It’s officially summer and with COVID restrictions lifting, summer is in full swing. Sometimes it’s a battle to decide whether or not it’s worth it to go swimming while on your period. Here are a few tips for what we’ve found are the best ways of handling it as well as the answers to some common swimming on your period myths.
Tips/Tricks
Menstrual Cup
Many people use tampons when they swim, this can work. However, I found when I used tampons while swimming that they seemed to leak easily. They also do not last very long depending on how heavy your flow is. I noticed a big difference when I switched to menstrual cups as far as leaking goes while swimming. I was way less likely to leak or get some in my swimsuit. They also last a lot longer!
You can learn more about menstrual cups in our blog post here.
Period Swimming Underwear
Period underwear has gained a lot of popularity in recent years and now there are also more and more options for period swim bottoms. A few places that offer period proof swimwear are: Ruby Love, Knix and Modibodi. Taimi tried the Modibodi bottoms, you can see her review here.
Don’t wear your white swimsuit, just don’t.
If you really want to, go for it. However, I’m always too nervous to ruin my bottoms, no matter if I am using a pad, tampon or something else! I always opt for a black or other darkly colored swimsuit while on my period.
Take it easy
If you want to go swimming, great! If you don’t, don’t feel like you have to. It’s also possible to just go to the pool or ocean and not get in or only go in part of the way if that makes you feel more comfortable!
Myths
You don’t stop bleeding in the water
A common myth is that you stop bleeding while in the water. This is not true, however the pressure from the water can keep the blood inside your body more than usual. If you move, sneeze or laugh it is still likely that blood will come out. If you do leak while in the water, it won’t really matter because it will dissipate into a much larger body of water and nobody will be able to see it.
Sharks aren’t particularly attracted to period blood
Most people think they shouldn’t swim in the ocean while on their period because sharks will be attracted to the blood. Sharks actually aren’t that attracted to humans and there is no evidence to suggest that sharks are many attracted to period blood than they are to other bodily fluids including sweat and pee.
Swimming can help relieve cramp pain
Some light activity plus the soothing movement of the water and slight pressure it provides can help with your cramp pain and at the very least might take your mind off of it for a little!
Always remember to do what is best for you and your body! These tips may not apply to everyone. If you have any great swimming hacks on your period, let us know in the comments below!
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels