Using a tampon allows a person to comfortably participate in swimming and other water activities while menstruating. This practice is widely considered safe and effective, provided users follow standard hygiene and product-change guidelines. Concerns often arise regarding how the water environment affects the product’s performance and the required frequency of changing it. The primary focus remains on maintaining the user’s comfort and minimizing the potential for minor health risks associated with prolonged use.
The Standard Rule for Changing Frequency
The fundamental guideline for tampon use is to change the product every four to eight hours. This time frame ensures hygiene and reduces the risk of complications associated with prolonged internal use. The product’s absorbency rating should always match the menstrual flow, and it is recommended to use the lowest absorbency necessary.
A special rule applies when planning to enter the water. It is advised to insert a fresh tampon immediately before getting into the pool, ocean, or lake. This ensures the maximum capacity for menstrual fluid absorption and minimizes the time a used product is exposed to external water.
The most important modification is the non-negotiable need to change the tampon immediately after exiting the water. Regardless of the duration of the swim, the tampon should be replaced with a fresh one. This step is necessary because the tampon, particularly the string, will have absorbed some of the external water. Leaving a water-logged tampon in place is unhygienic and can create an overly moist environment, which is not ideal for the natural balance of the vaginal microbiome. Exposure to external water overrides the standard time guideline.
How Water Exposure Affects Tampon Use
Tampons are composed of absorbent materials like cotton and rayon, designed to soak up menstrual fluid. When submerged in water, the tampon material absorbs external liquid, whether it is chlorinated pool water, saltwater, or fresh water. The tampon string is particularly prone to acting as a wick, drawing water up toward the product.
This absorption of external water lessens the tampon’s ability to absorb menstrual flow, compromising its effectiveness. A waterlogged tampon may become mushy or swell, which can increase the likelihood of leakage shortly after a person leaves the water. The introduction of foreign substances from the water is also a factor.
The water can carry substances such as chlorine from pools or naturally occurring bacteria from lakes and oceans. While the internal placement offers a degree of protection, the external water absorbed by the product’s material is a direct means of contact with these foreign substances. Replacing the tampon quickly after swimming removes the external liquid and its contents from the body.
Safety and Health Considerations
The primary health concern associated with tampon use is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious condition caused by toxins produced by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The risk is slightly increased by prolonged use or using a high-absorbency product for a lighter flow. The presence of a moist, saturated tampon, especially if left in beyond the recommended time, can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth and toxin production.
To minimize the risk of TSS, it is recommended to always choose the lowest absorbency tampon needed to manage the flow. This practice prevents the tampon from becoming excessively dry and potentially causing micro-abrasions upon removal, while also encouraging more frequent changes. The combination of a wet tampon and delayed removal should be avoided.
Beyond TSS, leaving a water-soaked tampon in place can lead to minor issues like irritation or an imbalance in the vaginal flora. The introduction of chemicals, such as chlorine, or environmental bacteria from the water can sometimes lead to localized irritation, itching, or even a yeast infection. Changing the tampon immediately after exiting the water is the most effective way to eliminate these foreign substances and maintain a healthy environment.