It is not possible to effectively use a standard menstrual pad while swimming. A conventional pad is an external product designed to absorb menstrual flow away from the body. These products are manufactured with materials that rapidly absorb any liquid they encounter, making them completely unsuitable for submersion in water. The design of a standard pad is fundamentally incompatible with an aquatic environment.
Why Standard Pads Are Not Effective in Water
A standard pad fails in water due to super-absorbent polymers (SAPs), typically sodium polyacrylate, within its core. These polymers are engineered to absorb and trap liquids; a single gram of SAP can absorb hundreds of times its weight in fluid. When submerged, these SAP granules instantly absorb the surrounding pool or ocean water through osmosis.
Immediate saturation with external water renders the pad useless, as there is no remaining capacity to absorb menstrual flow. The pad swells dramatically, becoming heavy and waterlogged, causing it to lose structural integrity. The adhesive backing, intended to secure the pad to underwear, quickly fails when exposed to water, causing the bulky, saturated pad to detach and float.
Hygiene and Pool Safety Considerations
The failure of the pad goes beyond personal protection and introduces public health and etiquette issues. Once the pad is saturated with pool water, it cannot absorb menstrual discharge, resulting in leakage directly into the water. Even small amounts of menstrual fluid, though quickly diluted, are a concern for other swimmers.
Furthermore, the material breakdown of the saturated pad can introduce foreign debris into the water. Internal components, such as cellulose fibers and the gel-like SAP, can shed and break apart, leading to visible material floating in the pool. This material shedding, combined with the risk of discharge, creates an unsanitary condition for public swimming areas. Properly treated pool water is designed to neutralize pathogens, but bodily fluids and foreign materials are expected to be contained before entering the water.
Viable Menstrual Protection Alternatives for Swimming
Internal collection methods are the most reliable and effective options for swimming during menstruation. Tampons are a traditional and accessible choice, inserted into the vaginal canal to absorb flow before it exits the body. Since the tampon is held internally, it does not absorb external water to the same extent a pad would, and it remains discreet while swimming.
Menstrual cups and discs offer a superior alternative to tampons because they collect, rather than absorb, the menstrual fluid. These devices are made of medical-grade silicone and create a seal that prevents any fluid from entering or exiting, providing a leak-proof experience for up to 12 hours. Menstrual discs, in particular, often have a high capacity, making them ideal for extended periods in the water or for those with a heavier flow.
A third option is specialized period-proof swimwear, which incorporates a thin, absorbent, and waterproof liner into the gusset of the swimsuit bottom. This specialized garment is designed to absorb light flow or catch small leaks, and it features an outer aquaphobic fabric to repel pool water. Period swimwear works best for very light flow days or as a backup to internal protection, as its absorption capacity is significantly lower than that of a cup or disc.