Swimming in a lake while menstruating is absolutely safe and poses no health risks. Many common concerns surrounding this topic are based on misinformation. With appropriate preparation, swimming during your period is entirely manageable. The key to a worry-free experience lies in understanding how water affects the body’s natural processes and knowing the right hygiene practices to follow.
The Physiological Reality of Water and Flow
Menstrual flow does not cease when the body is submerged in water, but the outward flow is often temporarily halted or significantly slowed. This effect is due to the simple physics of hydrostatic pressure. When you enter a body of water, the pressure exerted by the surrounding water on your body counteracts the force of gravity that would normally pull the menstrual fluid downward and out. This temporary suppression means that for the duration of your swim, you are unlikely to experience any visible leakage. Once you exit the lake and the hydrostatic pressure is removed, the flow will resume its normal rate immediately.
Myth Busting: Safety and Wildlife Concerns
One of the most persistent fears about swimming in natural water while menstruating is the concern that menstrual blood will attract wildlife, particularly sharks. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that humans are at an increased risk of a shark attack while on their period. The amount of blood released into the water, even without protection, is minimal and is immediately diluted by the vast volume of water. Furthermore, the wildlife concern often applies primarily to oceans, as sharks are not found in freshwater lakes. While lakes contain other animals, there is no recorded correlation between human menstrual fluid and an increased risk of interaction with lake-dwelling wildlife.
Practical Management and Hygiene in Natural Water
For a comfortable and leak-free swim, internal menstrual products are the only effective option. External products, such as pads or pantyliners, are made of absorbent material and will quickly soak up the lake water, becoming heavy, ineffective, and unhygienic almost instantly. Tampons and menstrual cups or discs are the recommended choices for water activities. Tampons absorb menstrual fluid, while cups and discs collect it, forming a seal that prevents water from entering the vagina. Menstrual cups or discs are particularly suitable for natural waters because they collect rather than absorb, meaning they do not take on lake water that may contain bacteria.
Proper hygiene is important when swimming in a lake, as natural waters are not treated with chemicals like chlorine. If using a tampon, it is advisable to change it immediately after exiting the water, as the string and the cotton material can absorb some of the surrounding lake water. Changing your product promptly helps reduce exposure to any bacteria present in the water. For the most confidence, ensure that any product is inserted correctly before entering the water and disposed of properly afterward.