Swimming while menstruating is perfectly safe and hygienic. Menstruation should not prevent you from enjoying water-based activities. The process of the uterine lining shedding continues internally, but with proper preparation, swimming is easily managed. This guide clarifies common misconceptions and provides practical advice.
Addressing Safety Concerns and Common Myths
Concerns about hygiene while swimming are understandable. When using an internal menstrual product, the likelihood of any menstrual fluid leaking into the water is extremely low. Furthermore, the chemicals used in treated water, such as chlorine or bromine in pools, actively kill bacteria and keep the water sanitized, managing any trace amounts of bodily fluids.
A persistent myth suggests that swimming in the ocean while menstruating will attract sharks. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim, and the amount of blood involved is highly diluted and minimal. Many people, including professional divers, safely enter the water while menstruating without incident.
A common observation is that menstrual flow seems to slow or even stop when you are submerged in water. This is due to the physics of hydrostatic pressure; the external pressure of the water counteracts the force of gravity that normally causes the fluid to flow out. The process of menstruation does not actually stop, and the fluid continues to collect internally. Once you exit the water and the pressure is removed, the flow will resume at its normal rate.
Managing Menstrual Flow While Swimming
The most effective way to manage your flow while swimming is by using internal protection. Tampons are a widely used option, but they do absorb a small amount of surrounding water, which may reduce their capacity to absorb menstrual fluid. It is advisable to change your tampon immediately before entering the water and again promptly after you finish swimming to maintain optimal hygiene and prevent the risk of infection.
Menstrual cups and discs are excellent alternatives for water activities because they collect fluid rather than absorbing it. Because they are made of medical-grade silicone, they do not absorb water from the outside, which makes them highly effective for extended wear while swimming. These products can typically be worn safely for up to 12 hours, offering maximum protection and convenience.
External products like traditional pads or panty liners are unsuitable for swimming. These products are designed to absorb fluid and will quickly become saturated with water, rendering them ineffective for collecting menstrual flow. Once wet, they become heavy and unhygienic. Period-friendly swimwear, which features an absorbent, thin lining, is a relatively new external option designed for light flow or for use as a backup with internal protection.
Practicalities of Swimming in Different Waters
Whether you are in a chlorinated pool or a natural body of water, the principles of managing your period remain the same. In pools, the sanitizing action of chlorine handles any trace leakage of bodily fluids, ensuring the water remains safe for everyone. The chlorine itself does not negatively interact with the menstrual cycle or with internal products.
For swimming in the ocean or a lake, internal protection is still necessary for comfort and hygiene, but there is no increased risk of infection from the water itself. The buoyancy of the water can also offer a benefit, as light exercise like swimming may actually help to alleviate menstrual cramps for many people. This is because physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving compounds.