How Do Swimmers Swim on Their Period?

While you might prefer not to have your period while you’re on vacation, most of us make do and enjoy the beach or swimming pools nevertheless. But if you’re a pro-athlete, an Olympian, or just a serious swimmer, how do you handle the monthly challenge of competitive swimming on your period?

Of course, Olympic swimmers deal with grueling training regimens that necessitate they’re in the water whether they’re on their period or not. Still, the options aren’t dramatically different: Whether you’re a beach bunny or a pro-athlete, you’ll need some form of period protection when you swim on your period. 

The good news is you have options. Indeed, there are more options hitting the market all the time. For many reasons (including period poverty, environment, and general awareness), options for period management are becoming more varied. However, more choices sometimes lead to more confusion, so let’s take a look at the options (and debunk some common misconceptions.)

Option 1: Tampons Remain a Popular Choice

Most competitive swimmers and other swimmers rely on tampons when it comes to managing their periods while swimming. And according to a recent Knix study, they’re the second most popular period product in general. Tampons have the advantage of being familiar. Most of us have used them and become accustomed to knowing the right absorption level for our heaviest days, knowing to change our tampons frequently, etc.

If you’re a pro-athlete, you want to focus on your performance above all else. Some use birth control to help manage their cycle in preparation for a big competition. 

But for most, a product that is familiar and trusted can help put your mind at ease. While visible tampon strings are sometimes a concern for athletes, generally, your teammates will have your back. With athletes in general, there’s very little embarrassment between teammates on the realities of performing; they’re in and out of swimsuits all day and very accustomed to functions that the rest of us might feel coy about.

For us non-athletes, tampons are also a good option. But some people worry about toxic shock syndrome. Plus, more and more of us want to reduce or eliminate our tampon usage because they’re disposable products. This means they can be expensive and also harmful to the environment. Indeed, according to a London study, the “average menstruator throws away up to 200kg of menstrual products in a lifetime.”

If you’re interested in alternatives to tampons (while swimming or on land), read on.

Side-Note: Pads Are Not a Good Option for Swimming

While we’re on disposable products, it’s worth clarifying that pads are the most popular period product, according to the same Knix study. However, while tampons perform well in water, pads are not suitable for use in water. 

Pads are designed to absorb any liquid they come in touch with, so once they hit the water, they will become saturated quickly. This means they will be swollen and sodden, with no absorption left for blood.

Moreover, the adhesive part of the pad will lose its adhesion in water, so the pad may move about or even slip out. And if it’s the kind of pad with ‘wing,’ those will be visible outside your swimsuit.

Option 2: Menstrual Cups Are Gaining Popularity

Menstrual cups have become a popular alternative to disposable in recent years. Indeed, there are now many different brands, shapes, and styles of menstrual cups on the market. They are a reusable option so allay a lot of the concerns with tampons and pads.

But how do they work? A menstrual cup is made of silicone or latex rubber and is designed to catch and collect your blood. The cup is folded and inserted into the vagina (similar to inserting a diaphragm.) It then opens to form a seal against the wall of your vagina that prevents leaks. The blood then collects in the cup.

Unlike tampons, menstrual cups are typically reusable. You empty the cup into the toilet, wash it (and your hands) carefully with soap and water, and reinsert it. At the end of your menstrual cycle, once your period has ended, it’s advisable to sterilize your cup in boiling water.

If you’re interested in menstrual cup use, it’s worth trying a few to find the one that’s most comfortable for you (our cervixes have different shapes, which may make some styles/shapes more or less comfortable for wearers.)

Option 3: Leakproof Swimwear

Olympic-level athletes factor everything into their performance, including the materials and design of their swimsuits. This means that they limit themselves to performance swimwear.

But for the rest of us, period swimsuits are a compelling (and relatively new) option for managing our period while we swim! Indeed, we’re so proud of our Leakproof Swimwear, so we might be a little biased that this is the most exciting option of all for regular swimmers.

How Does Period Swimwear Work?

Our Leakproof Swimwear has a multi-layered gusset built into its period swim bottoms and one-pieces that help trap and absorb period blood. It’s similar to the absorbent technology used in Leakproof Underwear (also known as period underwear), but with one special addition: a waterproof outer layer of material for extra protection.

And, just like period underwear, the absorbent gusset is discreet and comfy, which means you don’t even need to be on your period to wear them. Period Swim is designed to feel just like regular swimwear—it’s just equipped with helpful gear that helps lock blood in, keep water out, and never swells.

When it goes in the laundry with detergent, it releases through the top layer— leaving your swim fresh and clean for tomorrow's laps. Reminder: Follow the care instructions and wash on cold and lay your swimsuit flat to dry. 

Common Misconceptions About Swimming on Your Period

So, for most women, swimming on your period is completely doable, whether you’re doing gentle laps in the pool or participating in a competitive swim meet. 

