Bathing during your period

Are you going on holiday and looking forward to swimming in the warm ocean? Maybe you're going with your friends to the pool and you've calculated that you will have your period on those days? Don't worry, it's perfectly fine to go swimming during period. If you are swimming in a pool, you perhaps want to try a menstrual cup or a period swimsuit? If you swim in the sea, lake or bathtub, you can swim without any protection during your period.

Can you swim during your period?

Yes, bathing during your period is just fine! There is no need to change your daily activities when you are on your period - you can swim and shower as usual. Bathing and swimming during your period is even good, as activity during your period has been shown to reduce cramps and pain during menstruation. For some, the flow of your period is reduced while you are in the water, but the water does not stop the flow completely. For example, if you are taking a shower, bathing at home or in a lake, you don't even have to use menstrual protection if you don't want to. However, it is worth bearing in mind that your swimwear can stain, so it may be better to wear darker coloured swimwear. If you are going to swim in a pool, it may be a good idea to use a menstrual cup, tampon or even a period swimsuit.

Is there any risk of infection if you bathe during your period?

The short answer is no - you don't have to worry about getting an infection from bathing during your period. The risk of infection increases slightly during your period as the environment in the genital area changes and becomes more susceptible to infection. However, it is unlikely that you will get an infection from bathing and it is not something that should that should stop you from jumping in the water. Just be extra hygienic and wash your hands before wearing your sanitary towels. Also, don't wear wet swimwear for too long after you've finished swimming, as wet swimwear over a longer period of time can make it easier for bacteria to cause a urinary tract infection. If you have been swimming in a chlorinated pool, it is a good idea, as always, to rinse off after getting out of the pool.

What type of menstrual product should I use when swimming during my period?

If you're swimming in nature, you don't need to use a protection at all, if you don't want to. If you are swimming in a pool when you have your period, you can use a tampon, a menstrual cup or a period swimsuit to avoid bleeding through. If you use a tampon, don't forget to change it regularly to reduce the risk of infection from the water being absorbed. If you use a menstrual cup, you can use it for up to 12 hours before the cup needs to be emptied. The menstrual cup collects your period instead of absorbing the fluid like a tampon. This means that it does not let any fluid in or out. You can swim safely and comfortably with the menstrual cup without the water irritating your genitals.