Periods 101
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Can you swim with a menstrual cup in?
The short answer is yes. You can swim with a menstrual cup in. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you take the plunge. In this blog post, we'll share everything you need to know about swimming with a menstrual cup.
The use of a period cup specifically for swimming is simple: If you are worried about seeing blood in the water, worry no more. No one will ever know you’re menstruating. Just pop the cup in and go!
We understand that sometimes you want to go on a beach trip, take a quick dip or go water skiing — but don’t want to lug around bulky pads or tampons. That being said, swimming with pads is a no-no. As you can just imagine, pads are designed to absorb the period flow, and as they are worn in your pants, they would simply absorb all the pool water as well. You’ll just end up with a sloppy bottom that looks rather like a nappy, and we’re pretty confident that’s not the vibe you are going for!
So, here's everything you need to know about swimming with a menstrual cup...
Menstrual cups don’t absorb blood
Due to the fact that menstrual cups do not absorb water or any other fluid for that matter, there is less likelihood of getting an infection in the vaginal area. Whenever we use a menstrual cup, dirty or chemically treated water will not be absorbed by the cup, therefore, reducing the possibility of accelerating the growth of harmful bacteria in our bodies. Perfect!
Plus, you don’t need to worry about blood flow back into the body when swimming because that just doesn’t happen. It’s completely safe to show off your water skills during a swim or any water activities without having to worry about leaking red.
Top tips for swimming with a menstrual cup
1. Make sure your menstrual cup is fully open
With some menstrual cups, it can be difficult to get the seal fully opened or suctioned. You'll want to make sure your cup is properly inserted before you get in the water. If your cup isn't inserted correctly, you could experience leaks.
Do this by holding the base of the cup in one hand and pulling the stem with your other hand until you feel a "pop." This makes removing and inserting the cup easier. If you're unsure about how to insert your cup, check out our step-by-step guide.
2. Empty your menstrual cup before diving in
Before going swimming, empty and clean your cup and restart your wearing time by setting the starting time for another 4-6 hours. This will give you the chance to use your cup the whole time you are in the water without worrying about an overflow or having to jump out to empty it.
When you're swimming in seawater, another top tip you should keep in mind is to rinse your cup a few times with fresh water after you're done swimming. By doing this, you will be able to minimise any potential future irritations. Check out our guide to cleaning your period cup properly for all the details.
3. Stay calm
Swimming with a menstrual cup shouldn't make you anxious! Most people feel as comfortable wearing a menstrual cup in the water as they do wearing a tampon. With a menstrual cup, you don’t have to worry about the tampon string peeping through or watch it float in the water as you swim across, pretending it’s not yours.
Finally, remember that you can always take a break from swimming if you need to. If you're feeling any discomfort, it's better to take a break than to push through. So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about swimming with a menstrual cup. Just remember to take things slowly at first and to listen to your body.
Debunking the myth: Period blood attracts sharks
There is an internet misconception that being on your period whilst swimming in the sea can send sharks into hysterics, and before you know it, they will be hunting you down. The truth is that sharks are attracted to the natural chemicals released by a body when they're injured, not necessarily blood.
So will your period blood attract sharks? The answer is no. Whilst we can’t stop you from indulging in other shark-luring activities, we can assure you that you’ll be safe from sharks on your period. Just remember to take a deep breath and wipe the sweat off your forehead if your period decides to greet you on your holiday.
