It is not possible to go swimming in a pool while wearing a standard sanitary pad. A sanitary pad is an external product designed specifically to absorb fluid that has already left the body. Its construction makes it incompatible with being fully submerged in water. When a pad encounters the large volume of liquid in a pool, it instantly becomes saturated with pool water, rendering it completely useless for managing menstrual flow.
How Absorbent Materials React to Water
The fundamental reason a sanitary pad fails in water lies in the specialized materials used in its absorbent core. Modern pads rely heavily on Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) combined with cellulosic wood pulp fibers. These polymers are engineered to absorb hundreds of times their own weight in liquid. This high absorbency is driven by the polymer’s molecular structure, which attracts and locks in water molecules, turning the liquid into a gel.
The pad’s design does not differentiate between menstrual fluid and pool water; it is simply activated by any liquid. Once submerged, the SAPs and pulp fibers immediately begin drawing in the surrounding pool water through capillary action. This process quickly fills the entire capacity of the pad, causing it to swell dramatically in size. The core’s absorption sites are quickly occupied by pool water, leaving no remaining capacity to absorb menstrual flow.
The rapid saturation means the pad loses all effectiveness as a menstrual product within seconds of entering the water. The absorbent materials are designed to draw in and retain any fluid, so their purpose is defeated by the overwhelming volume of pool water. The product is not designed to be water-resistant or selectively absorbent.
Hygiene and Practical Risks of Using Pads in Water
The mechanical failure of the absorbent core creates several immediate practical issues. Once the pad is completely waterlogged, it becomes extremely heavy and bulky, creating a noticeable mass inside the swimsuit. The adhesive strip on the back of the pad, designed to stick to fabric, quickly loses its ability to hold in place when exposed to water.
The loss of adhesive and the increased weight mean the pad can shift, bunch up, or potentially detach entirely while moving in the water. This structural breakdown leads to significant physical discomfort and a complete loss of discretion. With the pad’s capacity filled by pool water, the menstrual fluid is no longer contained, posing a serious hygiene concern for all swimmers.
If menstrual fluid leaks from the saturated pad, it enters the pool water, which is considered unsanitary. Although pool chemicals like chlorine help manage contaminants, introducing bodily fluids into a shared public space is a public health and cleanliness issue. The pad’s failure to contain the flow means it cannot provide any protection.
Effective Menstrual Protection for Swimming
Several effective menstrual protection options are specifically designed for use in water. These alternatives work differently than pads by either functioning internally or using specialized water-resistant materials.
Tampons
Tampons are an internal product made of compressed absorbent material that is inserted into the vagina, allowing them to absorb flow before it exits the body. Because they are inserted internally, they have minimal contact with the pool water, preventing the immediate saturation and swelling seen with external pads. It is recommended to insert a fresh tampon immediately before swimming and change it promptly afterward.
Menstrual Cups and Discs
Menstrual cups and discs offer a highly effective and water-safe solution because they collect rather than absorb fluid. These flexible devices are inserted internally to create a seal, holding the flow securely without absorbing any pool water. Cups and discs are unaffected by submersion, offering reliable protection for extended periods.
Period Swimwear
Specialized period swimwear is also available, featuring a built-in, multi-layered gusset that includes an absorbent layer and a waterproof barrier. This swimwear is designed to absorb menstrual fluid while preventing the outer layer from soaking up pool water. These garments are suitable for light to moderate flow or as a backup, but they are often paired with an internal product for maximum security during heavy flow.