For swimming, choose the tampon absorbency (light, regular, super) that matches your flow, but consider sizing up if your flow is heavy, as water absorption can reduce effectiveness; use a sport tampon for better movement, tuck the string, and always change it after swimming for hygiene. Start with a smaller size if new to tampons, and always use the lowest absorbency that works to minimize TSS risk, changing every 4-6 hours.
Ultimately, the best tampon to wear swimming is the one that best suits your flow, Moxette. For example, wear a regular tampon if you have a medium flow, a super tampon if you have a heavy flow. You should only ever wear the lowest possible tampon absorbency to suit your flow.
Will my tampon soak up the water? Some of the pool or seawater will likely be absorbed by your tampon when you're swimming. This is not to say, though, that it won't absorb your blood also - it will. You may want to consider this and use a slightly more absorbent tampon before taking a dip.
Best tampons for swimming
So, do yourself a favour and leave the pads at home. All Tampax tampons can be worn while swimming in any kind of water, and only Tampax tampons have a LeakGuard Braid to help stop leaks before they happen – giving you all-day comfort and protection for up to six hours.
Professional swimmers often use products like tampons or menstrual cups to absorb blood and prevent leaks. Elite swimmers may also use birth control to shift their periods. While water pressure can temporarily slow the flow of menstruation, your period doesn't stop in the water, so some form of protection is necessary.
If you use a menstrual product, it is highly unlikely that any blood will be released into the water while you swim, she said. In the instance that your period starts while you're in the pool or other body of water, the amount of blood would be so small that it would easily be diluted by the rest of the water.
The most popular option for protection while on your period is the tampon. While swimming, a tampon is your best friend. It is safe to swim in, comfortable to move around in, and it will stop blood from escaping. Additionally, you don't have to worry about a tampon falling out.
Don't worry, even if a small amount of blood is released into the pool, it probably won't be visible. In other words, you won't leave a bloody trail behind you. Use a menstrual cup, tampon, or period-friendly swimwear to prevent leaks. Once you leave the water, your flow should return.
Let's set this one straight: It's very unlikely. Tampons don't just slide out. Your vaginal muscles keep them in place, even during swim practice. If you've inserted it correctly, you can move, swim, dive, and splash around without fear.
How Do You Prevent Leaks While Swimming on Your Period?
You might bleed a little in the pool, but the water pressure usually slows or stops the flow, and any small amount that does escape gets diluted, so you won't leave a noticeable trail, but using a tampon, menstrual cup, or period-friendly swimwear is best to prevent leaks, especially when moving or exiting the water.
Best menstrual products for swimming
You know your tampon is full when you feel resistance pulling the string, notice blood on the string or in your underwear, or feel it inside you; however, for hygiene, you should change it every 4-8 hours regardless, as a "dry" tampon (not full) can be uncomfortable to remove, and a full one will leak. The best signs of fullness are leaking (blood on underwear) or the string appearing bloody, indicating it's saturated and needs changing soon.
Tampons are a great option for swimming because they work inside your body to collect period blood, which means everything stays clean and discreet while you're in the water. Just pop in a fresh one before you swim, tuck the string into your swimsuit, and you're good to go!
If you have to change your pad or tampon less than every 1 to 2 hours because it's soaked, bleed longer than 7 days, or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger see your healthcare provider. Spotting or bleeding between periods is also a sign of a problem.
Tampons, menstrual cups, and period-friendly swimwear provide safe, effective options for the swimming pool or beach.
That, paired with a tiny tear from something like pulling out a dry tampon before it's saturated with blood, can introduce the bacteria into the body. "Use the lowest absorbent type of tampon necessary for your flow," Tyson suggests, to avoid bacteria growth and micro-tears in the vaginal wall.
It is perfectly safe to still go into a swimming pool when bleeding on a period and having a period should not stop anyone from training and competing. Remember that everyone's cycle is different and females start their periods at different ages.
For some women, the water pressure of a lake or pool can be enough to prevent menstrual flow. However, it's not enough to completely stop it, and while you are in the water, you are usually moving around and causing pressure on the abdominal muscles that may cause some leaking.
Menstrual cup
This means the cup collects menstrual blood without absorbing it like a tampon does. A cup also makes swimming during your period much more hygienic because it does not absorb any of the surrounding water. On a day when you have a lighter flow, you can use one cup and change it every 12 hours.
You don't have to change any of your regular activities when you have your period. That includes exercise and swimming. There are many misconceptions about swimming during your period.
Can I go in the pool on my period without a tampon? You can go swimming in the pool during your period with a menstrual cup, a period swimsuit with absorbent layers, or leak-proof period underwear.
Period swim suits are really great. Swimmers who are not comfortable using a tampon / cup can use period swimwear instead. Swimmers who are using a tampon or cup can layer with a period suit and feel more confident about avoiding leaks while getting in and out of the pool.
Pads Are *Not* Designed to Be Worn Swimming
If you bleed, then your blood will have nowhere to go; it will just mix with the water and become diluted. You may even notice a pink trail in the water (depending on how heavy your flow is.)