5 myths about swimming on your period that need to be debunked
Periods can be bothersome at the best of times, but when it's holiday season and you're planning on spending some time cooling off in the hotel pool or diving headfirst into the sea, menstruation is a down-right inconvenience – right?!
Well, actually, wrong. There are a lot of misconceptions about swimming during your period and, in reality, it shouldn't stop you enjoying your time in the water this summer or going for a swim at any other time of year, either. Here, we speak to the team at female health app Clue to sort some of the myths from the facts.
Myth 1: It's unhygienic
There is nothing unhygienic about swimming during your period, and there is little chance of blood entering the water if you are using a menstrual cup or tampon.
"Swimming pools are chlorinated to protect swimmers against the spread of disease from other bodily fluids, such as urine and sweat, so even if a small amount of menstrual blood was released into the water, you wouldn't need to worry about it."
Myth 2: Everybody will know
If you're having nightmares about leaving a blood trail in the water, then it's time to snap out of it.
"Even if a small amount of blood is released, the pressure of the water will stop your flow temporarily. In addition, any blood that is released will be diluted by the water and so it shouldn't be visible. If you are worried about stains, wear a dark coloured swimsuit, and confide in a friend who can alert you to any issues and set your mind at rest."
Myth 3: You'll get eaten by sharks
For those of you who are venturing a bit further afield for the summer, this could be a genuine concern. But please don't worry – it's all just rumour.
"You are no more likely to get eaten by a shark during your period! In fact, there are no recorded cases of sharks attacking women who are menstruating, and many people dive safely while on their period, according to the International Shark Attack File."
Myth 4: Swimming makes your cramps worse
If you suffer from menstrual cramps, then make sure that you take paracetamol and ibuprofen on holiday with you. However, there is no reason the pain should stop you from swimming if you want to.
"In fact, as it is a low-intensity exercise, swimming should help to relieve menstrual cramps as endorphins released during exercise act as natural painkillers."
Myth 5: You have to use a tampon
If you don't feel comfortable using a tampon then don't worry – there are other options available for both swimmers and non-swimmers.
"You could use a menstrual cup or sponge, or, if your flow is light, you could simply wear a dark coloured suit to prevent staining. If you are concerned, you can also wear absorbent swimwear for added protection."
If you really don't want your period…
… Then it can be delayed while you go on holiday. Women on the contraceptive pill can simply run two packs back-to-back without a seven-day break, which will hold your period until you finish the second pack. Alternatively, if you're not taking an oral contraceptive and wish to delay your period, your doctor can prescribe you a pill called norethisterone to take three days before your period is due to start. You can take this for a maximum of 20 days and once you finish it, your period should then arrive.
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