Bathing when you have your period: what to do?
An inveterate swimmer , you practice one or more aquatic activities throughout the year, whether in a swimming pool or in open water . Occasional swimmer , you like to take a dip in the refreshing waters of a creek , lake or river during your vacation stays at the sea , in the mountains or in the countryside. Yes, but the problem is that it’s not always the “right” time: you sometimes find yourself unwell . But then, how to bathe when you have your period ? Perdième shares its advice and tips to continue enjoying your swimming moments during menstruation .
How to bathe when you have your period? Our recommendations
Overcoming clichés about periods and swimming
First thing to do to jump into the water without apprehension: forget preconceived ideas about swimming and menstruation . Yes, swimming when you have your period is possible . No, it is neither dangerous, nor dirty, nor insurmountable; it just requires a little more self-confidence, organization and equipment than usual. Slow and gentle swimming such as breaststroke and backstroke are even physical activities recommended to relieve menstrual pain and boost morale. Significant benefits when you are particularly prone to PMS and fluctuating emotions during this time of the month.
Know your menstrual cycle
Calculating your menstrual cycle is always very useful to avoid being caught off guard. By estimating the dates of your menstrual period in advance, you can more easily adapt your sports program or manage your periods on vacation . You plan your swimming sessions or your swimming outings accordingly and you don't forget to bring all your essentials.
Equip yourself and get organized
Once you are convinced of period-bathing compatibility and are aware of your menstrual calendar, you can manage the logistics, that is to say, adopt some good accessories and good practices.
Here are some tips for bathing with your period as calmly as possible:
- choose a dark-colored swimsuit, more effective for hiding a small stain linked to a possible leak;
- bring a spare swimsuit and towel;
- take shorts or a skirt to put on over your swimsuit once out of the water;
- bring tissues, a small trash bag or waterproof pouch , and a water bottle to manage any hazard or change of protection in a hygienic and discreet way (leak, stained clothing, menstrual cup to empty and clean, etc.);
- finally and above all, wear hygienic protection adapted to swimming and your personal situation (age, relationship to intimacy, intensity of the flow, health problems, etc.)
Choose periodic protection suitable for swimming
Choosing your protection for swimming during your period is crucial. Tampon, cup , menstrual swimsuit, you have several options. Choose the one you feel most comfortable with. Don't hesitate to vary depending on the timing of your cycle: tampon or cup for days of intense flow, period swimsuit for days of lighter flow, spotting or vaginal discharge. You can also combine several protections in the event of very heavy periods , for example menstrual cup and swimsuit.
What hygienic protection should you wear when swimming during your period?
Bathing with a sanitary towel: bad idea!
A disposable sanitary napkin quickly becomes waterlogged when fully immersed in such a liquid. Ultra-absorbent, it swells, thickens and becomes heavier, becoming uncomfortable. Saturated, it drips with water when it is no longer submerged and can no longer absorb the menstrual flow, which makes it ineffective. Additionally, the glue on the fins that holds the towel in place can deteriorate with water and lose adhesion. Wearing a sanitary napkin when bathing when you have your period is therefore not recommended at all.
Bathing with a tampon: the classic option
The majority of women who bathe during their period opt for a tampon. Practical, effective and discreet, it continues to ensure its absorbent function in water. However, it is single-use, therefore not eco-responsible. It should be removed and changed quickly after swimming to avoid irritation from sea salt or pool chlorine. And their composition is not always clean ; so be sure to choose organic tampons. Less frequently used, the cup is also part of periodic protection that works in an aquatic environment. But like the tampon, it is intravaginal and therefore requires being comfortable with its insertion and removal, which is not the case for all women.
Bathing when you have your period without a tampon: the menstrual swimsuit option
Would you prefer hygienic protection for external use? Look no further: the menstrual swimsuit is made for you! And it 's not a myth: period swimsuits work ! Easy to use, safe, effective and ecological, it is put on like a classic swimsuit, provides absorption equivalent to approximately 2 normal tampons, and is available in several models – one-piece , plain two-piece , two-piece. colorful pieces.
Swimming when you have your period without protection: and why not?
And if none of these solutions satisfy you, then why not try free instinctive flow ? With FIL, you no longer need to worry about periodic protection, including when swimming. On the other hand, for total mastery, this technique requires very good knowledge of your body and the practice. What if you started training during your next seaside vacation?
In summary, remember that:
- you can swim during your period without fear;
- you need to equip yourself and organize yourself accordingly;
- you have the choice between tampon, cup or period swimsuit;
- You can trust Perdième menstrual swimsuits , the best companions for your aquatic sessions!
To extend reading:
- Everything you need to know about menstrual lingerie
- Menstrual panties - True or False
- Stop the “summer body”, make way for “body positive”!
Written by cd