With summer holidays around the corner, it’s officially time to let your inner water baby run wild and free. But if you’re worried about your periods deviously aligning with your pool party and beach vacay plans, fret not. You can still partake in fun summer activities and take a dip. Here’s all you need to know about swimming on your period:
Is It Safe?
If you have safety concerns about taking a dip while on your period, we’re here with some science-backed and logical clarifications.
Swimming Is Healthy
Contrary to popular belief, it’s okay to take Aunt Flo to the pool with you. In fact, it’s more than okay. According to a 2018 study, swimming during your period can alleviate PMS symptoms like cramps, mood swings, headache, fatigue, and poor sleep.
It Doesn’t Cause Infections
Period or no period, the chlorinated water cannot enter your vagina. So, you won’t get UTIs or other vaginal infections from swimming, promise.
Your Pool Won’t Turn Bloody
Chillax! It may be gross but you won’t turn the water red if at all you leak in the pool. That’s because we discharge no more than 30-50 ml of blood through the entire shark week. Logically speaking, that minuscule volume is incapable of turning the water pool into a blood pool.
Which Period Product Can Offer The Best Pool Protection?
Let’s rule out sanitary pads first. You cannot take a dip wearing it, pal. That’s because it will completely soak up the water from the pool. This will leave no room for it to absorb your menstrual fluid. The result? A swollen messy pad and some leakage in the pool. The next option in line is the one that swimming athletes swear by–tampons. However, these too can cause leakages as they tend to move while swimming. Worse still–they can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS) if worn too long.
Enter menstrual cups. Safe to wear for longer durations, they don’t budge a centimetre if inserted properly. In fact, they can provide leak proof protection and help you make the most of your water activities. Here are the seven of the most reliable ones to the rescue:
Sirona’s Menstrual Cup By Sirona
This FDA-approved product is made with medical-grade silicone and is 100% safe to use. Its suction holes create a vacuum and grip the cup firmly to prevent leakages.
Senziwash Truecup
This one’s BPA and latex-free with an excellent vacuum-seal design to give you leak-free protection for up to 10 hours. Sounds like the perfect period product for swimming, doesn’t it?
Varni Menstrual Cup
The Varni Cup is gentle on the vagina and the sensitive skin of your intimate area. But it’s fierce when it comes to giving you comfort and protection while swimming on your period.
Freedom Cup By WOW
True to its name, this cup can give you the freedom to swim without a care in the world. It offers leak-proof protection for 12 hours and helps you make the most of your pool-chilling scenes.
Carmesi Menstrual Cup
This cup has no toxins, dyes, and perfumes and can keep you comfy while you take a dip.
Zoie Menstrual Cup
Dive in with the Zoie Cup on. Its airtight seal can keep period odour and blood leakage in check.
SanNap Menstrual Cup
The SanNap Menstrual Cup comes with a ringed rim and stem for easy access and a firm grip. It can make your period-swimming experience a hassle-free one.
With these cups in your kitty, you can go on with your summer plans without worrying about your periods. However, if you still want more info on periods and how to manage them better, we suggest you take this survey by Sirona. It’s barely going to take you a few minutes and you’ll come out better informed, we promise.
Featured Image: Instagram
