How to swim on your period
Whether swimming is your favorite exercise or vacation activity, or perhaps you just want to cool off and relax on a warm day, you can swim on your period. Plus, low-intensity exercises such as swimming are known for relieving period cramps and easing fatigue. With the right protection products and PMS management, you’ll be treading water freely. As for what’s best – that depends on your personal preference. So, dive in, and take that swim on your period.
Do You Stop Bleeding In The Water?
When you submerge in water, your flow may slow, but it does not stop. Water pressure can cause your flow to slow, or at least the speed at which it flows out of your body. Therefore, when you swim, you still need appropriate protection that’s approved for use in the water. While you may have some reservations about swimming during your period, like the worry of leaks in the pool or changing after the pool, we encourage you to find ways to be more confident during your period. When it’s time to get out, grab a clean pair of our period underwear and clothes, and clean up from your swim. Our period underwear are worn just like your basics, making them a great way to keep your flow on the down low.
The Beach Is Your Friend—Just Like The Pool
With the proper protection, you can swim in the ocean, swimming pool, lake, or anywhere else deemed safe. And no, the sharks won’t come for you in the ocean – yes, there’s research to support that. While sharks have a keen sense of smell and are attracted to blood, they are not attached to urine and other bodily fluids that should detour the shark. If you choose to use tampons while swimming, you should change your tampon when you’re done swimming. If you wear a menstrual cup, it’s recommended to change them every 12 hours. For long days at the beach, this might be a little tricky, so plan ahead. Pack a pair of our leakproof period underwear for when it’s time to change out of your swimsuit. Slip them on just like your basic underwear, but walk away with leakproof period protection. Our period underwear are designed to help keep your flow on the down low, while keeping you dry, comfortable, and confident.
Can I Get An Infection When I’m Swimming On My Period?
Swimming can pose a threat of infection for women whether they are on their period or not. If you are on your period, there’s no increased risk of infection. Vaginal infections from swimming usually stem from wearing a wet bathing suit for extended periods as well as contact with certain chemicals. To avoid infections from swimming, period or not, practice good vaginal hygiene. When you’re done swimming - wash off and change into dry clothes, including dry underwear. If you’re on your period and want to let it all dry out down there, without leaving yourself unprotected, slip on a pair of our leakproof period underwear after swimming. Our buttery-soft leakproof underwear look and feel just like your basics, but delivers protection from all kinds of leaks. They’re discreet, yet powerful.
How To Swim On Your Period
Ready to take the plunge? Here are a few top tips for enjoying the pool when you’re dealing with flow.
- Choose safe and effective protection: Safety first! Refer to the list below for safe period protection options for swimming.
- Stay hydrated: It’s always important to stay hydrated in the sun, but especially when you’re on your period, since you’re already prone to dehydration. Take your favorite hydration flask or water bottle with you and sip all day. Staying hydrated can also help you reduce the bloat. Opt for water, herbal tea, or cool refreshing lemonade, as well as fruits and vegetables.
- Choose a high SPF for the face: Protecting our skin is important. Your skin might break out on your period, but break out or not, choose a high SPF sunscreen safe for the face and top it off with a tinted moisturizer. This can help even skin tone and hide redness. To add even more protection, grab that extra summer floppy hat and big shades to protect your face even more from the sun.
- Take care of cramps: Swimming can actually help relieve cramps, which might be reason enough to jump in. Swimming can make for a good exercise choice or leisure activity while on your period.
What To Wear When Swimming On Your Period
You’ll probably want to wear some type of feminine hygiene product while you’re swimming on your period. Here are some of our favorites:
-
Period-safe swimwear: Some brands offer swimwear designed for women on their period. It’s absorbent and reusable, offering some normalcy to taking a swim with a period. It can be made differently, so check product recommendations before taking a swim. Most period swimwear has layers that trap period blood, and some can hold as much as one to two tampons.
Oh—it’s important to note that period underwear isn’t the same as period swimwear. While a pair of cheeky proof® would be super cute poolside and is made to go under that sexy beach dress, it’s not made for swimming.
-
Tampons: Tampons are considered safe for swimming, and you don’t need a specific kind. Remember, the right kind of swimming period protection depends on your personal preference. Some find tampons comfortable, even while swimming, and some may prefer another option.
-
Waterproof pads: Yes, they are a thing. The key is to make sure the pads are labeled as waterproof.
- Menstrual cups: Menstrual cups are made of rubber or silicone and designed to collect blood. They are placed inside your vagina and can be worn while swimming. Compared to pads and tampons, they may have a lower risk of infection.
Just Keep Swimming
As always—life goes on, even during your period. Find solutions that help you look and feel your best on your period, whether that be breathable and comfortable leakproof period underwear or period-friendly swimwear. So, take that swim – who knows, it may even relieve you of some of those period cramps.
Sources:
Monash Edu. Can I Swim During My Period?
https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/2853556/Period-FAQ-.pdf
DAME. Can You Go Swimming on Your Period?
https://wearedame.co/blogs/the-pioneer/can-you-go-swimming-on-your-period#:~:text=Although%20you%27re%20perfectly%20safe,replace%20your%20tampon%20after%20swimming
Jean Coutu. How to Prevent Yeast Infections Cause By Swimming,
https://www.jeancoutu.com/en/health/health-tips/prevent-yeast-infections-swimming/#:~:text=Swimming%20is%20a%20preferred%20summertime%20activity%20by%20women%2C%20but%20it,of%20a%20vaginal%20yeast%20infection
Livestrong. How To Swim With a Pad and 4 Waterproof Pads To Try,
https://www.livestrong.com/article/246721-how-to-swim-with-your-period-and-pads/
Healthline. How to Debloat: 8 Simple Steps and What to Know,
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-debloat#:~:text=Staying%20well%20hydrated%20is%20crucial,4Trusted%20Source%20Trusted%20Source%20
Healthline, Your Period Doesn’t Stop in Water - Here’s How To Handle It,
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-your-period-stop-in-water
Healthline. What To Expect From Your First Period,
https://www.healthline.com/health/first-period
WebMD. What To Know About Swimming During Your Period,
https://www.webmd.com/women/what-to-know-swimming-during-your-period
Tampax. Can You Swim on Your Period?
https://tampax.com/en-us/period-health/can-you-swim-on-your-period/
Mooncup. Tips on Coping With Your Period in a Summer Heatwave,
https://www.mooncup.co.uk/blog/top-tips-on-coping-with-your-period-in-a-summer-heatwave/#:~:text=Hydration%20is%20key&text=We%20are%20already%20prone%20to,all%2Dimportant%20H2O
Verywell Health. Why Swimming During Your Period is Both Safe and Recommended,
https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-i-go-swimming-during-my-period-2721940#:~:text=Being%20in%20the%20water%20while,an%20increased%20risk%20of%20infection.&text=The%20most%20important%20thing%20to,protection%20to%20control%20your%20bleeding