But there are still many misconceptions out there about swimming on your period. So let’s clear those up!

Misconception 1: Your Period Stops in the Water

Your period does not stop when you’re in the water. That applies to any water (bathwater, ocean, or pool.)

What can happen is that the water pressure can lighten your menstrual flow, which may create the illusion that you’re not bleeding. However, if you cough, sneeze or laugh or otherwise exert yourself, the pressure of your period blood can break through the surrounding water.

This is why you need period protection while you swim.

Misconception 2: Swimming Exercise Will Make Menstrual Cramps Worse

Menstrual cramps can cause intense pain that makes you not want to swim. But swimming does not make those cramps worse. The opposite is, in fact, the case (see the next section.) If you get intense cramps that in the way of everyday activities, you should seek medical advice as there might be an underlying medical cause, such as endometriosis. 

Misconception 3: You’ll Leave a Bloody Trail in the Water

Should you worry about leaving a menstrual blood trail in the water if your period products fail? It’s hard to make guarantees here: We’ve all experienced a period product failing us at some point and resulting in leaks. This is especially common at night.

The big difference is that at night you may have exceeded your product’s absorbency limit. So as long as you choose the right absorbency level for your flow, you should be just fine. It is also worth noting that the water pressure may lighten your blood flow, and even if you do leak a little, it will be quickly diluted in the water, so you’re unlikely to leave the gruesome blood trail that you’re probably picturing in your head.

Misconception 4: You Need to Worry About Shark Attacks

Okay, call me a pragmatist, but first, I would consider NOT swimming in shark-infested waters…

Seriously though, sharks can, of course, smell blood. They can smell the blood from a papercut or a period. They can also smell sweat, mucus, urine… 

The good news is that sharks don’t really want to eat us; we’re not their natural prey. Indeed, many believe that most shark bites are caused by curiosity rather than hunting behaviors (I know, not a lot of consolation for those who were bitten).

Generally, the prevailing advice is that this is a bit of a wild-imagination-meets-horror-movie scenario that is highly unlikely to occur in reality. If you want to learn more about shark attacks, including attack data, visit the International Shark Attack File.

Whether You’re a Pro-Athlete or a Leisure-Swimmer, Swimming Has Benefits

A study published by the Journal of Education and Health Promotion showed that 8 weeks of aerobic exercise significantly improved the severity of pain in primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). But what are the concrete benefits of physical activity? Read on...

Exercise Can Lift Your Mood

The body releases endorphins when you exercise (this is why people get addicted to the high they get from working out). But it doesn’t have to be running a marathon or gritting your teeth through an epic training session. You will benefit even from gentle exercise. So if you’re suffering from PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms, exercise may help. A gentle exercise like swimming that supports the body can help you feel like your normal self again.

It Can Offer Relief From Period Cramps 

Those endorphins that lift your mood? They also act as natural painkillers. So, if you’re experiencing menstrual cramps or lower back pain as a result of your period, exercise can provide some pain relief for these symptoms. According to the Office on Women’s Health, “Researchers have found that some women have fewer painful period cramps during menstruation if they exercise regularly.”

Exercise, Including Swimming, Reduces Fatigue

Because of changing estrogen levels before that time of the month, it’s not uncommon to feel exhausted. Although exercise burns energy, it also boosts energy levels. So if you’re feeling tired and blue, some exercise can perk up your energy and make you feel less groggy and worn out.

So there are plenty of compelling reasons to swim on your period! And there’s choice when it comes to period protection too. So, don’t let your period hold you back! 

FAQs

How do professional swimmers swim on their period?

Professional swimmers often use products like tampons or menstrual cups to absorb blood and prevent leaks. Elite swimmers may also use birth control to shift their periods. While water pressure can temporarily slow the flow of menstruation, your period doesn't stop in the water, so some form of protection is necessary.

Can I go swimming on my period without anything?

You shouldn't go swimming without any period protection. While water pressure may slow your menstrual flow, it won't stop your period from continuing, so it's important to use a tampon or menstrual cup. You can also wear period-friendly swimwear like Leakproof Swimwear as backup protection. 

Can you swim on your period with period swimwear?

Yes! You can absolutely swim on your period while wearing Leakproof Swimwear. The bottoms have a multi-layered gusset that can absorb blood. This technology is similar to that used in our Leakproof Underwear, but with one special addition: a waterproof outer layer for extra protection. 

For lighter leaks, Leakproof Bikini Swim Bottoms absorb about 1 regular tampon. Leakproof High-Rise Swim Bottoms absorb around 3 tsp of blood or the equivalent of 3 regular tampons. Or, for more coverage, try the Swim Short, which absorbs about 2 super tampons!

—

We hope you found this post informative—but remember: we're not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. 

We're here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you've been given. Phew, now that that's out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.