Swimming on your period is maybe one of the most heavily debated topics of all time by people with periods.
Is it safe? Is it bad for your body? What happens to the period flow?
These are just some of the questions that are commonly asked and answered amongst households, schools, doctors offices, and online communities of menstrual health creators.
Historically, misinformation and harmful myths have kept menstruating folks out of the water.
To name a few:
Swimming while on your period is unsanitary
Swimming while on your period will cause a vaginal infections
Swimming while on your period will attract shark attacks
Swimming while on your period makes period cramps worse
We've debunked these and other swimming-related period myths before. But, really, all you need to know is this: swimming on your period is not unsanitary, is unlikely to cause a vaginal infection, and, chances are, you're not going to attract sharks.
Go figure!
While these myths once kept menstruators out of the water, today, there's actually an abundance of scientific evidence that sways the debate in the opposite direction.
Not only can you swim on your period, but maybe you should swim on your period considering there are some surprising benefits.
Dive in With Period-Friendly Swimwear
A lack of period products has, historically, also hindered the case for swimming on your period. While tampons and menstrual cups remain the go-to choice for many, other innovations have sparked a renewed sense of comfort in hitting swimming pools and beaches.
Period swimwear—like the Leakproof Deep V One Piece Swimsuit—can absorb menstrual blood and help protect from leaks by absorbing about one regular tampon worth of period blood.
And the best part? Period swimwear looks no different than any other swimsuit, which means you can slip into your period swim bottoms or one-piece even when you're not on your period.
Wear your favorite period-proof swimsuit solo on lighter days or as backup leak protection on heavier menstrual flow days in combination with a trusty tamp on or menstrual cup. Just be sure to change your tampon out as soon as you get out of the water. Since your tampon will inevitably soak up more than just blood, this will help prevent any harmful bacteria from building up.
Swimming and Your Menstrual Health
Research shows that swimming during your period can have some incredibly positive benefits on your menstrual health by improving annoying symptoms like pain, bloating, period cramps. This applies to just about any form of exercise, since during movement your body releases endorphins that act as natural painkillers that can create a sense of ease.
There's even research to suggest that cold water swimming, in particular, can help alleviate some of the mental health symptoms associated with periods, like anxiety and mood swings.
If discomfort and low energy levels mean hitting the beach is the last thing on your mind during your period, we totally get it. But did you know swimming regularly even when you're not on your period can help alleviate period cramps and discomfort when your menstrual cycle does come around?
In fact, swimming may even help improve PMS symptoms, like mood swings, irritability, and anxiety.
Buoyancy + Pressure
The magic of water.
The buoyancy and pressure of water can help you feel better during your menstrual phase—but it's also great for your body all cycle long.
When you submerge your body into water, you experience an upward buoyant force that makes you feel lighter because it counteracts gravity. This happens due to the fluid mechanics of Archimedes' principle.
When you're in water, water pressure is evenly distributed around your body which makes movement easier, regardless of whether or not you're a proficient swimmer.
The combination of buoyant force and water pressure helps with period pain by helping reduce inflammation, ease stress on the joints, and relax muscles. Force and pressure also helps to increase blood flow, which can also help decrease period-related discomfort like bloating.
Low-Impact Cardio
Exercise you can trust.
It's pretty understandable if you don't feel up for an intense workout during your menstrual cycle. The key is listening to your body and making adjustments accordingly.
Your menstrual phase can be a more sensitive and delicate time for your body, which means prioritizing rest may be the best way to support your cycle. But, if you don't want to skip your workout completely, swimming is a less intense and lower impact aerobic exercise.
Swimming is one of the best exercises for cardio and strength training. And thanks to that magic buoyancy and pressure, when you swim you still get the incredible mental and physical benefits of engaging in movement without straining your body.
Some swimming exercises—like front crawl and back crawl—can also help strengthen core muscle groups, like your glutes and lower back. Having strong muscles, especially glutes, can help support pelvic health, which can also help support menstrual health.
Digital Disconnection
A much-needed, temporary online break.
The online world can be an incredible source of connection, entertainment, joy, and community (I mean, it literally brought you here to this article). At the same time, too much time online and media overconsumption can have undesirable mental health impacts.
Hanging out in the water, then, is one of the few places you can find some reprieve—especially if you find it hard to stop scrolling.
While you may be heading to the pool for a swim, it can also be a good opportunity for a mini digital detox where you reduce your exposure to the stressors of constant stimulus and notifications.
This break from technology can allow for uninterrupted time to focus on the present moment, practice mindfulness, and turn your attention inwards.
With that, the benefits of swimming on your period can go beyond the physical by helping provide a mental health boost. Say it with us: it's OK to disconnect.
—
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.