Swimming while menstruating is a common scenario, and managing menstrual flow in the water is a practical concern. Having your period does not mean you have to skip out on swimming, whether in a pool, lake, or ocean. It is safe to be active in the water during your menstrual cycle, and several reliable options are available for flow management. Understanding how your body and menstrual products interact with water can help you feel confident and comfortable.
Managing Menstrual Flow in Water
While you do not have to wear a tampon, some form of internal protection is necessary for hygiene. When submerged, the water’s hydrostatic pressure temporarily acts against the vaginal opening, which can suppress or slow the flow of menstrual fluid. This creates the illusion that your period has stopped.
However, this pressure effect is not reliable, especially when moving or if you cough or sneeze, which increases abdominal pressure. Pads and panty liners are unsuitable for swimming because their absorbent material quickly soaks up water, making them soggy and unable to absorb menstrual flow. Therefore, an internal product is recommended to manage the flow that occurs before entering and immediately after exiting the water, when normal flow resumes.
How Tampons Behave in Water
Tampons are a popular choice for swimming because they absorb menstrual fluid internally before it exits the body. However, because tampons are absorbent, they will soak up some of the surrounding pool or ocean water.
This absorption of external water can cause the tampon to swell slightly and feel less effective. To minimize the absorption of non-menstrual water, choose the lowest absorbency necessary for your flow. Insert a fresh tampon immediately before entering the water and change it again immediately after exiting to ensure effective management and prevent discomfort.
Other Options for Period Swimming
If tampons are not preferred, menstrual cups and discs offer an effective alternative for water activities. Made of medical-grade silicone or rubber, these devices collect menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. They create a seal against the vaginal walls, preventing external water from entering and mixing with the fluid inside, making them well-suited for swimming.
Menstrual cups and discs can be worn for up to 12 hours, which is an advantage for long days near the water. Another option is specialized period swimwear, which looks like regular swimwear but has a built-in multi-layered gusset. This gusset traps menstrual fluid and uses a waterproof barrier to prevent leaks. Period swimwear is recommended for light to moderate flow days or as backup protection when using an internal product.
Period Swimming Safety
Concerns about hygiene and health are common, but swimming during menstruation is not unsafe. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is associated with the use of internal absorbent products, but the risk is very low and is not significantly increased by swimming itself.
To keep the risk of TSS low, change any internal product as soon as possible after swimming. Chlorine in pools is effective at killing bacteria and managing trace amounts of menstrual fluid. Swimming on your period does not make you more susceptible to vaginal infections, but changing out of a wet swimsuit promptly helps maintain good vaginal health.