As the weather warms up you might be thinking about swimming with menstrual cups or discs while on your period. Here’s the quick answer: Yes, you can swim, bathe, and even scuba dive while wearing a menstrual cup.
The Basics of Swimming with Your Period
Menstrual cups work by creating a vacuum “suction” that seals inside of your vaginal canal. This makes sure period blood doesn’t leak out.
Menstrual discs do not “suction” but they do create a seal in your body that makes sure your period blood doesn’t leak out.
So swimming with menstrual cups or discs will offer you the protection you need against leaking.
Related: How Menstrual Cups Work
Why Menstrual Cups and Discs are Safe for Swimming
Menstrual cups and discs can be worn while swimming, taking a bath, in the hot tub, sauna, and even while scuba diving. The benefit of using either product is that, unlike tampons, there are no strings to be self-conscious about and they’re comfortable to wear during any activity. Athletes and water enthusiasts often switch to a menstrual cup or disc for their many benefits, including being able to go swimming while on your period.
Someone On The Internet Said “It’s Not Safe”
Going into any body of water with your cup or disc in is safe. You may find, depending on the product and your movements in the water, that some water was able to enter the cup. This is actually normal and nothing to be concerned about.
It’s a good idea to empty your cup after your adventure in case water does enter, this way you know there is room for more period blood.
Since period blood is thicker than water it won’t leak out, but water can get in. As long as you have a properly fitted menstrual cup or disc enjoying time in the water is totally safe and leak-free. If you’re nervous about leaks try to empty your cup or disc before getting in the water as an additional precaution. Many people have found that while in the water their period flow actually stops entirely.
What About What is IN The Water? Isn’t that Unsafe?
When you’re not on your period the same water is making contact with your external tissues and also with the vaginal tissue. If a small amount of that water enters the cup it’s not a concern. The old wive’s tale that swimming can cause a yeast infection may or may not be true, the jury is still out. When swimming with your period, remove your cup or disc and empty it as soon as possible after your swim as a “just to be safe” measure.
Since infections are usually connected to a pH imbalance, on or off your period you should consider the ingredients in your bubble baths and bath bombs.
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