Swimming during your period can help relieve stomach pain and is also a fun moderate-intensity exercise. Many women use tampons to collect menstrual fluid while swimming, but there are also those who don't like using these devices or can't use them. Fortunately, there are several options that women who want to swim during their period can try without using a tampon.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Trying Other Tools
Step 1. Try a reusable menstrual cup
Silicone or rubber menstrual cups are reusable, flexible and shaped like a bell. This object serves to accommodate menstrual fluid. It won't leak if it's inserted properly and is a great alternative to tampons if you want to swim.
- Menstrual cups offer many benefits apart from being an alternative to tampons when swimming. Menstrual cups only need to be changed once a year and you don't have to go to the store as often and save money. This cup only needs to be emptied every 10 hours. The use of a menstrual cup also reduces the occurrence of unpleasant odors when you are on your period.
- Some women find it difficult to insert and remove a menstrual cup and find this process quite dirty. If you have fibroids or a descending uterus, you can find it difficult to find a cup that fits you.
- If you use an IUD, try to consult an obstetrician before using a menstrual cup. Inserting these objects can change the position of the IUD and you must take the necessary steps to prevent this.
- There are various sizes of menstrual cups. So you may have to try a few different sizes before finding a cup that's right for you. You can buy it online.
- Insert the cup before swimming and let it stay in until you can change into your normal bathing suit and change the cup to another option of your choice.
- You can read an article on wikiHow about inserting and removing a reusable menstrual cup.
Step 2. Try using a disposable menstrual cup
They may cost more than tampons or reusable cups, but disposable menstrual cups are flexible, easy to insert, and do a great job of protecting you while swimming.
- As with reusable cups, you can feel uncomfortable inserting and removing disposable cups as this process is quite grubby and you will need time to get it right into the vagina.
- As with reusable cups, put these disposable cups in before swimming and leave them in until you can change your bathing suit to your regular clothes and switch to another option.
- You can learn how to insert and remove a disposable menstrual cup by reading the wikiHow article.
Step 3. Use a sea sponge
If you avoid tampons for fear of the chemicals they contain, a natural sea sponge could be a good solution for you. Sea sponge tampons are taken from the sea and do not contain chemicals. In addition, this item can be used repeatedly.
- The USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) does not approve the use of sea sponges for menstruation because of the potential for causing toxic shock syndrome.
- Tampons and sea sponges work in the same way, absorbing menstrual fluid. The advantage of the sea sponge is that it is natural, has a high absorption capacity, and follows the shape of your body. Plus, it can be washed between uses and reused for up to six months.
- Make sure that the sea sponge you buy to use on your period is made for this purpose. Sea sponges sold for arts and crafts or other purposes can be treated with chemicals. Try the sponges produced by Sea Clouds or Jade & Pearl Sea Pearls.
- To use a sea sponge during menstruation, start by washing it with a mild soap and rinsing it well. Then, while it's still wet, squeeze out the excess water and insert it into your vagina while squeezing it firmly between your fingers to reduce the size.
Part 2 of 3: Using Other Products Not Commonly Used for Period Protection
Step 1. Ask your doctor for diaphragm information
The diaphragm is a small cup-like dome made of rubber that is inserted deep into the vagina. This device functions as a contraceptive and is designed to block sperm from entering the cervix. This tool is not intended as a means of protection during menstruation. However, if the discharge is not too much, you can use it while swimming as an alternative to tampons.
- The diaphragm can be left in the vagina for up to 24 hours. If you have sexual intercourse, you must leave the diaphragm in the body for at least 6 hours afterward to prevent pregnancy. The diaphragm does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.
- The diaphragm can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. You should not use a diaphragm if you are allergic to latex. Abdominal or hip pain can be caused by an incorrectly sized diaphragm, so make sure you replace your diaphragm when you gain or lose 5 pounds or more.
- Wash the diaphragm by removing it and washing it with a mild soap, then rinse and dry. Do not use products such as baby powder or face powder as they can damage the diaphragm.
