Swimming on your period!!

Once your period begins, the questions start rolling around in your head. The embarrassment seeps into your mind of one day having a leakage freakage in public, let alone in your friend’s pool! The topic of swimming on your period is often pondered around. Can you swim on your period and if so, what products can be used? We’re here to clear up some of those questions and shed some light on the topic for you!

Can you swim on your period?

To answer in short, YES, you can swim on your period, however there are a few things you should consider before jumping into the water…

What should I wear if I want to swim on my period?

When swimming on your period, you should use a tampon or menstrual cup to help control your flow. Pads and liners have the capacity to soak up large amounts of water so we would advise against using one if you’re wanting to go for a dip.  All Veeda tampons can be worn while swimming.

Will a tampon swell up if I go swimming with one in?

As the opening to the vagina isn’t waterproof, a tampon may absorb some water causing it to expand slightly when swimming. However, this should not be noticeable or very different to how a tampon may expand when absorbing period blood on a usual day.

Will there be a trail of blood left in the water after swimming?

If you are using the correct products (i.e. a menstrual cup or tampon at the right absorbency) in the water and inserting it correctly, it should not leave a trail of blood when swimming. Being in the water will not stop a menstrual cup or tampon from absorbing period blood.

Should I change my tampon more regularly if I go swimming a lot?

As with any tampon, it’s best to change your tampon regularly when swimming, as absorbing water as well as menstrual blood can put them at full capacity quicker than with normal, outside of water use. We recommend that you change your tampon as soon as you’re done swimming, or every 4 to 8 hours while you are swimming.

How do I know when my tampon is full?

• There is blood in the string. Your tampon is likely saturated and ready for changing.
• It slides out easily when you tug on the string. Your tampon should do this when it is saturated, it is best to change it at this time.
• You feel or see period leakage.

Being on your period shouldn’t stop you from doing the things you love and enjoy as long as you’re comfortable! Your menstrual cycle is a normal part of womanhood, and you should never be afraid to conquer anything because of it! It can be daunting swimming on your period for the first time, we have all been there! Keep in mind that tampons do come with a cotton string which hangs outside the body, so don’t forget to make sure that the string is tucked inside your swimsuit. If wearing a tampon is new for you, practice inserting a tampon a few times before heading into the water. Happy swimming!

Medical Disclaimer: Articles are intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. Ask a medical professional if you have any health-related questions or concerns.

Additional Resources

Harvey-Jenner, C., Biggs J. (2021). Everything you need to know about whether you can go swimming on your period. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a12053820/is-it-safe-to-swim-on-period/