{"id":1725,"date":"2023-06-17T11:42:15","date_gmt":"2023-06-17T11:42:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/?p=1725"},"modified":"2023-07-05T11:51:44","modified_gmt":"2023-07-05T11:51:44","slug":"can-you-go-swimming-during-your-period","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/can-you-go-swimming-during-your-period\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Go Swimming During Your Period"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Should you go swimming with a menstrual cup while on your period? This, and many more, are pivotal questions that come to mind during that time of the month, especially during the summer, while you\u2019re on vacation. Should you change your regular activities at this time? Fortunately, you don\u2019t really need to change any of your everyday activities just because you\u2019re on your period, and this includes swimming as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As you might\u2019ve guessed, our <\/span><a href=\"\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Obstetrics and Gynecology experts in South Miami, Florida<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, will delve into this topic more in-depth, challenging some of the most common misconceptions women usually have about swimming during their periods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Swimming During Your Period: Misconceptions<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1727\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Swimming-During-Your-Period-Misconceptions.jpg\" alt=\"Young Beautiful Woman Is Relaxing in Swimming Pool With Rubber Ring.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"653\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Swimming-During-Your-Period-Misconceptions-200x131.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Swimming-During-Your-Period-Misconceptions-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Swimming-During-Your-Period-Misconceptions-400x261.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Swimming-During-Your-Period-Misconceptions-600x392.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Swimming-During-Your-Period-Misconceptions-768x502.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Swimming-During-Your-Period-Misconceptions-800x522.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Swimming-During-Your-Period-Misconceptions.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding this topic, so let\u2019s get started by getting the facts straight.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>It Will Be Messy<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fortunately, you can go swimming while on your period. Still, it\u2019s pivotal to wear a menstrual cup or a tampon to catch the flow. Actually, competitive swimmers have often competed in important events on their periods, and nothing went wrong.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>It\u2019s Unsafe<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There\u2019s a myth going around that women on their periods who go swimming may be more susceptible to shark attacks, as these predators can smell blood from almost miles away. While their sense of smell is among the best on the planet, there\u2019s no actual scientific evidence that would suggest that women who go swimming during their period are more likely to get attacked by sharks. As a matter of fact, around 80% of shark attacks happen to men.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Cramping Will Become Even Worse<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While most women may not actually feel like going for a swim if they are experiencing cramping while on their period, exercise may actually help them relieve the pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>It\u2019s Unhugienic\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To avoid anything messy, experts always recommend swimming with a menstrual cup or swimming with a tampon in these cases. This way, women can ensure that they won\u2019t be any leakage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Could You Get Infections from Swimming With a Period?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Engaging in swimming activities while menstruating poses no safety risks and does not heighten the chances of acquiring a vaginal infection. Nonetheless, it is possible for chlorinated pools to cause vaginal irritation, potentially leading to the development of yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis (BV). To minimize this risk, it is advisable to promptly shower and change into fresh, dry clothing to reduce prolonged exposure to pool chemicals. Should you notice any unusual changes in your body or have concerns, it is essential to schedule an appointment with your doctor for further evaluation and guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Products To Use When Simming During Your Period?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To ensure that nothing goes wrong if you choose to go swimming while on your period, the following products can help you have a pleasant beachside experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Menstrual cups:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> These products are created to catch the flow before leaving the body. You can wear them for longer periods without the need for bringing extra cups, but you will need to wash them, which can become complicated if you are in a public area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tampons:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Just like menstrual cups, these are also designed to catch the blood before it leaves the body. The tampon will absorb the flow before it can get to the water. Still, you should change these products every two to three hours to ensure everything goes smoothly.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Period-proof swimsuits: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These swimwear products look just like regular bikini bottoms but have an extra layer that serves to absorb menstrual blood, so wearers don\u2019t have to worry about unexpected leakage.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Preventing Leakage<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1728\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Preventing-Leakage.jpg\" alt=\"Woman With Flower in Her Hand Relaxing in Outdoor Swimming Pool in Bali Luxury Resort.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Preventing-Leakage-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Preventing-Leakage-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Preventing-Leakage-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Preventing-Leakage-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Preventing-Leakage-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Preventing-Leakage-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2023\/07\/Preventing-Leakage.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are also some misconceptions circulating that state when women enter the water during their periods, the bleeding stops thanks to the water pressure. Naturally, this isn\u2019t true. The pressure may slow the flow down, but the period will still continue. That\u2019s why it\u2019s essential to use menstrual cups or tampons when swimming with your period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You might have asked yourself: \u201cCan I swim on my period with a pad?\u201d While it may seem safe, experts recommend refraining from pad usage in the water. While they can be great during your period, they aren\u2019t meant for use when you\u2019re swimming. Why? Pads will also absorb the water around you, making them ineffective and even messy on the beach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On the other hand, cotton and rayon tampons are okay to use while on the beach. These might also absorb some water, but it\u2019s less of a concern than in the case of pads. Remember that you might need to change the tampons every two to three hours while in the water, so be prepared.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also, don\u2019t forget that tampons are linked to toxic shock syndrome. While these happen rarely, they can occur caused by toxins produced by bacteria. Also, the issue can affect anyone, and most often, it\u2019s associated with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Burns and cuts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recent surgery<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Viral infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The use of contraceptive sponges, menstrual cups, diaphragms, and tampons<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The symptoms of this severe complication will usually include the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sudden fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Low blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Diarrhea and vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Muscle aches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Confusion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Redness in the mouth, throat, and eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rashes in the soles and palms that look like sunburn<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To lower the risk of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/toxic-shock-syndrome\/#:~:text=Toxic%20shock%20syndrome%20(TSS)%20is,and%20you%20need%20urgent%20treatment.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">toxic shock syndrome<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, women can follow these simple recommendations:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wash their hand thoroughly before and after tampon usage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use the tampons with the lowest absorbency needed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Change the tampons regularly.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Only use them while on your period<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Refraining from reusable tampon usage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Call the doctor immediately if you experience unexpected symptoms after tampon insertion.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Again, you can also go swimming with a menstrual cup if you want to stay safe. They are usually made of silicone or rubber. They are placed inside the vagina and collect period blood. These cups will need to be regularly removed, emptied, and washed, as they don\u2019t absorb the menstrual flow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Typically, menstrual cups are safer to use than tampons when assessing possible infection risks. Some of these cups are also reusable, which means lowered costs and less waste when compared to pads and tampons.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Enjoy Your Vacation With Confidence<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To sum it up, you can go swimming with a tampon or menstrual cup safely when on your period. You don\u2019t have to avoid having fun in the water just because you\u2019re on your period. All in all, it\u2019s a natural process, and you shouldn\u2019t feel ashamed even if a minor accident does happen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you adhere to these safety tips we listed, you can freely enjoy the summer and your vacation, even during that time of the month.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">That said, if you want to learn more about your options or generally want to learn more about good female hygiene practices, reach out to us today for a consultation. We\u2019re more than happy to help you get the most out of your summer. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Should you go swimming with a menstrual cup while on your period? This, and many more, are pivotal questions that come to mind during that time of the month, especially during the summer, while you\u2019re on vacation. Should you change your regular activities at this time? Fortunately, you don\u2019t really need to change any of  [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1726,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[439,438,437,435,436],"class_list":["post-1725","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gynecology","tag-can-i-swim-on-my-period-with-a-pad","tag-swim-during-the-period","tag-swimming-with-a-menstrual-cup","tag-swimming-with-a-period","tag-swimming-with-a-tampon"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1725","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1725"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1725\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1725"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1725"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}