swimming while on my period. Some of my fastest swims were even during a period! I started my period when I was 12 years old. And you guessed it… right… before… swim… practice. I learned how to use a tampon on the first day of my very first period. Sounds scary, and I was definitely nervous using tampons for the first time and swimming during my first period. It does not have to be scary, though. Let’s dive in!
The first thing I recommend is to be prepared! If you want to swim while on your period, there are several period products you can choose from to help you stay in the water. Let’s talk about some commonly asked questions about swimming on your period:
What menstrual products can I use? Tampons, menstrual cups, or period-friendly swimwear are all great options to consider for swimming. Stay away from pads because they will just soak up all of the pool water! But you don’t have to use tampons. Other menstrual products also pair well with swimming, such as menstrual cups/disc or even period-friendly swimwear. Period-friendly swimwear has several thin layers of fabric to trap the blood in place and is a great reusable option. Some people prefer darker colors just in case of a leak!
Is one tampon enough? It might be, depending on your flow and how long you are swimming around. It is still recommended to change a tampon every 4-8 hours. I always change my tampon before and after my swim to keep it simple. Period Pro Tip: Pack extras just in case! Sometimes your flow is heavy, a friend needs supplies, or you want a fresh tampon after your dip in the pool.
Will the tampon fall out? No, it shouldn’t. If anything, the tampon string may poke out the side of your swimsuit. This can easily be fixed by tucking the string inside of your swimsuit!
Will my cramps get worse? Studies have shown that exercise, especially aerobic exercise like swimming, while on your period actually helps to relieve period cramps because when you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are your natural painkillers.
Can I swim in the ocean or a lake? Yes! Any body of water that you would normally swim in is totally safe to swim in while on your period. Water doesn’t enter your vagina while you’re swimming, whether you’re on your period or not.
But what about the sharks? Period blood is made up of a lot more stuff than just blood (mucus, tissue, and other secretions). Turns out sharks are not drawn to the extra stuff in period blood. Your chances of meeting a shark are the same as everyone else’s.
I hope after reading this, you feel more ready to dive into the water during your period. Your period doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying the activities you love—whether it’s competitive swimming, splashing around at a water park, or just floating and relaxing! Keep in mind, many people menstruate, and chances are, someone else at the pool, lake, or beach is on their period too—you’d never know!