Hot springs, whether natural geothermal pools or commercially managed spas, offer unique relaxation and therapeutic heat. If you are wondering if menstruation should stop you from enjoying this experience, the answer is no. With the right preparations, soaking in warm, mineral-rich water while menstruating is perfectly safe and can even be comfortable. This requires understanding how to manage flow in shared water, the body’s response to heat, and public hygiene standards.
Managing Menstruation While Submerged
The most important consideration for soaking in a hot spring is ensuring the menstrual flow is completely contained before entering the water. External products, such as traditional pads, are ineffective because they absorb water instantly, becoming saturated and non-functional. Pads also pose a significant public hygiene issue and should never be worn in shared water environments.
Internal protection is the only practical solution for water activities, with tampons and menstrual cups being the most common choices. Tampons absorb the flow, but they will also absorb some surrounding hot spring water. Therefore, insert a fresh tampon immediately before getting in and remove it promptly upon exiting to maintain hygiene and reduce irritation.
Menstrual cups are often the superior option for soaking because they collect flow rather than absorbing it. Made from medical-grade silicone, a properly inserted cup forms a seal that prevents menstrual fluid from leaking out and hot spring water from entering the vagina. This makes them ideal for longer soaks, as they can be worn for several hours without immediate changing upon exiting. The belief that water pressure stops menstrual flow is a myth; it may temporarily slow the flow, but internal protection remains necessary.
Physiological Impact of Hot Water on the Menstrual Cycle
The warmth of a hot spring can noticeably affect the body during menstruation. Heat applied to the abdomen is a well-established method for relieving typical menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea). The warmth promotes vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels), which increases blood flow to the pelvic area. This helps relax contracting uterine muscles, alleviating cramps.
However, full-body immersion in high temperatures causes widespread vasodilation, impacting comfort and safety. This dilation temporarily lowers blood pressure. Combined with menstrual cycle hormonal fluctuations, this can increase the risk of lightheadedness or dizziness. Individuals may also be more susceptible to temporary anemia and dehydration during heavy flow days, which the heat exacerbates.
To mitigate these effects, limit soaking time to shorter intervals (10 to 15 minutes) and take frequent breaks to cool down. Staying well-hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after the soak is necessary to counteract fluid loss from sweating. Upon exiting, the sudden change in temperature and pressure may lead to a temporary sensation of increased menstrual flow due to the previous vasodilation.
Public Hygiene and Safety Considerations
Concerns about public hygiene when menstruating in shared water are addressed by using proper internal protection. In commercial hot springs and regulated facilities, the water is continuously filtered, circulated, and treated with sanitizing agents like chlorine, bromine, or ozone. These systems are designed to handle trace amounts of biological material and maintain water quality standards.
The primary goal of using a tampon or menstrual cup is to prevent menstrual fluid from entering the shared water. Even if a minute leak occurs, the volume of blood is negligible when diluted within a large body of water and is immediately addressed by the facility’s sanitization process. Therefore, the risk of contamination is extremely low when internal products are used correctly.
For natural, untreated hot springs, strict personal hygiene is even more important, as there are no added chemicals to manage water quality. While the heat can inhibit some pathogens, natural pools may carry a risk of bacteria from the environment or other bathers. Regardless of the setting, check if the specific facility has any posted rules or cultural guidelines regarding menstruation, as is sometimes the case in traditional settings like Japanese onsen.