Summer is coming, the sun is shining, and the urge to dive into the water is getting stronger. But then, your period decides to crash the party...
Should you give up swimming? Absolutely not! It is entirely possible to enjoy the sea, the pool, or a river, even during that annoying time of the month.
The fears related to leaks, pain, or discomfort are normal and shared by all women. But these fears shouldn't stop you from enjoying those moments of relaxation and fun in the water. Together, we'll explore all the keys to swimming during your period with complete peace of mind. From suitable menstrual products to practical tips and a few alternative ideas, you'll know everything about the best way to experience your period stress-free by the water!
Can you swim with your period?
The answer is simple: yes, you can absolutely swim even during your period ! There is no particular danger in diving into the water during this time. Yet, many women still have concerns about it.
The most common fears women have about swimming during their period:
- Leaks: This is the main worry. “Will I leave a red trail in the water ?” Fortunately, with the right protection and the pressure of the water, this risk is minimal.
- Discomfort: Wearing an internal protection can be uncomfortable or restrict your movements, especially if you're not used to it.
- Pain: Some women are afraid of feeling more cramps when they're immersed in water.
- Hygiene: Are public pools, lakes, or the sea safe for your intimate health during your period?
Many women have long avoided swimming out of fear of leaks or being judged by others. But today, with new menstrual products available and better information, this taboo is gradually fading away.
Myth or Reality: Does water stop blood flow?
This is a common question for women and girls on their period ! The effect of water pressure can slow down or even temporarily stop blood flow when you are immersed.
This means that while swimming, you are less likely to have leaks. But be careful, once you get out of the water, the flow resumes naturally. So it's important to use a menstrual product if you plan to stay in the water or on your towel for a long time.
The important thing is to find the solution that works for you and not let your period keep you from enjoying the water. Now that we've busted this myth, let's see which menstrual products are the most suitable for swimming with peace of mind!
Which menstrual products should you choose to swim with peace of mind during your period?
For years, women didn't have a viable solution to fully enjoy a swim during their period. But in 2025, that's over, many water-friendly menstrual productsexist to let you enjoy swimming during your period with peace of mind.
When you have your period, it's essential to choose a menstrual product suitable for swimming to avoid leaks, discomfort, or even infection risks.
Several options exist, each with its pros and cons. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages together:
- Tampons
- Menstrual cups
- Period swimwear
- Sanitary pads and period underwear
1. The tampon: A classic solution, but not without risks
The tampon is one of the most commonly used solutions for swimming during your period. Available in France since 1951, it was the first internal menstrual product that allowed women to swim during their period. Designed to absorb menstrual flow inside the vagina, it prevents blood from leaking into the water.
But what are the pros and cons?
| Advantages of tampons for swimming during your period | Disadvantages of tampons for swimming during your period |
| Convenient and discreet | Must be changed regularly |
| Absorbs flow directly at the source | Risk of vaginal dryness and discomfort |
| Minimizes risk of leaks | Risk that the string sticks out from your Swimwear |
| Risk of leaks or water absorption if not positioned correctly or not suited to your flow | |
| Presence of chemicals in many tampons (pesticides, chlorine, endocrine disruptors) | |
| Risk of developing toxic shock syndrome (TSS) |
If you want to use tampons to enjoy swimming during your period, here are some recommendations:
- Choose organic cotton tampons, without chemicals, like those offered by Jho or Organyc.
- Do not keep a tampon for more than 4 hours, to limit the risk of leaks and infections.
- Make sure to position the string properly for more discretion.
