Swimming during menstruation can present a challenge for those who prefer not to use tampons, whether due to comfort, health concerns, or simple preference. The need to manage your period should not prevent you from enjoying time in the water. Fortunately, several reliable options, ranging from internal collection devices to specialized external garments, offer practical solutions for worry-free swimming.
Internal Options for Water Protection
The most secure alternatives to tampons for swimming are menstrual cups and menstrual discs, both of which are designed to collect, rather than absorb, menstrual fluid. Cups are bell-shaped devices made of flexible medical-grade silicone that sit low in the vaginal canal. They create a tight suction seal against the vaginal walls, preventing fluid from escaping and water from entering.
Menstrual discs are flatter and wider, fitting higher up in the vaginal fornix. Discs stay in place by tucking behind the pubic bone rather than relying on suction, which may be better for those with sensitivity or an IUD. Both devices offer a significant advantage over tampons because they do not absorb water, ensuring they remain comfortable, do not swell, and maintain their capacity to hold menstrual flow while swimming.
Ensuring a proper seal or tuck before getting into the pool is key to success. Emptying the cup or disc immediately before swimming maximizes the wear time, which can be up to 12 hours for some products, providing several hours of uninterrupted water time. Since both collect fluid internally, there is no visible string, offering discreet protection for any water activity.
Specialized External Swimwear
For those who prefer an external solution or seek backup protection, specialized period swimwear offers an innovative alternative. These garments look like regular bikini bottoms or swim shorts, featuring a built-in multi-layered gusset designed to manage menstrual flow. The technology typically involves three or more layers working in harmony to provide leak protection.
The inner layer is moisture-wicking to keep the skin dry, while the middle layer is a highly absorbent core that traps the menstrual fluid. This core can absorb the equivalent of one to three tampons’ worth of fluid, making it ideal for light to moderate flow days. The outer layer is water-repellent, preventing the absorbent core from soaking up pool or ocean water, thus avoiding the waterlogged feeling of a traditional pad.
This engineering allows the swimwear to manage blood while repelling external water, ensuring the garment remains slim and discreet when wet. Period swimwear is an excellent choice for light days, for teenagers new to period products, or as a reliable backup when paired with an internal product. A snug fit around the leg openings is important to create a barrier against leaks.
Managing Timing and Flow for Worry-Free Swimming
A successful swimming experience relies on understanding and managing your flow dynamics. Tracking your cycle closely helps predict which day you will be swimming, allowing you to select the right product for your expected flow intensity. Even without an internal product, the pressure exerted by the water temporarily slows or stops the flow of blood while submerged.
This effect is due to the hydrostatic pressure from the water counteracting the force of gravity on the menstrual fluid. This is only a temporary pause, and flow will resume immediately upon exiting the water, or it may release slightly during vigorous movements. Relying solely on water pressure is not recommended for public swimming, but knowing this effect can offer confidence for very short dips on the lightest flow days.
Prioritizing hygiene before and after swimming is important regardless of the product used. Changing into dry clothing immediately after exiting the water helps maintain comfort and skin health. If you are using an internal device, emptying it right before a swim ensures maximum capacity and peace of mind, especially for extended periods in the water.