How to Swim During Your Period

Women often worry about swimming while on their period, but there are ways to prevent menstruation from affecting your experience when traveling, swimming in the sea, or enjoying a day at the pool. In fact, swimming during this time can actually ease menstrual cramps and improve your mood. Check out the article below for tips on how to swim during your period.

Wear a tampon or menstrual cup before swimming. Swimming can temporarily reduce menstrual flow, while a tampon absorbs it entirely. Especially at the pool, avoid entering the water without a tampon or menstrual cup as it’s more hygienic. If you're not comfortable using these, try them out at home before swimming.

• Tampon: If you’re familiar with tampons, they’re the perfect choice for swimming. You won’t have to worry about leaks since they fit snugly. Be sure to tuck the tampon string into your swimsuit to keep it discreet. Enjoy water activities without stressing about your period. Always change your tampon regularly, and don’t wear it for more than eight hours.
• Menstrual Cup: Though less common than tampons, menstrual cups can be inserted into the vagina and stay in place to collect menstrual flow. They can be worn up to ten hours, longer than tampons, which can be worn for a maximum of eight hours. Like tampons, menstrual cups are discreet and absorb all menstrual flow, and you don’t need to worry about hiding a string.
• Do not use sanitary pads while swimming. Pads tend to absorb water, becoming uncomfortable and ineffective at absorbing menstrual flow. If you wear a pad in your swimsuit, it will swell and become noticeable, which can make you feel self-conscious.

Bring extra supplies. If you’re using a tampon, you may need to change it multiple times during the day if you’re in the water for an extended period. It’s a good idea to bring extra tampons just in case, especially if you plan to stay longer with friends and enjoy the day. If you prefer switching to a pad after swimming and changing clothes, you can bring some along for the change.

• If you’re using tampons during a heavy flow day, it’s recommended to change them every three to four hours.
• If you’re using a menstrual cup, you don’t need to change it while swimming—this type of cup can be worn for up to 12 hours. However, it’s still a good idea to bring an extra one just in case.
• Other girls in your group may also need tampons.

Ignore the rumors about not swimming during your period. Menstruation is often a subject of many misconceptions. Don't listen to claims that swimming during your period is harmful, or that menstrual blood attracts sharks if swimming in the sea. Don’t be concerned by people saying tampons absorb water while you're swimming. These statements are unfounded, so feel free to swim whether you're on your period or not.

Wear shorts if you feel uncomfortable with a tampon. This step isn't really necessary, but if you're worried about the tampon string hanging down or feeling self-conscious, you can wear shorts for added comfort and to keep things discreet. You can opt for cute, not-too-loose shorts and wear them over your swimsuit. For extra reassurance, choose dark-colored shorts.

• Men's board shorts are a great fit with a bikini top and won't draw unwanted attention.
• You could also joke that you couldn't find your swim shorts and had to borrow them from your brother or something similar.

Wear dark-colored swimwear if you're worried about leaks. Usually, menstrual flow won’t leak if you're using a tampon or menstrual cup correctly, but if it helps you feel more secure, opt for dark swimwear. Pick a cute shade like navy or deep purple and get ready to enjoy a fun day of swimming.

• You can also choose swimwear with thicker fabric around the crotch area to prevent the tampon string from showing.

Swim naturally and don’t worry about your period. Feel confident to glide through the water! Avoid constantly checking your swimsuit or looking behind every few minutes to check for leaks – that’s unnecessary. If you’re genuinely concerned, you can run to the shore and check in a restroom. Don’t overthink it; just enjoy your time in the water.

• Ask a close friend to give you a heads-up if they notice anything out of the ordinary.

Alleviate cramps and bloating. While there's no foolproof solution for dealing with cramps during your period, there are ways to minimize discomfort and bloating during this sensitive time. Avoid greasy, salty foods and anything unhealthy, along with caffeine. If the pain is too intense, you can take Motrin or other pain relievers to ease the discomfort. Sometimes, just staying in the water and trying to forget the pain can be the best option.

If you're uncomfortable swimming during your period, consider sunbathing instead. If swimming truly feels uncomfortable, or you’re not feeling well, or you simply don’t feel confident swimming while on your period, just politely decline. You can say something like, "I'm not feeling too comfortable" and instead, relax on a chair and enjoy the sunshine. If your group is all female, they will understand right away. Even if there are men in the group, they won’t mind much.

• Stay close to your friends, even if they are in the water. You can sit on the edge of the pool and dip your feet in, or relax at the beach while cheering on a beach competition.
• This should be your last resort if you're not feeling confident. Always remember that you should enjoy yourself and have fun in the water whenever you feel like it – whether you’re on your period or not. Menstruation is a natural part of being a woman, and you should be proud of it, not embarrassed.