- Wash your hands before and after insertion.If you're not used to wearing one,
- practice positioning it correctly before jumping in the water. By following these few recommendations, you can
fully enjoy swimming during your period, while minimizing the risks associated with tampons.2. The cup: eco-friendly and effective alternative
The
cup or menstrual cup is a small medical-grade silicone cup that is placed inside the vagina and collects blood without absorbing it. It was in 1980 that cups started to appear on the internal menstrual product market. However, they remained little known for many years before making a comeback due to women's concerns about their health and the environment. Cups
, unlike tampons, do not dry out the vaginal flora and are reusable for several years, making them a more eco-friendly alternative to tampons. But what are the pros and cons? Advantages of the cup for swimming during your period
Disadvantages of the cup for swimming during your period
| Reusable and eco-friendly | Requires an adjustment period |
| No harmful chemicals | Difficult to empty and clean without access to clean water |
| Can hold more menstrual flow than a tampon | Requires good technique for insertion and removal |
| Discreet and comfortable once well positioned | If you want to use a |
| cup to enjoy swimming during your period, |
here are some recommendations: Empty and rinse the cup before swimming.
- Bring a small water bottle
- to clean it if needed.Position it correctly to avoid leaks.
- If you're not used to wearing one, practice positioning it correctly
- before jumping in the water. By following these few recommendations, you can swim with peace of mind during your period
, while taking a more eco-friendly approach to managing your period. Period swimwear are the newcomers to the menstrual product market. They appeared in
3. Period swimwear: the non-invasive revolution
2020 on the French market, offering women an external menstrual product so they can swim with peace of mind. Featuring textile technology with multiple layers (absorbent, leak-proof, and waterproof), they are ideal for all menstrual flows.But what are the pros and cons?No need for internal protectionFewer models suitable for heavy flows
Comfortable and reusable
| Advantages of period swimwear for swimming during your period | Disadvantages of period swimwear for swimming during your period |
| Must be well cared for to maintain effectiveness | Absorbs flow while being waterproof |
| Makes you forget your period | (Ok, that's not a disadvantage) |
| Can be used in and out of the water | Up to 8 hours of continuous protection Great freedom of movement without risk of leaks |
| Simple to use (just put it on) | |
| If you want to use a | |
| , here are some recommendations: | |
| Choose a |
model suited to your flow period swimwear so you can swim with peace of mind during your periodand your water activities.
- Bring a waterproof pouch to store it in your bag.
- Wash the swimsuit after each swim.By following these few recommendations, you can
- enjoy a day by the water without worrying about your period. 4. Can you swim with a sanitary pad or period underwear?
Unlike other options, sanitary pads
and
period underwear are not suitable for swimming.Why?They absorb water as well as blood,
making them ineffective and uncomfortable.
- High risk of leaks and
- discomfort.Feeling of heaviness due to water absorption.Risk of damaging or
- ruining your menstrual product.
- If you usually wear period underwear or a sanitary pad to manage your flow outside the water,
plan for a suitable menstrual product for swimming.After swimming, bring a spare sanitary pad or period underwear to avoid discomfort and maintain good intimate hygiene.
Every woman has different needs and it's important to try several solutions to find what works best for you. The
tampon and the cup remain effective options for leak-free swimming, but require some practice to position them correctly. Meanwhile, the is a comfortable, more practical, and eco-friendly alternative. The main thing, to period swimwearenjoy swimming during your period, is to feel comfortable and confident!Alternative methods for managing your period in the waterThere are solutions for those who do not want to use water-friendly menstrual products
like tampons, cups, or period swimwear.
There is a natural method to manage your flow on your own, but some
contraceptive methods can also help you control your cycle. Let's discover these alternatives together.Free instinctive flow (FIF): mastering your bodyThe free instinctive flow (FIF)
is a method that involves
controlling your period flow by contracting the pelvic floor muscles and going to the toilet to release blood at the desired time. How does it work? 🩸 The free instinctive flow (FIF)
is a
natural method that involves learning to hold and release your menstrual flow voluntarily, a bit like controlling your bladder. Instead of using menstrual products, this technique relies on listening to your body, pelvic floor muscle control and learning to recognize signals sent by the uterusWho is it for? 🙋For women who know their cycle well.
Easier to use for
- light flowsRequires .
- gradual training and a good connection with your body..
