It doesn't matter how many times you've had your period so far, it could be months or even years, but a common question is: can you swim with your period? In addition, other recurring doubts are: will I get bloodstained? Can I get an infection? Can swimming give me cramps? So it's time to bust these myths!
It is possible, yes, to swim during your period, because nowadays women have more alternatives to swim peacefully. So keep reading the text to ask some questions and check out tips on how to swim when you're menstruating.
Can I swim during menstruation?
This is one of the main doubts of girls and women who menstruate. In a nutshell, yes, you can swim during your period and there's no reason not to, this being more of a personal question about being comfortable.
In fact, exercising during menstruation can have many benefits, such as increasing endorphin production or relieving cramps. This finding was made in a study conducted by the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong and published in 2020.
Will you leak blood when swimming?
The answer is no. If you use the right products, according to the flow of your bleeding, you can swim with peace of mind. It is worth remembering that it is not unhygienic to swim during menstruation. What's more, you don't have to worry about blood leakage and water contamination if you wear proper protection while you're menstruating.
That's why swimming during your period is completely safe — and your period doesn't increase your risk of getting a vaginal infection. However, chlorinated pools can irritate the vagina, which in turn can cause infections like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.
To minimize your chances of getting an infection, be sure to shower and change into clean, dry clothes as soon as possible to avoid prolonged exposure to chemicals. If you notice anything strange, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor.
Discover options for swimming when you are menstruating
As we said, it is possible to swim while menstruating if we use the right alternatives. Shall we know some options?
Tampons – Tampons are designed to absorb menstrual flow before it leaves the body. That way it will absorb the blood before it gets to the water. Changing the pad every 2-3 hours is recommended, so make sure you have enough with you if you plan on being out all day.
menstrual cup – Menstrual cups also retain blood. While you can wear a menstrual cup longer and don't have to carry extra cups, you do need to wash it thoroughly before you can reuse it — and that can be a little difficult in public places.
menstrual bikini - The period-proof swimsuit looks just like any bikini bottom, except it has an extra hidden layer that absorbs menstrual blood, so you don't have to worry about that!
Unraveling some myths
There are myths that involve swimming while menstruating. Below we answer some of them.
If I swim while menstruating, will I leave a trail of blood?
No, you will not leave any traces of blood if you swim when you have your period. The water pressure and buoyancy create an upward force, preventing blood from leaving the body. Once you're out of the water, gravity and exertion can cause menstrual blood to leave your body, which is why some form of protection is recommended.
Can swimming delay menstruation?
Swimming does not delay the period. While your flow may seem to stop when you swim while you're menstruating, your period doesn't go away. What happens is that the speed with which the blood leaves the vagina is slower.
Will swimming during my period make my cramps worse?
Not. On the contrary: physical exercises such as swimming or running can help relieve cramps. If you still don't want to swim while you're menstruating, no problem, because sunbathing is also a great option!
In addition, mainly the sea has a positive effect on TPM. The main reason is that you are more relaxed. Then the pains and the feeling of premenstrual discomfort also decrease. However, it is not just a psychological issue. The salt in seawater acts as a natural drainage and also reduces the feeling of bloating in the breasts and belly.
As you read, there are several tips to enter the pool or the sea while menstruating. And even during the menstrual period, it is always advisable to exercise. This will lessen symptoms like menstrual cramps, acne, inflammation, psychological discomfort, and more.
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It's just that physical activity, such as swimming, releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that are considered natural painkillers. These chemicals allow the burning of prostaglandins – the menstrual hormones responsible for causing the cramps that the endometrium releases during your period.
