Swimming with your periods : is it possible? Tips and tricks
You're dying to take a dip in the water, but then your periods arrives... So is it possible to enjoy the pool with your periods? LDoes water stop menstrual flow? We'll try to answer these questions!
Is it safe to bathe at periods ?
Although this idea is closely linked to the periods taboo, it's perfectly possible to swim during your periods: swimming and buoyancy in water in general help to relax your muscles and make you feel lighter. This may help relieve menstrual pain.
However, this is by no means an obligation: if you feel uncomfortable with your periods while swimming, have severe pelvic pain or simply don't feel like it, you should listen to yourself! However, there are no medical or physiological contraindications, with the exception of post-pregnancy lochia: you'll need to wait a few weeks for your bleeding to subside and your cervix to close after childbirth before you can swim again. Otherwise, all the signs are green for going to the beach with your periods!
What are the myths surrounding periods and swimming?
There are a few misconceptions when it comes to swimming with your periods. Let's decipher them!
Water stops and cuts periods
In the sea or in the pool, water pressure slows (but doesn't stop!) the flow of periods: the amount of blood lost is therefore minimal, and is diluted in the water as you move, with the exception of clots, which are generally retained in your swimsuit.
This is normal, and it's thanks to this property that periods briefs and menstrual swimsuits rinse easily before being put in the washing machine!
Flat, horizontal swimming positions also make blood flow more difficult, but don' t stop periods. It's especially when you get out of the bath that the flow and gravity take over, and you have to watch your back...
Blood attracts sharks
Rest assured: if blood does indeed attract sharks, it's primarily the blood of their usual prey. Human blood, and particularly that derived from the degradation of the uterine mucosa, does not have the same chemical markers for the shark's sense of smell. What's more, blood loss is minimal (on average 4 tablespoons over several days periods) compared to a wound. If a shark can smell at most one drop of blood in a swimming pool, at over 400m your menstrual flow is largely diluted in the moving water of the sea or ocean. Statistically, there are no more occurrences of menstruating women being attacked by sharks, although generally speaking, it's still a bad idea to swim in infested water.
You can't put menstrual protection in water
periods In the case of a light flow, the blood will be imperceptible and diluted in the water, so it's actually possible to dispense with menstrual protection.
In the case of heavier flow periods , it's more a question of propriety and community: would you even want to bathe in shared water where someone's nose has bled profusely, or their deep wound has spilled? Then it might be a good idea to wear sanitary protection. However, not all of them are suitable for bathing:
- Internal protection, such as tampons or menstrual cups, are perfectly suitable for bathing during the menstrual cycle. periods
- lOn the other hand, external protection, with the exception of menstrual swimwear, is not recommended: waterlogged, they are less effective, uncomfortable and less adhesive. So it's best to avoid disposable sanitary towels at sea and in the pool!
Which periodical protection should you choose for your periods ?
When bathing with your periods, it's important to choose the right sanitary protection. Women can choose from several s
Visit period swimwear
The period swimwear is a revolution on the market: it's finally an alternative for women to internal sanitary protection when swimming. Reserved for light flows, spotting or the beginning/end of the cycle, menstrual swimsuit technology comes into its own when you get out of the bath. Its elasticated thighs and absorbent, non-swelling core effectively retain more viscous fluids inside, such as blood, while the breathable lining ensures that water quickly drains away when you get out of the bath, so it doesn't accumulate and weigh down the swimsuit.
This avoids the unpleasant surprise of blood running down your thighs after swimming. So you've got plenty of time to change!
At Elia, we offer a range of swimsuits with a deliberately low absorption zone, to help the water run off when you get out of the bath! The heavier, more viscous blood is absorbed by our organic cotton core, even when lying down for long periods. An absorbent zone too high up would create a stagnant pocket of water, weighing down the swimsuit. This design also reduces drying time. Check them out on our website! All in all, this external sanitary protection will make you forget your periods at the pool.
The menstrual cup
The menstrual cup is, like the tampon, an internal sanitary protection, but it has the advantage of not soaking up chlorinated or salty water, and of being a reusable, zero-waste alternative that speaks to us at Elia!
If your cup (or tampon) is properly positioned while swimming, you shouldn't feel it! However, it's important to follow the instructions for use when in water:
- Change your haircut as soon as you get out of the pool
- Wash hands well before and after changing (have access to a sink with soap)
- Do not exceed maximum wearing time
Free instinctive flow
Some women also practice free instinctive flow: the technique of controlling their menstrual flow by holding it back or releasing it on command. If you're already comfortable with this option, you can also practice it while swimming!
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