Menstrual pads are designed exclusively for absorbing fluid outside the body and are structurally incompatible with water immersion. Attempting to swim with a pad will immediately compromise its functionality, offering no effective protection against menstrual flow while in the water. The design intended for land use makes it impractical and ineffective for any water activity.
Why Pads Are Not Water-Compatible
Menstrual pads rely on Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) engineered to rapidly absorb and lock away fluids. While efficient for menstrual fluid, SAPs cannot distinguish between blood and pool or ocean water. When submerged, the pad quickly absorbs the surrounding water, causing immediate saturation. This saturation means the pad has no remaining capacity to absorb menstrual flow. The absorption of water causes the pad to swell dramatically, becoming bulky, heavy, and noticeable under a swimsuit. Furthermore, the adhesive strip meant to secure the pad to underwear loses its stickiness when wet, meaning the saturated pad is likely to shift or detach entirely, creating a risk of leakage.
Effective Menstrual Products for Water Activities
Tampons
For managing menstruation during water activities, products designed for internal use are the standard recommendation. Tampons, constructed from compressed absorbent material, work by absorbing the menstrual flow internally before it can exit the body. When properly inserted, a tampon expands to create a seal that minimizes the absorption of external water. It should be changed promptly after swimming.
Menstrual Cups and Discs
Menstrual cups and discs offer a non-absorbent, collection-based solution, making them an excellent choice for swimming. These products are typically made from medical-grade silicone and sit inside the vaginal canal, forming a seal to collect fluid. Because they collect rather than absorb, they do not take on water from the environment, maintaining their capacity and preventing leaks effectively.
Period-Proof Swimwear
Specialized period-proof swimwear incorporates a thin, absorbent, and leak-resistant lining into the gusset of the swimsuit bottom. This technology is designed to absorb light to moderate flow and contain it even when wet, acting as a discreet barrier. These products work well for users who prefer an external solution for lighter days or as a backup for internal protection.
Safety and Hygiene of Swimming on Your Period
Swimming while menstruating is safe and does not pose unique health risks related to the water itself. Well-maintained, chlorinated pools effectively neutralize most bacteria, reducing the risk of vaginal infection. The vagina also possesses a natural, slightly acidic environment that provides protection against pathogens.
Water pressure from the pool or ocean can temporarily reduce or stop the flow of menstrual fluid while submerged. This effect is due to external pressure holding the fluid inside the vaginal canal. However, this is not a complete cessation of the period, and flow will immediately resume upon exiting the water, which is why proper internal protection is necessary.
There is also a popular myth that the presence of menstrual blood in the water could attract marine predators like sharks. Scientific evidence does not support this claim, and there are no recorded instances suggesting that menstruating individuals are at a higher risk of a shark encounter. The quantity of blood released is minimal and quickly dispersed by water currents, making swimming in the ocean completely safe during this time.