- Again, using a diaphragm for protection during menstruation is not recommended. If the discharge is light and you don't want to use a tampon, you can try inserting a diaphragm. However, it is best to test first whether the diaphragm is effective at blocking the escaping fluid. If you have sex after swimming, be sure to leave this diaphragm in your body for six hours before removing it.
Step 2. Try a cervical cap
Just like the diaphragm, the cervical cap is generally used as a contraceptive. However, they can block the flow of menstrual fluid, so you can use them while swimming instead of tampons.
- The cervical cap is a silicone cup that is inserted into the vagina. Similar to the diaphragm, its function is to prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering the cervix.
- If you are allergic to latex or spermicide or have ever had toxic shock syndrome, you should not use a cervical cap. You should also not use it if your vaginal muscle control is poor, or you have an infection such as a urinary tract infection, have a venereal disease, or have sores in your vaginal tissues.
- Before using a cervical cap for protection during menstruation, talk to your doctor. It's not recommended for use as regular menstrual protection, but if you're nearing the end of your period and only want to use it while swimming, they can be an alternative to tampons.
Part 3 of 3: Changing Habits
Step 1. Don't swim with your whole body
If you can't find a suitable alternative to tampons, get in the water without actually dunking yourself in the water.
- Sunbathing, soaking, relaxing under an umbrella, and dipping your feet by the pool are some of the choices. In addition, during this activity, you can also wear sanitary napkins.
- Remember that menstruation is normal. You may be embarrassed to tell your friends that you can't swim because you're on your period, but they'll understand.
- If you feel uncomfortable because you are on your period, you can say that you are not feeling well or that you don't want to swim.
Step 2. Put on waterproof underwear
Waterproof underwear can be a safe alternative that is comfortable when swimming or doing activities when you are menstruating.
- Waterproof underwear looks like regular underwear or bikini bottoms but has a leak-free hidden lining that helps absorb blood.
- If you plan to swim in waterproof underwear, be aware that this type of underwear will not absorb heavy menstrual fluid. These clothes can only be used on the last days of menstruation or when the discharge is not much.
Step 3. Wait until the liquid that comes out is not too much
It's not easy to find an alternative to tampons that are effective and easy to hide under a swimsuit. Therefore, when the flow of menstrual fluid is heavy, wait for it to decrease if you want to swim.
- Birth control pills if used correctly can shorten menstrual periods. Hormonal contraceptives can also reduce bleeding during menstruation. If you like swimming and don't like tampons, you can use this option to shorten your menstrual cycle.
- You can also take Seasonale or other birth control pills that make you less likely to have periods. Seasonale is designed for you to take an "active" hormonal pill daily for three months before taking an "inactive" placebo pill that activates your period. Some women still experience a little sudden bleeding while taking the active pill, but this method can help you predict when your period will come so you can schedule swimming activities when you're not having your period.
- Try to be active in sports. Exercising regularly can shorten the menstrual period and make it lighter. If you really like swimming, you may find that your menstrual cycle changes in the dry season if you swim a lot. However, if your periods are abnormally reduced or stopped altogether, see your doctor to determine the cause or whether you are pregnant.
Tips
- If you're hesitant about using a tampon because you don't know how to insert it, be sure to check out the wikiHow articles for tips and tricks on how to do it.
- If you can't use a tampon because you're still a virgin and your hymen is too narrow, you won't be able to use another method where you have to insert a device.
- If you really like swimming and this is a problem you often face, try using contraception that can stop or lighten menstrual flow (especially Mirena or continuous OCP).
Warning
- Remember that being in the water doesn't stop menstrual fluid from coming out. The pressure of the water may make this menstrual flow lighter for some women, but swimming won't stop it. If you choose to swim with no protection at all, be aware that it's likely that the fluid will start to come out again when you get out of the water.
- Do not use cloth or disposable pads when submerged in water. The water will make the pads wet so they can't absorb the fluids that come out of your body.
- Consult an obstetrician before using a cervical cap or diaphragm while menstruating to ensure safety.
