How to Go to the Beach During Your Period

Use a menstrual cup or tampon (a cylindrical sanitary product inserted into the vagina) if you plan to swim at the beach. Regular sanitary pads are not suitable for swimming. The pad will quickly absorb water and lose its ability to absorb menstrual blood, and it may expand so much that it becomes visible and uncomfortable in your swimsuit, potentially even falling out and floating on the water. In contrast, tampons and menstrual cups absorb the fluids before they leave your body, so the chance of leakage is very low.

• Tampons can stay in the body for up to 8 hours, and menstrual cups can last up to 12 hours, so you can engage in activities like sunbathing, swimming, or playing beach volleyball without needing to rush to the bathroom.
• Look for tampons labeled "active" or designed for sports. These tampons are less likely to leak and are designed for activities like swimming, running, or playing frisbee.
• If you're worried that the tampon string may stick out, you can bring nail clippers and carefully trim the string after inserting the tampon. You can also tuck the string into the lining of your swimwear.
• When in the water, your period may slow down or barely flow. The pressure of the water may act as a seal and hold menstrual fluids inside. However, this isn’t guaranteed, and you shouldn’t rely on it.

Bring some extra supplies just in case. Toss a few tampons into a small bag and tuck it into your beach tote so you won't be caught off guard if you need them. This way, you'll feel confident if your period is heavier than usual and you need to change your tampon more frequently, or if your trip unexpectedly lasts longer than planned, exceeding the safe 8-hour tampon limit.

• With backup supplies on hand, you can relax and enjoy your day without stressing about finding tampons in a pinch.
• The tampons you carry could also be a lifesaver if any of your friends suddenly gets their period or forgets to pack theirs.

Opt for dark-colored swimwear. This isn’t the time for a white swimsuit. While rare, leaks can still happen. Since swimwear usually lacks built-in underwear, it's a good idea to wear dark colors like black or navy to conceal any potential accidents.

• If you’re especially worried about leaks, you could wear a pair of shorts or a cute wrap skirt over your swimsuit for extra protection.

Pack over-the-counter pain relievers for cramps. Is there anything worse than period cramps? How about period cramps while you're at the beach? Be sure to bring along over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), and follow the instructions on the label. Don’t forget to pack some water and snacks to take with the medication.

• Consider packing hot water or warm water with a little lemon in a thermos. This drink can help improve circulation, relax your muscles, and ease those cramps.

Consider delaying or skipping a period if you're on vacation. If you're using birth control and know that your beach trip coincides with your period, you may choose to skip or delay it. If you only do this occasionally, it won't harm you or affect the effectiveness of your birth control—but it's always a good idea to check with your doctor for confirmation.

• If you're taking birth control pills, avoid the placebo pills during your period week (these are usually marked or colored differently). Instead, start a new pack right away.
• If you're using a patch or IUD, remove it after three weeks as usual. But instead of taking a break for a week, simply replace it immediately with a new one.
• Some spotting may still occur while skipping your period, so it’s best to pack some pantyliners just in case.
• If you're using birth control, bring an extra pack, patch, or ring in case your insurance doesn’t allow early refills (since you might need to start a new pack a week earlier than usual).

Stay hydrated and avoid salty foods to prevent bloating and cramps. You definitely don’t want to feel bloated and uncomfortable on a day when you should be enjoying the beach in your swimsuit. Skip fried and salty foods, and opt for hydrating snacks like watermelon and berries, or calcium-rich almonds that help ease cramps.

• Avoid caffeine, as it can exacerbate cramping.
• Drink water, lemon water, or caffeine-free tea instead of sugary sodas or alcoholic drinks, which can cause bloating.

Camp near a bathroom. While you don’t need to pitch your tent right next to the bathroom, it’s a good idea to set up camp within view of one so you can quickly go in and change or check for leaks. Plus, keeping your bladder and bowels empty can help ease cramps, so make frequent trips to the restroom for comfort.

Use oil-free sunscreen designed for your face. Many women experience breakouts during their period, and sunscreens with oils can make acne worse. Look for a sunscreen formulated specifically for the face that is non-comedogenic. If you’re worried about redness or pimples on your face, try applying a tinted moisturizer on top of your sunscreen to even out your skin tone.

• A large pair of sunglasses and a cute wide-brimmed hat can also help hide any blemishes during “those days.” Plus, you’ll look fabulous with these accessories.

Swim or move around to relieve cramps. You might not feel like doing this, but sometimes physical activity is the best way to ease cramps. The endorphins your body releases can lift your mood and also act as a natural pain reliever.

• If you really don’t want to move, prop your feet up on a stack of towels or your beach bag to ease the pain. Alternatively, lie on your stomach, take slow deep breaths, and relax.

Consider getting comfortable with using tampons. Many women feel apprehensive when using tampons for the first time, but these sanitary products are actually quite comfortable, easy to insert, and convenient. It's a good idea to practice using tampons before your beach trip (only while on your period – using them on non-period days can be painful and risky) so that you feel confident when stepping into the water.

• Remember that tampons can't get lost inside your body. If the string becomes visible, removing the tampon is simple. Just ensure that you don't wear one for more than 8 hours, and you’ll be fine.
• Some women may struggle to insert tampons due to a tight hymen or a narrow vaginal opening. If you've tried multiple times and still can't insert one, it’s best to consult a doctor.

Use a regular sanitary pad and spend the day sunbathing or reading. If you're not planning on swimming, a thin sanitary pad under your swimwear will still keep you safe. Just remember to choose a pad without wings, and double-check in the mirror to make sure the pad isn't visible through the swimwear fabric.

• Wear a cute pair of shorts or a wrap skirt around your waist in case the pad becomes noticeable under your swimsuit.

Try swimming without a sanitary pad. This may be a bit tricky, and you might experience a slight leak, but if you’re desperate to swim and can’t use a tampon, give it a try. Before heading to the beach, go to the bathroom to remove your pad, put on your shorts, and head down to the water.

• Leave your shorts on the sand, then rush into the water. While it's not foolproof, the water can help prevent the blood from flowing or at least keep it minimal, making it unlikely that anyone will notice.
• When you get out of the water, quickly put your shorts back on, grab a fresh pad, and head back to the restroom to attach it to your swimwear. Keep in mind, wet fabric might make it harder to stick the pad, so you may need to change into fresh underwear and wear your shorts.