Traditional external period pads, whether disposable or reusable, are not designed to function when submerged in water. This reality presents a dilemma for active individuals seeking worry-free swimming while menstruating. Fortunately, several specialized and highly effective internal and external products exist that make water activities completely manageable during a period.
Why Standard Pads Fail in Water
Standard period pads contain highly absorbent materials, including cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), engineered to soak up fluid rapidly. This design makes them effective for managing menstrual flow when dry.
When submerged, these polymers cannot distinguish between menstrual fluid and pool or ocean water. The pad instantly saturates, swelling up to two or three times its normal size as it absorbs the surrounding water. The waterlogged pad becomes bulky, heavy, and uncomfortable, resembling a soaked diaper.
Once saturated, the pad has no remaining capacity to absorb menstrual blood, rendering it ineffective. Furthermore, the adhesive strip is designed to stick only to dry fabric and quickly loses its tackiness when wet, causing the pad to bunch up, shift, or detach entirely from the swimsuit.
Using Tampons for Swimming and Water Sports
Tampons are a common solution for managing periods during water activities because they function internally. They are inserted into the vaginal canal, absorbing menstrual fluid before it leaves the body. This internal placement means they are not immediately exposed to surrounding water, allowing them to remain effective.
While tampons are absorbent, they are less likely to fully soak up pool or ocean water because they are compressed against the vaginal walls. To ensure maximum protection, insert a fresh tampon immediately before entering the water and change it promptly after swimming. This practice minimizes water exposure and maintains optimal absorption capacity.
A common concern with tampons is the visibility of the removal string, which can be managed by carefully tucking it under the lip of the swimsuit bottom. Choosing the correct absorbency level based on your flow is important, ensuring the tampon holds its position securely even during rigorous water sports.
Menstrual Cups: The Reusable Water Solution
Menstrual cups offer an alternative internal solution that excels in water environments because they collect fluid rather than absorbing it. Made from flexible medical-grade silicone, a cup is folded and inserted into the vagina, where it opens to form a seal against the vaginal walls. This seal is established by slight suction, which prevents fluid from escaping the cup and prevents external water from entering it.
Because the cup is non-absorbent, it will not become waterlogged, swell, or lose its protective function while swimming. This makes it highly reliable for extended periods in the water. Cups also boast a larger capacity than most tampons, with some holding up to 50 milliliters of fluid, allowing for up to 12 hours of wear time.
Achieving a proper seal is the key to leak-free protection before swimming. Users should ensure the cup has fully opened after insertion by running a finger around the rim or gently twisting the cup. Feeling a slight resistance when tugging on the stem confirms the required suction has been created.
How Period Swimwear Functions
Period swimwear is an external option that looks and feels like regular swimwear but contains built-in leakproof technology. The suit’s function relies on a multi-layered gusset, the absorbent panel located in the crotch area. This specialized fabric is engineered to handle menstrual flow without becoming saturated by surrounding water.
The technology involves a wicking layer closest to the skin, an ultra-absorbent core that traps menstrual fluid, and an external waterproof layer. The outer fabric often has a water-repellent treatment that actively repels pool or ocean water, preventing the absorbent core from soaking up external liquid. The inner core remains hydrophilic, attracting and locking in the menstrual fluid.
This swimwear is suited for light to moderate flow days or as a backup layer to an internal product. For the technology to work effectively, the suit requires a snug fit, particularly around the leg openings, ensuring the leakproof barrier maintains contact with the body. After use, the garment should be rinsed under cold water until clear before being machine washed.