Swimming in the ocean while menstruating is widely accepted and presents no health concerns, provided an appropriate internal menstrual product is used. Tampons allow for participation in water activities by managing menstrual flow discreetly and effectively. Safety relies on proper hygiene and product-changing protocols. The main consideration is understanding how the tampon interacts with the surrounding water and affects its function.
Tampon Performance in Water
A common misconception is that a correctly inserted tampon creates a watertight seal. The tampon is an absorbent material placed in a non-watertight body cavity, meaning it will absorb any liquid that reaches it, including ocean water. When submerged, the tampon draws in surrounding saltwater in addition to menstrual fluid.
This absorption of external water causes the tampon to become saturated more rapidly than during normal use. Saturation is often accelerated because the tampon string, which hangs outside the body, can act like a wick, drawing water up into the material. Consequently, a tampon worn while swimming quickly becomes heavier and wetter, leading to discomfort and a loss of effectiveness.
Hygiene and Health Considerations
The key health concern often associated with tampon use is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious condition caused by toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Swimming itself does not inherently increase the risk of TSS, but leaving any saturated tampon in place for an extended period of time does, whether the saturation is from menstrual fluid or water. The presence of foreign material and the warmth of the body create an environment where the bacteria may multiply and produce toxins.
Ocean water is not sterile and contains various microorganisms and bacteria. When the tampon absorbs saltwater, it also absorbs any pathogens present in that water. Although the vagina has a natural, acidic microbiome that offers some defense, a water-logged tampon that has absorbed external bacteria can potentially disrupt this balance. To mitigate the risk of vaginal irritation or infection, it is important to remove the tampon promptly after exiting the water.
Practical Steps for Ocean Swimming
To ensure hygiene and prevent leakage, insert a fresh tampon immediately before entering the ocean. This ensures the product is at its full absorption capacity. A crucial step for all water activities is to change the tampon right away upon exiting the water, even if the swimming time was short. Immediate changing is necessary because absorbed water reduces the tampon’s ability to hold menstrual fluid.
Although tampons can be worn for a maximum of four to eight hours generally, this time frame is significantly reduced when swimming due to rapid saturation. For individuals planning to swim repeatedly throughout the day, the tampon should be changed after each session out of the water. Choosing the lowest effective absorbency is also a recommended practice, as this helps to reduce the risk of TSS, which has been historically linked to higher-absorbency products.
If the flow is light, a lighter absorbency tampon is sufficient and is less likely to cause discomfort upon removal. After removal, the saturated tampon should be disposed of properly, and hands should be washed thoroughly before inserting a new one.