We’ve all had a plan ruined by an untimely surprise visit from Aunt Flo the day before, however, if it’s a beach or pool day, you may want to think twice about canceling your trip. While you may feel discouraged from swimming due to your period’s sudden arrival, the truth is that swimming during your period is safe, perhaps even beneficial, as long as you take the right precautions. Read on to learn more about swimming on your period from whether there are any health consequences, and which period products to pack.
Swimming on Your Period from a Health Perspective
You don’t have to worry about any consequences of swimming on your period when it comes to your reproductive health. Contrary to what some may preach, swimming on your period is not unhygienic and is hardly a health hazard to anyone swimming in the same waters as you. Furthermore, your risk of vaginal infection doesn’t increase from the act of swimming on your period either. This is especially true in pools because the ever-so-familiar chlorine content in a pool and other chemicals keep the pool clean and prevent the spread of disease. Hence, you’re endangering nobody, and nobody is endangering you when you’re swimming on your period.
Benefits of Swimming on Your Period
Low-intensity exercises such as going for a swim can actually be beneficial for a menstruating individual. When you’re swimming, your body releases chemicals known as endorphins that naturally act like painkillers for your body. Hence, swimming is an effective method of tackling those dreaded period cramps we all love to hate. Research has also implied that swimming can reduce other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) such as headaches and fatigue, giving us more reason to take a dip!
Will Everyone Notice?
Most of the time, as long as you’re taking the right precautions, no one should know that you’re having that time of the month. If you’re particularly concerned about leaking and staining, you can opt to wear a dark-colored swimsuit bottom for some extra reassurance. Some may believe that swimming makes your period pause temporarily, but that’s not the case. While the water pressure slows your flow as compared to usual, it doesn’t bring your period to a total pause. Hence, it’s always wise to bring along your feminine products to manage menstruation flow.
Using Feminine Products in the Water
Period products can be a huge reassurance when swimming on your period. When you’re wading around, we would recommend using tampons over sanitary pads, because pads will absorb too much water from the water you’re submerged in to work effectively. Do remember to change your tampon regularly when you’re out of the water to ensure your tampon doesn’t become overly saturated and remains effective in keeping your blood flow under control.
Bring Storage Pouches from SNUCS to the Beach!
The perfect item to include in your period products when going swimming at the beach is our disposable storage pouch! With our securely odor-sealed disposable pouches, you don’t have to worry about not having anywhere to dispose of your tampon or sanitary napkin.
