Most competitive swimmers and other swimmers rely on tampons when it comes to managing their periods while swimming. And according to a recent
While most swimmers work through their periods the way the rest of us do, some very high level athletes have been known to shift their periods so they don't occur during competition.
Use a tampon, sponge, or cup while swimming
If your flow is light, you can wear absorbent swimwear or a dark-colored suit to prevent stains. Waterproof absorbent swimwear look like regular bikini bottoms but have a hidden, leak-proof lining that helps absorb menstrual blood.
Fact: You can – and you should. Pads might not be the best option, since they'll absorb water till they're soaked, and could get weighed down or fall out. Plus, they might be visible through your bathing suit. On the other hand, tampons are convenient and safe to use in water.
Can You Swim On Your Period Without a Tampon? As with swimming in general, it's okay to swim on your period without a tampon — or any menstrual product for that matter, says Dr. van Dis. If you want to prevent potential leaks or blood spots on your bottoms by using a period product, you have options.
Knix period-proof swimwear is made to hold menstrual fluid and prevent leaks in the water. You can depend on it to hold 3 teaspoons (or 2 tampons' worth) of menstrual blood. Or just wear it as a backup alongside a tampon or menstrual cup while at the beach or by the pool.
"A tampon will absorb the water from the lake, pool, or ocean while you are swimming, so it is important to change the tampon when you get out of the water," says Ho. "Otherwise, the tampon will be saturated and will not absorb the blood from your period."
What do female swimmers wear during periods? Swimmers who menstruate use either tampons or menstrual cups. However, menstrual cups are better because they are leak-free and studies show they have a lower risk of infection or TSS compared to tampons.
Can You Wear Period Undies Swimming? Yes, you can wear period undies swimming if they fit snugly, and are low absorbency - otherwise you will soak up the pool!
If you're at the beach, you can wade through the water, which will keep your pad dry. If you do choose to get in the water, you can wear dark-colored shorts over your swim bottoms. This will make the pad less obtrusive and hide any leakage.
Tampons are specifically designed to absorb period flow before it can leave your body which makes them one of the best products to use for swimming on your period and you won't have to worry about signs of your period showing in the water.
While you're in a pool, the water pressure will stop your period flow temporarily. If you sneeze or cough in the water, there's a chance a tiny amount of blood will come out, but it will not be noticeable, as the water will dilute it.
Any changes in normal hormone levels can lead to menstrual dysfunction, especially in athletes. This can be caused by overtraining, stress, dieting and weight loss. Typically, menstrual dysfunction occurs when the amount of energy used by athletes exceeds the amount of energy taken in through nutrition.
Ruby Love is the only period-approved swimwear for period swimming made for use with pads. There's nothing that can happen to your body when you swim on your period that can't happen when you swim at any other time.
You can totally free-bleed. There are no serious health risks to swimming without period protection. If you're nearing the end of your period or are experiencing a lighter flow, you're probably fine swimming without any backup because there's not too much blood flow.
Fear not! You can still swim without period protection. The pressure from the water around you helps prevent menstrual blood from leaking. Don't push your vaginal muscles and be prepared for when you get out of the water!
Takeaway. Once a period has started, it is not possible to stop it. Some home methods may help reduce the amount of bleeding that occurs for a short time, but they will not stop the period altogether. People who are interested in preventing their period for medical or personal reasons should talk with their doctor.
The go-to protection for swimming is traditionally a tampon. Many of us are comfortable wearing tampons as our regular period protection, so we have confidence in them to absorb our flow. We know how often we need to change them and it's almost a no-brainer to trust them in the water.
Throw a pair of swimming trunks on top of your bathing suit bottoms. This will make it easier to hide the fact you're wearing a pad, as the wings won't show. Plus, it will help keep the pad in place while you move around.
Can I Go Swimming During My Period? Swimming during your period isn't a problem. However, you will want to use a tampon (not a pad) when swimming so you don't bleed on your swimsuit. Pads won't work and will just fill with water.
Many competitive swimmers enjoy the advantages of period swimwear, which helps reduce the risk of leakage while they are competing. Because period swimwear is designed to keep in menstrual blood without leaking, it makes ideal for women who participate in the competitive aquatic activity.
I would recommend Modibodi swimwear to anyone who wants to swim in the ocean or pool while they have their period. They're even a great option for competitive swimmers whose swim training schedule doesn't stop with their period. You can even wear the swim bottoms underneath your normal swimsuit for competitions.
Period swimwear is basically the same as period underwear, except it's designed to be worn in the water, whereas period underwear is not. You cannot swim in normal period underwear.