Can You Take a Bath on Your Period?

Periods were taboo for a very long time, so it’s no wonder that there are a lot of period myths out there. These myths take on a life of their own and can confuse many women of every age. So let’s debunk one myth once and for all: Can you take a bath on your period?

Yes, it’s totally okay to take a bath while you have your menstrual period.

Why It’s Actually Good to Take a Bath on Your Period

In fact: Many women love to take a hot bath during their period. Bathing, in general, has many positive effects on our mood, stress levels, and more. And because periods can be stressful for many of us, a long, relaxing soak can be the perfect antidote to a period.

But more specifically, taking a bath on your period can help with the following:

1. Relief from Menstrual Cramps / Period Pain

Many of us experience back pain and cramps when we’re menstruating. A hot bath on your period can bring much relief, just as a hot-water bottle or heating pad would. 

2. Cleanliness and Good Period Hygiene 

It’s important to stay clean during your period, and regularly bathing or showering is the best way. Now, of course, sitting in dirty bathwater for prolonged periods can also have the opposite effect. So, make sure you always rinse off with water after taking a bath on your period, especially around your pubic area. 

3. Odor 

Menstrual blood is alkaline. If odor bothers you, bathing or showering more often should help.

4. Relaxation 

If you’re already a bath person, you’ll know a bath’s relaxing effects. Aromatherapy oils can enhance this. We recommend lavender or ylang-ylang. If your period is a stressful time for you, or you suffer from PMS, don’t underestimate the simple pleasure of a nice soak.

5 Tips for Taking a Bath on Your Period

While taking a bath on your period is perfectly safe, we do have some words of advice. Sitting in bathwater can be relaxing and have other benefits, but it’s not the most hygienic way of cleaning your body. So keep that in mind.

1. If You Wear a Pad, Pre-Clean Before Bathing

This may seem counterintuitive: After all, a bath is a place where you get clean! But if you wear a pad or leakproof underwear, you might want to pre-clean your pubic area before hopping in the tub, so the tub doesn’t become blood-tinged. 

2. No, Your Blood Flow Doesn't Stop in Water

Does your period stop in the water? Some believe that a bath will stop your blood flow. While the pressure and the properties of water might decrease your flow, the opposite can also happen: 

Indeed, you might see some menstrual blood in your shower or bath water, especially if you have a heavier flow, so be prepared!

3. Hate the Sight of Menstrual Blood? Wear a Tampon…

If you can’t stand the sight of blood or find the idea of blood in your bathwater gross, you don’t have to rule out bathing altogether. 

Can you wear a tampon in the bath or shower?  You can bathe or shower with a tampon, just as you would when swimming. It’s advisable to put in a clean tampon before your bath and remove it immediately after - remember it can also absorb water.

Ultimately, there’s no rule that you have to wear a tampon in the bath. It’s your choice and comfort level.

4. Don’t Overclean Your Pubic Area

Some women clean their pubic area aggressively when they have their period. But remember, the vagina is really a self-cleaning organ, and you don’t want to upset the delicate pH levels of your vagina. Of course, pay attention to the area, but don’t overdo it with soap or scrubbing. 

Current medical advice advises against cleaning the inside of your vagina — it is self-cleaning! This article by Rose Brown for the Guardian explains it best:

“The vagina is an amazing organ. It is lined with a mucous membrane that protects against infection (necessary in any part of the body that opens to the outside world), as well as a clever, complex mix of bacteria – also known as vaginal flora – that does the same thing (only the bowel has more bacteria than the vagina). Together, they keep the vagina healthy. It is self-cleaning, too, keeping itself safe and hygienic with secretions. (One day, I will get used to gynecologists referring to my vagina as “a self-cleaning oven.”)

Instead, just clean the vulva area (the external part of the female genitalia). Plain, warm water does the trick to keep the vulva clean, and always remember to clean from front to back to avoid infections. If you suspect you have an infection, always seek medical advice.

5. If You Become Dizzy (Perhaps Because of Anemia), Get Out

If you experience low iron levels when you have your period (or in general), take care when bathing or showering. If you experience any dizziness, get out!

A hot-water bottle or heating pad are alternatives to provide the same benefits. Wondering how to shower on your period? Tip: The same way you do every other day!

After Your Bath

Once you’ve enjoyed your soak, it’s recommended you quickly shower off to rinse away any dirty water, soap debris, etc.

Dry Gently

Time to dry off after your shower. Again, there’s no need for aggressive rubbing. Gently pat the vulva area dry with a clean towel. If you experience heavy flow, you might want to dry that area first so you can insert a tampon right away. 

You might consider using a separate hand towel on your pubic area. That way, if there’s a period blood stain, you don’t have to toss a big bath towel in the laundry. 

Use a Clean Pad/Tampon/Menstrual Cup or Period Underwear

Once you’ve dried off from your bath or shower, insert a clean tampon or apply a clean pad on fresh underwear. Hopefully, you feel relaxed and refreshed. 

If your flow is heavy, consider backing up your regular period protection (tampon, cup, or pad) with some leakproof underwear. Alternatively, you can rely completely on period underwear, even on your heaviest day.

It’s up to you what you do next, but your favorite PJs and some Netflix and chill is our suggestion!

What’s *Really* Better: A Bath or Shower?

If you’re wondering which is better—a bath or a shower, the answer largely comes down to personal preference. The benefits of a bath (particularly pain relief from menstrual cramps) convince many people that it’s just what you need when you’re on your period. Plus, if you’re tired and achy, a bath can go a long way to soothe those pains while allowing you to relax.

But, on a pure hygiene level, a shower is always going to offer better cleaning than a bath. The running water quickly washes dirt, dead skin, and bacteria away quickly (whereas in a bathtub, you’re sitting in somewhat dirty water.) A shower head can also make it easier to clean around your vulva without agitating the skin excessively. 

Of course, you can have the best of both worlds if you quickly shower/rinse off after a bath, which is our preferred approach.

Watch Outs When Bathing on Your Period (and In General)

So, we’ve established a bath is a-ok when you’re on your period, but are there things you should watch out for? Not too many, but there are a couple of things to be alert to:

Beware a Too Hot Bath - Stick With Warm Water

It can be tempting when you’re achy and weary to want the ultimate comfort and pain relief of a steaming bath. But we all tend to run a little hot when we’re on our period, and if the water is too hot, you might scald your skin. 

An even greater risk is that you exacerbate any lightheadedness you might experience during your period (especially if you have a heavy flow or experience mild anemia). So dial back from super hot water and keep the water pleasantly warm.

Avoid Harsh Products That Can Have Negative Health Effects

We recommended aromatherapy oils for relaxation (lavender or ylang-ylang are great options for natural relief of muscle pain; you can also try Epsom salts), but the other benefit of these oils is that they’re natural. 

Products like bubble baths and bath bombs can often contain dyes and harsher chemicals that might disrupt the pH balance of the water and could lead to irritation of the vulva or vagina. If you’re going to be soaking for a long time (whether during your period or not), it’s worth sticking to all-natural products that are less likely to cause irritation on any part of the body.

Written by Jane Flanagan — Updated on January 5, 2023.

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.