Is it okay to wear a pad whilst swimming?

Swimming is perfectly OK during your period and, by encouraging relaxation and mild movement, may even help reduce cramping and pain. Nonetheless, “Can I wear a pad while swimming?” is a question that many women frequently ask.

In a nutshell, conventional sanitary pads aren’t appropriate for swimming. This post will explain why pads don’t function well in the water, offer several substitutes, and offer advice on how to control your period while swimming.

The Reasons Pads Are Not Adequate for Swimming

The purpose of sanitary pads is to keep you dry and absorb menstrual flow. However, for the reasons listed below, their design is incompatible with swimming:

1. Absorption of Water

The materials used to make pads are absorbent and may absorb fluids. They will absorb the pool or seawater when submerged in water, making them heavy, unwieldy, and incapable of retaining menstrual blood.

2. Insufficient Adhesion

For pads to remain in place inside your underwear, an adhesive strip is necessary. The pad can easily move or come off when swimming because there is no cloth for the adhesive to stick to in a swimsuit.

3. Observation

Even if the pad stays in place, it could show through a swimsuit, particularly if it’s wet. For many women, this may be awkward and humiliating.

Which Swimming Pad Substitutes Are the Best?

Here are some practical options to think about if you want to swim when you’re menstruating:

1. The tampon
One of the most common choices for swimming with menstruation is a tampon.

Advantages: Because they are worn inside, they don’t absorb pool or ocean water.
When wearing a swimsuit, tampons are unnoticeable.
They offer strong defense against leakage.
Advice regarding Tampon Use:
Make sure the tampon is securely and comfortably inserted.
For your flow, use a tampon with the appropriate absorbency.
After swimming, change your tampon right as to avoid retaining germs from the pool water.

2. Cups for menstruation
A reusable, flexible cup composed of medical-grade rubber or silicone that collects menstrual blood rather than absorbing it is called a menstruation cup.

Benefits: Because menstrual cups are entirely internal, they are perfect for swimming.
They are long-lasting and environmentally friendly.
Cups provide up to 12 hours of protection since they may contain more menstrual fluid than tampons.
Advice for Menstrual Cup Use:
To stop leaks, make sure the cup is put correctly and creates a seal.
To become used to using the cup, practice putting it in and taking it out before your swim.

3. Swimwear for the Period

Period swimwear is made especially to keep you safe from leaks while you’re menstruating.

Benefits: Light may be retained by built-in absorbent layers to regulate menstrual flow.
No need for extra items like cups or tampons.
Comfortable and fashionable, they come in a range of sizes and styles.
Advice on How to Wear Period Swimwear:
Before making a purchase, make sure the absorbency level fits your flow.
On days with high flow, think about using a menstrual cup or tampon.

Is It Safe to Swim Without Protection?

The idea that menstrual flow ceases in water is a prevalent misconception. Water pressure doesn’t completely halt the flow, although it could momentarily lessen it. Leaks can occur when swimming unprotected, particularly when getting out of the water. Using period swimwear, a menstrual cup, or a tampon guarantees your comfort and protection.

Ways to Maintain Comfort During Your Period, Swimming

Although swimming while on your period might seem scary, it can actually be fun if you prepare properly. Here are some pointers:

1. Select the Proper Swimwear
Choose swimwear with dark hues to help hide any possible spills or stains.

2. Drink plenty of water
Drinking lots of water makes swimming more pleasant by reducing cramps and bloating.

3. Make Use of Backup Security
For extra security, think about using period swimwear when using a tampon or menstrual cup.

4. Make a Change Plan
To refresh yourself after swimming, pack a change of clothes and extra menstruation products.

Q1: Can I use a pad with a swimsuit?

Q2: Are tampons safe for swimming?

Q3: What if I’m a beginner and haven’t used tampons or cups before?