Repeat after me: periods cannot stop me from doing anything including swimming. Yes, it’s absolutely “normal” to take a dip in the pool during shark week. According to a 2016 study, it’s a rather healthy way to stay physically active and destress during that time of the month. Now, if you’re a water baby, the next obvious question on your mind could be: can I use a menstrual cup while swimming? Scroll down to find out the answer:
Is Using A Menstrual Cup Safe While Swimming?
Using a menstrual cup is a great period-day swim solution. This silicone-based device is worn internally to collect period blood. Now, the water from the pool cannot enter the vagina and will have no contact with the menstrual cup. This means that you can swim with a menstrual cup on without worrying about leakages. Secondly, a menstrual cup works by creating a strong suction grip with the walls of the vagina. So it won’t move or leak even in case of any strenuous movement while you’re in the pool (or otherwise).
How To Use A Menstrual Cup While Swimming?
Even though menstrual cup insertion and removal rules remain exactly the same, you must keep these four things in mind:
Opt For The Right Size
You must ensure that the period blood doesn’t leak inside the water. The best way to “seal the deal” is to opt for a menstrual cup that fits you like a glove so that the cup creates a strong suction grip inside the vagina and stays in place.
Empty The Cup Before Diving
A menstrual cup has the capacity to hold 20-30 ml of blood in one go. In all probability, the cup won’t fill up even after eight hours of wearing it continuously if your period flow is normal. But diving in with an empty cup is just a precaution to prevent any leakages in the pool.
Get Used To The Cup First
A menstrual cup is sustainable, reusable, and cheap. However, getting used to handling it can take a while. So if you’re new to the cup club, we’d suggest you get a hang of this device before you decide to take a dip while wearing it. However, once you’re a pro, you’ll feel super-confident and comfy while swimming with a menstrual cup on, we promise.
Carry A Water Bottle
A menstrual cup can give you leak-proof protection for eight hours straight. However, if you have an extremely heavy period flow, you must empty it every three-four hours to be on the safer side. Additionally, emptying and washing the cup post swimming can safeguard you against any infections. So always carry a water bottle to follow the empty-wash-insert drill in a public washroom after your swim sesh. Don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing the cup.
Swimming On Your Period: FAQs
Swimming on your period can be a tricky. So here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Is It Unhygienic To Swim On Your Period?
Not if you’re wearing a no/low absorbency period product internally. The pool water cannot enter the vagina. Hence, it won’t come in contact with an internally-worn period product like a tampon or a menstrual cup.
Pad, Tampon Or A Menstrual Cup: Which Is Better For Swimming On Your Period?
Pads and panty liners are worn externally and absorb period blood. When worn in the pool, they can swell up, cause leakages, and spread infections. Tampons and menstrual cups are worn internally and are deemed safe for swimming. In case of tampons, you’ve got to make sure that its thread is tugged in and that it’s not highly absorbent. While in case of a menstrual cup, you don’t have to worry about these factors. All you’ve got to do is choose a perfect fit and you’re good to go. So all in all, a menstrual cup is a great aid for period-day swimming provided you know how to handle it.
Can Swimming Stop/Delay Your Period?
One of the biggest period myths is that the pressure from the water can make your period stop altogether. Now, the water definitely has a higher resistance than air and creates pressure against the opening of your vagina that may temporarily keep the blood from coming out. However, once you exit the water and the pressure is gone, you’ll start bleeding again.
Does Period Blood Attract Sharks?
It’s as ridiculous as it sounds. There is no scientific evidence of any correlation between period blood and shark attacks. Moreover, one merely sheds six tablespoons through an entire period cycle of three-seven days. Even if you lose this small amount of blood in the water, it’s highly unlikely to even reach the sharks usually found in the deeper waters or even send them into an attack mode.
Sirona Recommends Best Menstrual Cup For Swimming On Your Period: Sirona Menstrual Cup
Made with soft medical-grade, skin-friendly silicone, the Sirona Menstrual Cup is super-flexible. It can be folded into any shape and can be inserted easily. With a capacity of up to 28 mL, it offers leak-proof protection for eight hours straight and keeps you comfy all day. Additionally, the cup’s got a stem at the base that makes it removing the cup easy. Available in three different sizes (Small, medium, and large), this cup will fit you like a glove and is sure to change your period swimming experience forever.
We hope that our science-backed two cents of swimming with a menstrual cup help you enjoy your much-awaited beach vacay and pool parties. Happy Summer!
Featured Image: Pexels
Also Read
Busting Myths About Menstrual Cups: Read this if the myths about menstrual cups are keeping you from ditching your pads and tampons for this sustainable period aid.
Period Essentials: My Top 5 Period Must-Haves!: These period essentials will take the edge off a difficult shark week and change your period experience forever.
How to Use a Menstrual Cup: Here’s a detailed guide on how to use a menstrual cup to make your sustainable switch smooth and easy.
Menstrual Hygiene: A Need of the Hour: Why do you need to maintain proper period hygiene? Find out the answer right here, right now.
Menstrual Cups for LGBT People: Menstrual cups are for everyone. Read this to learn more.
