Menstruation and Swimming

Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon for women. Due to continuous bleeding, there are many things that cannot be done during menstruation, as they may have a significant impact on women's health. Swimming is an excellent aerobic exercise, and some women may be concerned about the potential impact on their health if they happen to be menstruating and want to go swimming. So, can women swim during menstruation? Let's take a look.

Can Women Swim During Menstruation?

Yes, women can swim during menstruation, but they should pay attention to hygiene and protect themselves to avoid causing edema or menstrual cramps. In fact, menstruation does not prevent you from doing any exercise. Although it may be somewhat inconvenient to do so, it is generally safe as long as the exercise is not excessively intense. Whether you unexpectedly find yourself menstruating while traveling to the beach during the offseason or you are unwilling to stop your regular weekly exercise routine, menstruation should not prevent you from jumping into the swimming pool.

When swimming during menstruation, it is essential to use the appropriate equipment. You can use tampons and menstrual cups. Tampons come in various sizes, and it is important to choose the right size. The size of the tampon depends on the amount of menstrual flow. For heavier flow, stronger absorption is needed, while for lighter flow, a mild absorption type is sufficient. Using a mild absorption type for heavy flow can lead to leakage, which can be embarrassing both in and out of the pool.

Additionally, tampons can become completely soaked in pool water, so it is necessary to replace them promptly after swimming.

How to Swim During Menstruation

1. Use Tampons

If you are accustomed to using tampons, they are ideal for swimming as they can prevent leakage. Tampons expand to fit your body, so you don't have to worry about them falling out. Simply insert the tampon and tuck the string into your bikini bottoms, and you're ready to hit the water. Remember to change your tampon every few hours, and do not use them for longer than 8 hours.

2. Use Menstrual Cups

Although menstrual cups are not as common as tampons, they work similarly by being inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood near the external genital area. They can be used for up to 10 hours, longer than the 8-hour limit for tampons. Like tampons, menstrual cups are completely invisible when in use and adhere to your body, so you don't have to worry about leakage.

Precautions for Swimming During Menstruation

1. Correctly use quality-approved tampons.

2. When swimming, snorkeling, or diving during menstruation, always pay attention to the water temperature and avoid getting too cold.

3. Each individual should make a decision based on their physical and psychological condition when considering whether to swim during menstruation.