Is It Safe to Swim During Your Period?

Is It Safe to Swim During Your Period?
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Being on your period doesn't mean that you have to stop all your activities. You can still go to school, work, and even exercise while on your period.

There is no scientific evidence that prohibits you from exercising during menstruation. The most important thing is to stay comfortable and ensure you're not experiencing excessive blood flow.


Can You Swim During Your Period Without Worry?

During the first few days of menstruation, bleeding tends to be heavier. You can opt for gentle and light exercises, such as walking, light-intensity cardio or aerobics, and even swimming.

You may be surprised that swimming is allowed during menstruation. In fact, swimming is safe during your period because water does not enter the vagina, regardless of whether you are menstruating or not.

Swimming also does not worsen menstrual cramps, contrary to popular belief. In fact, studies have found that swimming can help alleviate menstrual cramps.

During exercise, the body releases endorphins, which are linked to pain response and can help relieve body pain. Endorphins also contribute to positive emotional states, making you feel more relaxed and comfortable.

 

Does Menstrual Bleeding Stop While Swimming?

Swimming doesn't completely stop menstrual bleeding. However, in the water, the flow of menstrual blood is reduced due to the water pressure. Menstruation still occurs, but the blood does not exit the body as quickly as it does when you're out of the water.

However, you should still be mindful of protection against menstrual blood leakage while swimming. Regular pads may not be the best option for handling menstrual blood while swimming, but you can consider other feminine hygiene products.

 

Safe Swimming Tips During Your Period

One of the most important things to consider when swimming during menstruation is preventing menstrual blood leakage. Pads are not effective for preventing leakage, so they are not the right feminine hygiene product to use while swimming.

Safe feminine hygiene product options for swimming include tampons or menstrual cups.

Tampons are made from cotton or rayon and are safe to use while swimming. However, because they are made of fabric, tampons may absorb water, so they should be replaced immediately after swimming.

Menstrual cups may be a safer option for preventing leakage while swimming. Made of rubber or silicone, menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood and prevent leakage.

Menstrual cups carry a lower risk of infection compared to tampons. Additionally, menstrual cups are reusable and environmentally friendly.

 
 

Even when you're menstruating, don't forget to exercise, as physical activity can provide numerous health benefits. Regular physical activity can help reduce PMS symptoms. However, be sure to stay hydrated and take pain relief medication if you're experiencing severe menstrual pain. Stop exercising if you feel extremely fatigued or dizzy.

 

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more tips and tricks for health, first aid, and other home treatments? Click here!

Writer : Agatha Writer
Editor :
  • dr. Alvidiani Agustina Damanik
Last Updated : Monday, 14 April 2025 | 14:39
WebMD (2021). What to Know About Swimming During Your Period. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/women/what-to-know-swimming-during-your-period.
 
Jandra Sutton (2020). Your Period Doesn’t Stop in Water — Here’s How to Handle It. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/does-your-period-stop-in-water.
 
Planned Parenthood. How do I use tampons, pads, period underwear, and menstrual cups?. Available from: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/how-do-i-use-tampons-pads-and-menstrual-cups.
 
Sara Lindberg (2018). Can You Exercise on Your Period?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-during-period.
 
Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA (2021). Should you exercise during your period?. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326364.
Penn Medicine (2016). Swimming and Your Period: Gross or Go For It?. Available from: https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2016/june/swimming-and-your-period-5-myths-debunked.