Swimming during the final day of a period is a common concern regarding hygiene and leaks. Misconceptions about menstruation often create unnecessary apprehension about entering a pool or the ocean. You can absolutely swim while experiencing your period. Understanding the practical steps and physiological effects involved ensures a comfortable and worry-free experience. Swimming should not prevent participation in physical activity and can actually be beneficial for relieving menstrual discomfort.
The Direct Answer: Safety and Hygiene Considerations
Swimming on the last day of a period, or any day, is completely safe for the individual and hygienic for others sharing the water. The fear of contaminating a pool is unfounded, especially since public water is regularly treated. Most swimming pools maintain chlorine levels effective at sanitizing small amounts of organic matter, including menstrual blood. The actual volume of menstrual fluid released is quite small, and flow is significantly lighter on the final day. Using internal protection prevents blood from entering the water, but any minute amount that escapes is instantly diluted and neutralized by the water and chlorine treatment.
How Water Pressure Affects Menstrual Flow
The physics of being submerged in water provides a temporary mechanism that helps manage menstrual flow. When the body is submerged, the surrounding water exerts hydrostatic pressure. This external pressure pushes inward, temporarily counteracting the force of gravity that drives menstrual flow. While the period does not stop, the flow is often temporarily reduced or paused while swimming. This effect is temporary, and normal flow will resume immediately upon exiting the water, which is why proper internal protection is still recommended.
Choosing the Right Menstrual Protection for Swimming
Selecting the appropriate menstrual product is the most important practical step for swimming while menstruating. External products like pads or liners are not suitable because they absorb water and become ineffective when wet. Internal collection methods are the most reliable option for water activities.
Internal Protection Options
Tampons are common, but they can absorb water along with menstrual fluid, causing faster saturation. It is advisable to insert a fresh tampon just before swimming and change it shortly after exiting the water. Menstrual cups and discs offer a superior alternative, as they form a seal to collect fluid rather than absorbing it. Since they do not absorb pool or ocean water, they are highly effective for swimming. For a very light final-day flow, period swimwear is also an option, featuring absorbent layers built into the lining.
Addressing Common Worries and Myths
One persistent worry about swimming while menstruating is the myth that menstrual blood attracts sharks in the ocean. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim; the extremely small amount of blood released into the ocean is highly diluted and does not increase the risk of an attack. Another common concern is the risk of infection, such as a yeast infection, from swimming during a period. Swimming itself does not cause these infections, and the minor risk associated with tampons absorbing pool water can be mitigated by changing the product promptly. Exercise, including swimming, can help relieve common menstrual symptoms like cramping by releasing endorphins.