Swimming While on Your Period: What’s Safe, What’s Not

Can you swim during your period?

The short answer is YES, you can!

You might think that the words swimming and period don't go well together. That's because there's still a stigma in Filipino society surrounding menstruation, especially in sports.

While it's true that rigorous workouts such as heavy lifting and intense cardiovascular and endurance-type training should be avoided during your period, light and gentle exercises such as yoga, Pilates, swimming, and other water sports are actually recommended and even encouraged.

Benefits of swimming while on your period

Light exercises has been proven to reduce period pain and, in some cases, even relieve menstrual cramps caused by dysmenorrhea. Additionally, being in water has also been shown to help ease pain. So, putting the two together--light exercise and water--can significantly reduce period pain or at least offer some relief.

Do note, however, that while swimming and regular exercise can help alleviate pain caused by dysmenorrhea, they may not be as effective if your period pain is due to other conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or similar medical issues. In those cases, it may be better to rest during your period.

Frequently asked questions about swimming and period

Will I bleed in the pool if I swim on my period?

Not really. When your body is submerged in the water, the water pressure temporarily stops the flow of menstrual blood. If you have a light to medium flow, you might actually be able to swim without any period products, as the bleeding often stops while you're submerged in water.

If, however, you have a heavier flow or simply want peace of mind, it's best to use swim-safe period products such as menstrual cups or tampons. For those with heavy flow, water pressure may slow or stop bleeding temporarily, but actions like laughing, sneezing, or coughing could cause some blood to escape.

If you're unsure, test this in the bathtub. Soak in warm water on a heavy day and see if the bleeding stops. You can even laugh or sneeze to test it further. Still unsure? Use a tampon or menstrual cup for peace of mind.

Can you go swimming on your period with pads?

No, you cannot go swimming on your period with pads.

Unlike tampons and menstrual cups that go inside your vagina and are never in contact with pool water, period pads are worn outside your body and come in contact with pool water. This is risky and unhygienic, not just for you but also for others in the pool too. Pads absorb pool water, stop working effectively, and can introduce bacteria into the pool. They may also put you at risk for vaginal infections.

Can you wear period undies swimming?

Period underwear, like pads, is worn outside your body and will absorb pool water quickly. Even waterproof versions aren’t effective in water and won’t safely absorb period blood. They also risk contaminating the pool and may cause vaginal infections.

Only use internal period products like tampons, menstrual cups, or menstrual discs when swimming.

How do you not leak on your period while swimming?

You won't leak if you use internal products such as tampons, menstrual cups, or menstrual discs, which create a seal inside your vagina and prevent leakage when used correctly.

You also won't leak if you've confirmed that your bleeding stops while submerged, as mentioned above.

If I do leak a little period blood, will it contaminate the water?

No. Menstrual blood is sterile and poses no health risk to others. It’s similar to other bodily fluids that naturally end up in pools, like sweat and urine. Properly maintained pools have disinfection systems designed to handle this.

Unlike menstrual blood released naturally, pads and period undies trap bacteria and odors that can contaminate the pool—another reason why they should be avoided in water.

Can swimsuits hold period blood?

No. Swimsuits are not designed to hold period blood. They're worn outside your body, and don't provide reliable protection as period products.

How to swim while on your period

1. Use a fresh tampon or clean menstrual cup before swimming. If you're not using one, skip to the next step.

2. Shower before entering the pool. Stay under the water for a couple of minutes—this can help lighten or stop the flow temporarily.

3. Jump straight into the pool. Don’t wait too long after showering, or bleeding may resume.

4. Shower again after swimming. If you wore a tampon or menstrual cup, change it immediately. If not, this is a good time to insert one before hanging out around the pool.

Period products you can use while swimming

We keep mentioning tampons and menstrual cups, but if you've never tried either, here's what you should know:

1. Tampons

You can think of tampons as basically a roll of cotton. They're designed to be inserted into your vagina and absorb period blood and other vaginal secretions for up to 8 hours. Unlike regular pads, tampons remain inside your body and are safe to swim in because they do not come in contact with water when you swim.

2. Menstrual cups

Think tampon but reusable. Menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone, latex rubber, or elastomer. Like tampons, they are inserted into the vaginal canal to collect period blood for also 8 hours or more (they hold as much as twice the amount of period blood as tampons).

However, unlike tampons that are disposable, menstrual cups are reusable and are washed and sterilized before and after every use. They can also last for 10 to 12 years with proper care, saving you a lot of money on period products and reducing so much waste.

Also, unlike tampons and pads, menstrual cups do not expose your body to harsh chemicals that pose additional health risks. It's a good period product useful not only when swimming on your period!

3. Menstrual discs

Menstrual discs are similar as menstrual cups in almost every way: the materials used, the way they are used, and all the benefits. The difference lies in the shape. For menstrual cups, think champagne flute; for menstrual discs, think soup bowl.

Because of the nature of their shape, they also offer slightly different features. Menstrual cups, when inserted properly, create a suction to prevent leaks. Menstrual discs do not create this suction seal, but still manage to be leak-proof.
Menstrual discs also tend to be messier when they are being removed and have less variation in size and style than menstrual cups.

Bottom Line

Swimming while on your period is not just safe—it might actually make you feel better! Just choose the right products and practice good hygiene. Don't sit out of the pool or skip beach days just because you've got your period!
Go swim. You've got this!

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