G
et in here ladies! There’s nothing worse than making plans to spend the day having fun and you feel that tell tale drop in your panties, your period is here.
Now you’re all over google searching for how to swim when on your period because hang out you must! Well, the good news is that this is 2021 and you can do almost anything and that includes swimming while on your period. First off, note that swimming while on your period is safe, hygienic and certainly won’t attract sharks for the deep-water lovers.
Fun fact: Do you know that your period will stop temporarily when you are in the water? It’s physics. The water pressure will work against the force of gravity, thereby counteracting your blood flow. However, if you sneeze, laugh or cough, the pressure could force some out but not enough to stain the water. Nevertheless, you would need some sort of menstrual product for this adventure. For menstrual pads, the challenge with it is that it would get soaked and become very uncomfortable, so it’s not ideal.
See 5 simple tips on how to swim on your period…
#1. Use tampons
So, we go to tampons! Just stick in and you’re good to go. A good tampon lasts for 4-8 hours, so even if you want to spend the whole day swimming, you’d have to change only twice. Also, because it is inside, there’s no danger of anything going in and coming out. That’s a win-win situation! Just make sure you change your tampon once you come out of the water.
#2. Try menstrual cups
Another option would be menstrual cups. These ones are reusable, environmentally friendly and last for up to 12 hours. That’s way longer than tampons! It’s a very good choice if you’ll be swimming or hanging out around the water for a long time.
#3. Rock waterproof swimsuit
As the name implies, this type of swimwear is waterproof and helps prevent leakage. Considering that’s it’s made of absorbent material, it will hold back the little drops of blood that may pop out when you laugh or sneeze. It’s a great idea to wear this when you want to swim on your period.
#4. Wear dark colored bikini
This is perfect when you want to come out of the water without any obvious stains. As stated earlier, the pressure inside the water delays your period while you swim, but that doesn’t mean a stain here and there may not occur. A dark colored bikini is appropriate as it prevents obvious stains.
#5. Swim in a shallow and controlled water body
This is for those ladies who enjoy taking a deep in the sea. It’s true that sharks are drawn to blood but menstrual blood isn’t made up of just blood and it hasn’t been proven that sharks are pulled to period blood. However, it’s better to remain safe by swimming in a pool or by not going too deep into the ocean. This way, a shark is less likely to show up to demand your blood.
Note:
- Swimming actually helps reduce cramps. This is because the endorphins released from the exercise act as painkillers.
- Keep a bottle of water handy because it’s easier to get dehydrated faster when swimming.
- However, should blood flow out, it would be neutralized by the chloroquine in the pool or by the large body of water (lake, river, ocean) and has no risk of infection whatsoever.
Photo Credit: Dellon Thomas | Pexels
For the latest in fashion, lifestyle and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_