Managing a period during water activities without tampons is a common concern. Fortunately, several effective and discreet products offer reliable protection for swimming, whether at a pool, lake, or ocean. These alternatives provide confidence and comfort, allowing for extended time in the water without the worry of leaks or the discomfort of a soggy, absorbent product. The best choice depends on your flow, comfort level with internal products, and how long you plan to be swimming.
Internal Alternatives: Cups and Discs
Internal collection devices, specifically menstrual cups and discs, offer the most robust and long-lasting protection for water-based activities. Unlike tampons, which absorb fluid and external water, both cups and discs collect menstrual flow. They are typically constructed from medical-grade silicone, a non-absorbent material safe for internal use. This means they will not swell up with pool or ocean water, eliminating the uncomfortable, waterlogged feeling associated with tampons after a swim.
A menstrual cup is a bell-shaped device that is folded and inserted into the vaginal canal. It creates a light suction seal against the vaginal walls, preventing both leaks of menstrual fluid and the entry of external water during a swim. Cups are highly reusable and can generally be worn for up to 12 hours, making them convenient for a full day of water activities. Their capacity is significantly higher than that of even the largest tampons, offering peace of mind for those with a heavier flow.
Menstrual discs function and sit differently than cups. The disc is a flexible ring with a collection basin that is positioned much higher in the vaginal fornix, resting just beneath the cervix. Instead of using suction, the disc is held securely by tucking the front rim behind the pubic bone. This placement means that discs are a good option for people who may have difficulty achieving a seal with a cup or who have a lower cervix. Discs have a very high capacity, often holding 30 to 50 milliliters of fluid, and provide up to 12 hours of leak-proof wear in the water.
External Alternatives: Period Swimwear
Period swimwear provides an entirely external, non-insertable option for managing flow while swimming. This specialized clothing looks and feels like a regular bathing suit but incorporates advanced leak-proof technology within the gusset. This technology is built upon multiple layers of material, each with a specific function.
Layer Technology
The layer closest to the skin is moisture-wicking, pulling fluid away to keep the wearer dry. Beneath this is a core of highly absorbent fabric designed to trap menstrual fluid. The final, outer layer is a leak-proof barrier that prevents absorbed fluid from escaping and external water from saturating the core.
The capacity of period swimwear is the main factor that distinguishes it from internal methods. Most period swimwear is designed for light to moderate flow, typically holding the equivalent of one to three tampons’ worth of fluid. Because of this limitation, it is recommended for lighter flow days or for short periods of submersion. For those with a heavier flow or prolonged time in the water, period swimwear is often best used as an extra layer of protection in combination with a cup or disc.
Practical Considerations for Water Protection
Choosing the best alternative depends largely on the intensity of your flow and the duration of your planned activity. Menstrual cups and discs provide maximum protection and the longest wear time, up to 12 hours, making them superior for heavy flows or all-day excursions. Period swimwear is a simpler, non-invasive choice best suited for lighter days or as a backup, with the caveat that it requires changing out of wet fabric after swimming to maintain hygiene and comfort. All three options are reusable, offering a more environmentally conscious choice than disposable tampons.
For internal devices, a key tip for swimming is to ensure the cup or disc is emptied and correctly inserted just before getting into the water. Starting with a fresh product maximizes the available wear time and reduces any concern about potential overflow. While these internal products create a seal, it is still recommended to change out of wet swimwear promptly after swimming to prevent skin irritation.
Proper hygiene, especially when traveling or using public facilities, is essential for reusable products. If a sink is not available in the stall, there are several cleaning methods:
- Use a small bottle of water to rinse the cup or disc over the toilet before reinsertion.
- Wipe the device clean with a dedicated menstrual product wipe or a piece of toilet paper.
- Perform a thorough wash with gentle soap at the next opportunity.
- Between cycles, sanitize the cup or disc by boiling it for a few minutes or using a specialized steamer.