Having your period does not usually need to stop you enjoying activities such as swimming, holidays or spending time at the beach.
What about swimming on your period with a pad?
01 Can you go swimming with a pad?
Swimming on your period with a pad is not advised.
Pads are made out of absorbent material that quickly absorb water, which reduces their ability to absorb menstrual blood effectively.
Submerged in water like a pool, a pad will completely fill with water, leaving no room for it to absorb your menstrual fluid The pad may become waterlogged, uncomfortable and less effective.
Water can also make the sticky backing that keeps your pad in place less effective so it may come out.
However, if you’re just lounging poolside or sunbathing on the beach, feel free to wear a pad. Some people choose to wear a pair of shorts or a cover-up over your swim bottoms to make yourself more comfortable. If you plan to swim, period products such as tampons, menstrual cups or menstrual discs are usually more effective than pads. Period swimwear may also be an option for lighter flow or as backup protection.
02 Girls wonder about swimming while on their period
BTW - getting your pad wet won’t cause you any harm. So, if your pad gets wet by accident, don’t sweat about it.
You can physically swim while wearing a pad, but it is unlikely to provide effective menstrual protection once it becomes wet.
Your period does not stop when you are in water. The pressure of the water may temporarily reduce the flow of blood outside the body, but menstrual bleeding continues. Once you leave the water, your flow returns to normal.