- ⚠️ The limits of FIF: This is not a foolproof method
, especially for heavy flows.
- Long swimming sessions can be a challenge, as water pressure delays the flow, but once out of the water, the flow resumes naturally and suddenly.
- A gradual learning process is needed before being completely comfortable with this method.
- For swimming, FIF can be a viable alternative for
short periods in the water and without much effort. However, it's recommended to have a plan B for unexpected flow. That way, you'll be fully protected(like period swimwear as a complement) in case and can practice this method of managing your menstrual flow safely. Contraceptive methods to control your cycleSome contraceptive methods
can reduce or
stop your period, offering a solution to avoid worrying about your period while swimming.The pill and back-to-back packs: Some contraceptive pills
can be taken continuously, which
prevents your period from occurring. This can be a practical option for those who want to avoid having their period during a specific time, like a vacation.However, it's important to note that your body may take several months to adjust to a contraceptive pill. Also, it's
not recommended to change them regularly, as pills cause hormonal fluctuations, which can negatively affect your body. The hormonal IUD: Unlike the copper IUD
, which can sometimes make periods heavier, the
hormonal IUD tends to reduce them, or even make them disappear completely for some women. It's a long-term contraceptive solution that can be interesting for those who prefer not to deal with daily contraception. ⚠️ Precautions and medical advice:All these methods require medical supervision
to make sure they're right for your health.
- It's important to be well informed about possible side effects and to
- discuss with a healthcare professional before choosing one of these solutions.These alternative methods allow you to manage your period differently, but they don't suit everyone. Each woman can experiment and choose the solution that works best for her to fully enjoy
stress-free swimming during her period.Our tips for making the most of a day by the water during your periodChoosing a menstrual product suitable for water
is a good start, but
being a woman and having your period often requires a whole logistical plan. That's why we've put together a list of recommendations to help you fully enjoy the water with peace of mind even during your period.Tip #1: Moral support Swimming with your period can be a source of anxiety, especially for
young girls
Normalizing the conversation around periods helps break taboos and approach swimming more calmly.Plus, this trusted person can discreetly check that there are no leaks. With this simple gesture, you can
relax and enjoy your swim without being plagued by anxiety.Whether it's a friend, your mother, your sister, or a family member, feeling supported without judgment will let you make the most of this relaxing time.
Tip #2: The checklist to prepare for your swim with an internal protectionTo best prepare for your day of swimming with an internal menstrual product
(cup or tampon), we've prepared a
checklist to help you pack your beach or pool bag. In your bag, you'll have: Spare protection (clean tampon or cup)If you use a cup, bring a small water bottle to rinse the cup
Biodegradable intimate wipes
- Waterproof pouch or box to store your used protection
- Dark beach towel
- Dark swimsuit bottoms
- Bath poncho or robe to change more easily outdoors
- To best prepare for your day of
- , we've prepared a
- checklist to help you pack your beach or pool bag
Tip #3: The checklist to prepare for your swim with period swimwear
. swimming with period swimwearIn your bag, you'll have: Waterproof pouch to carry a wet swimsuit.
Spare underwear and menstrual product for after swimming
- Beach towel to relax in comfortBath poncho or robe to change more easily outdoors
- With these tips in hand, you're ready to
- fully enjoy swimming with your period
- , with complete peace of mind!
Swimming with your period is totally possible! As we've seen, there are several solutions to enjoy the water stress-free: tampons, menstrual cups, period swimwear,
or even alternative methods like free instinctive flow. Every woman has different options with their pros and cons. Find the menstrual solution that works best for you depending on your flow and preferences.The important thing is to not miss out on the joys of swimming because of your period. With a little preparation and the right products, it's absolutely possible to
swim with peace of mind.Finally, remember: periods are natural and shouldn't stop you from doing what you love. And you, what are your tips for making the most of swimming during your period
?
Share them in the comments, they could definitely help other women and girls fully enjoy their swim.
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