Flex Ed

Can you go swimming on your period? Here’s the verdict

Jan 7, 2020

Will sharks attack me if I go swimming on my period?

Save your worries: The answer is a firm NO.

It’s a myth that sharks can detect blood from a mile away and they aren’t necessarily interested in blood. Their noses are made purely for detecting smells and not for breathing. They can detect chemicals and amino acids which are proteins found in all animals, including humans. (Yes, that includes men and semen!)

What sharks are actively on the prowl for are the scents of their preferred prey rather than humans, so even if they were to detect human blood – male or female – it wouldn’t necessarily ring their bells.

Also, period blood isn’t just blood. It’s actually a mixture of uterine tissue, cervical mucus, cells from the lining of the uterus, and other bacteria that make up the natural flora of the vagina. If you happen to leak a drop or two of period blood in the ocean it would get incredibly diluted.

Is it hygienic to go swimming during your period?

So, we’ve established that it is clearly not life-threatening to swim on your period, but, um… is it hygienic?

Yes, totally!

Three reasons it’s healthy to go swimming on your period:

The water pressure can actually slow down your menstrual flow (yay!), and when using an insertable product like a tampon or menstrual disc, blood is very unlikely to come out.
Even if with a little leakage, it would become really diluted in the water.
Think about what other bodily fluids are already in there. Really, what’s a small amount of blood compared to the sheer amount of spit and urine that is already in there?

Chlorine is a crucial component in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of swimming pools. Apart from its role as a disinfectant, chlorine effectively eliminates bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms that may be present in the water. It helps prevent waterborne illnesses and ensures that swimmers are not exposed to harmful pathogens while enjoying their time in the pool. Additionally, chlorine plays a key role in keeping the water clear and free from algae growth, providing a pleasant and visually appealing swimming environment.

Properly regulating the chlorine levels in a pool is essential to ensure optimal disinfection without causing irritation to swimmers’ skin and eyes. Regular testing and maintenance of chlorine levels are necessary to uphold water quality standards and create a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all pool users.

Misconceptions about swimming on your period

Something that never occurred to me (but sharks in municipal swimming pools do, apparently: see first paragraph) is that some women may be worried about the risk of infection from swimming while on their periods.

Getting an infection from swimming on your period is pretty unlikely, especially when compared to any skin infection or stomach bug that could be caused by swallowing contaminated water. Both of those things are way more common.

And, repeat: chlorine is added to the water. It does a great job of disinfecting.

However, the strong disinfecting power of chlorine also means that it is an irritant. Irritated vaginas are prone to getting those dastardly yeast infections or even their irksome cousins, bacterial vaginosis that can affect women’s health.

In order to avoid this, it is a good idea to take a shower after swimming to rinse off the chlorine. Also, avoid sitting around in a chlorine-soaked, wet bathing suit for long periods of time. Regardless, none of this is connected to being on your period.

In other words, there’s no more risk for infection when you go swimming (in a pool or elsewhere) during your period than at any other time of the month.

in the clear urinary tract health support

What products are best for swimming during your period?

Swimming on your period is totally fine. In fact, it’s the opposite of unhealthy and unhygienic. Swimming can help reduce period cramps, and the endorphins that are activated are great not only for your mood and overall well-being.

Since they are natural painkillers, they can even help with Premenstrual Syndrome (a.k.a. PMS symptoms) and provide pain relief from period pain and menstrual cramps.

When it comes to period products and swimming, traditional options like pads, panty liners, and even period swimwear are not ideal choices. These products are designed to absorb liquid, which means that they will quickly become saturated once you enter the water. This can not only be uncomfortable but also ineffective in managing menstrual flow while swimming.

Not only will these products not be able to absorb menstrual bleeding, but they are also going to sag like a wet diaper. Trust me, nobody wants that.

Ultimately, the best choice for swimming during your period depends on personal preference and comfort level. It’s essential to explore different options and find what works best for you to ensure a stress-free swimming experience during menstruation.

Swimming with tampons

That brings us to the middle school gym class standby: Tampons. You may be wondering, though – do they soak up the water instead of your period blood flow? Can they absorb things like sand or bits of seaweed if you’re in the ocean? Are sport tampons any better? What if they just expand and expand and…

Nope! They do not. You will not start to slowly bloat up like a pufferfish. And your vagina won’t get sand-burn, or seaweed-burn, or anything of that nature (unless you’re actively dipping tampons in sand before shoving them up your vag).

The tampon might absorb a little bit of the water you’re swimming in, but there’s no health risk associated with that as long as you change your tampon shortly after you’re done swimming. However: If you’re swimming for longer than an hour at a time, you’ll need to change tampons at least hourly (or go with a different product).

The string incident

While wearing tampons, the most notorious swimming-related risk is the unexpected “string incident” which sometimes occurs with swimsuits. We’re all familiar with it: If it hasn’t happened to us, we know someone who it has happened to.

This unwelcome phenomenon occurs when the tampon string that hangs out sometimes shifts out of your bathing suit or bikini bottoms, leaving you feeling absolutely humiliated because society’s taboos and stigma built around menstruation has told us to feel that way, and thus wondering for many hours, if not days, whether someone actually noticed.

Competitive swimmers and underwater tampon use

Competitive swimmers who spend many hours in the pool sometimes report being able to feel a tampon when swimming. They also report a bit of discomfort associated with underwater tampon use. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning a beach, lake, or boating trip where you’ll be in and out of the water all day during those days of your menstrual cycle. For those occasions, consider using the period products below.

Can you swim on your period without a tampon?

What about menstrual cups and discs? Jackpot! The good news is that not only are menstrual cups and discs the perfect underwater period protection, but they also tend to be more comfortable than tampons in general. If you’re not sure what a menstrual cup or disc is, check out this article.

Both Flex Cup and Flex Disc collect menstrual blood for up to 12 hours — count ‘em, 12! We’re especially partial to menstrual discs for swimming, thanks to their placement all the way at the end of the vaginal canal. Unlike pads and tampons, a menstrual disc molds to the shape of the wearer’s body. This makes them extremely comfortable when you’re trying to hit your freestyle PR.

Both, disposable and reusable menstrual discs are a body-safe and viable option for swimming on your period. These products ALSO reduce menstrual cramping and lessen period odors. They are made of body-safe silicone, an inert material not linked to toxic shock syndrome. And you can’t even feel them when they’re in. That’s what’s made menstrual discs such a hit among competitive athletes who spend a lot of time in the water, like pro surfers, swimmers, water skiers, and kayakers.

menstrual cup vs menstrual disc placement

Swimming with a menstrual cup or disc

Swimming was one of the biggest pain points that necessitated the creation of menstrual discs in the first place. Unlike swimming with tampons, there’s no discomfort, no irritation, no string anxiety, and no mysterious sensations. If you want to hear a firsthand story from a competitive swimmer who struggled with soggy underwater tampons for years, read this post by Rachel Jenkins (spoiler alert: she stans Flex Disc).

If eco friendly is a key priority of yours, and you want a product that works great underwater – but your idea of swimming is not so much a physical activity but more like resting in the pool with a drink in hand – a menstrual cup might be your go-to, especially during lighter flow days.

Cups are worn in the vaginal canal, unlike menstrual discs, which sit at the vaginal fornix. This means that there’s a tiny chance you might be able to feel your cup when swimming laps or diving. However, as long as it’s inserted correctly, you don’t have to worry about potential leaks and you’ll be all set for up to 12 hours of underwater wear.

Reusable menstrual discs are another excellent sustainable alternative, particularly suitable for heavier flow days. In addition to being comfortable for activities like swimming, these discs have a high capacity and can hold the equivalent of 6 or more super tampons. They not only offer convenience but also aid in managing period symptoms such as cramping and odors.

One significant advantage of menstrual discs is that they are not linked to the risk of toxic shock syndrome associated with traditional tampons. Moreover, these discs are environmentally friendly as they can be reused multiple times, reducing waste generated by disposable period products. Their flexible and soft material makes them easy to insert and remove, providing a comfortable period experience for individuals looking for sustainable menstrual care options.

The most important thing to remember when considering swimming on your period is to choose a menstrual product that suits your activity level and flow. Whether you opt for a menstrual cup or disc, both offer comfortable and leak-free protection while in the water. Last thing, make sure to follow the instructions for insertion and enjoy your time in the pool or ocean without any worries – don’t forget to apply sunscreen!

This article is informational only and is not offered as medical advice, nor does it substitute for a consultation with your physician. If you have any gynecological/medical concerns or conditions, please consult your physician.