Period · 7 min read
Swimming during your period - no problem with the menstrual cup
By SELENACARE Redaktion · 13 January 2023

You have arranged to go swimming and suddenly your period starts. Quite apart from the fact that there is rarely a good moment for your period to arrive, in this situation it probably feels especially inconvenient.
But just because you are on your period, you do not have to miss out on swimming – whether at the thermal spa in winter or in the pool, at the swimming baths, in the sea or in a lake in summer.
Speaking of the sea – we can reassure you: even if you have a heavy period, you will not be attracting any sharks :) In our article "The right period underwear for heavy flow" you will find helpful tips. And if you need advice on the right cup, read on here: "The right menstrual cup for heavy flow".
Can I go swimming on my period?
In a nutshell: yes, you can. Contrary to what people used to believe, it can even help to ease period pain.
For swimming, we recommend using period products that are worn internally – such as a tampon or a menstrual cup. Absorbent products like panty liners, pads or classic period briefs are not suitable, as they soak up water and then cannot absorb any more blood.
Another point in favour of the menstrual cup – you can combine it with any of your favourite clothes and swimwear, and it is perfect for swimming too.
Swimming during your period - the benefits
Exercise in general has a positive effect on your mood and can also reduce cramps. So if you experience pain during your period, swimming can have the same positive effect as painkillers.
As with everything, simply listen to your gut feeling about what does you good. If your pain and discomfort are so severe that you do not feel safe in the water, then you should not go swimming. Just take it a little easier and try yoga or a gentle walk instead.
Can I go swimming with a menstrual cup?
The best period product for swimming during your period is the menstrual cup. It does not absorb the blood but collects it instead. If you use a tampon, you should definitely change it soon after swimming, as it will have soaked up chlorinated or salt water, or may have absorbed water containing bacteria. That way you prevent irritation or infections from developing. You can find everything about the advantages of menstrual cups over tampons in our guide "Menstrual cup vs tampon: which is better?"
Can I go swimming in normal period underwear?
Period underwear behaves just like liners: it is not suitable for swimming, because its layers soak up water and then cannot absorb any more blood. So it is better to use a menstrual cup or a tampon for swimming. You can find out which menstrual cup is right for you in our guide "Which menstrual cup to buy? What to look out for [checklist]"
Will others notice that I am on my period while swimming?
There is no need to worry. Your flow does not stop when you get into the water, but thanks to the water pressure, nothing usually leaks out. You are best protected by using the right period product – that makes it very unlikely that any blood will get into the water while you swim.
A tampon or a menstrual cup are ideal for swimming. With the menstrual cup, you can also be sure that no tampon string can peek out of your bikini bottoms or swimsuit. And should a little something escape after all, it really is no big deal given the amount of water around you – the blood will dissolve straight away. Swimming baths and pools are usually treated with chlorine, which kills germs, so you have nothing to worry about.
Empfohlene Produkte
Our latest innovation is a true game-changer in period underwear! Our brand-new, self-adhesive material allows for the combination of period panties with interchangeable inserts – a real change in the world of sustainable period hygiene has come! A revolutionary material In close collaboration with our product designers and textile experts, SELENACARE has developed a new technology that redefines flexibility during menstruation – a self-adhesive material! This material is sewn into the crotch of the SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties, as well as onto the accompanying absorbent inserts. This material makes changing the inserts easier and without slipping! So, the inserts can be changed easily without having to undress. The self-adhesive material allows the inserts to be inserted into the matching SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties and can be easily replaced when needed, like traditional pads. Unlike traditional pads, our inserts can be reused as they are washable! Say "Goodbye" to the uncomfortable moments of changing and "Hello" to a feeling of absolute flexibility during your period! The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Period Set The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Period Set consists of two parts. The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties are the core of our system and are equipped with the self-adhesive material in the crotch – a brilliant base for the SELENACARE Easy Comfort Inserts, the second part of the period set. Absorbent Easy Comfort Inserts with Wetbag The Easy Comfort Inserts are equipped with the specially developed self-adhesive material on one side and are ideally matched to the Basic Panties. This makes inserting them into the crotch area of the panties incredibly easy. Thanks to this self-adhesive property, the insert stays securely in place and does not slip, without relying on uncomfortable or annoying attachment methods. With various levels of absorbency, they are ready to accompany you in every phase of your period – from light to heavy, we've got you covered. Once the Easy Comfort Inserts are fully saturated, they can be easily removed from the Basic Panties and replaced with a new insert. No need to take off the panties, as with traditional period underwear. Simply transport them in the Wetbag, wash, and reuse.
Feel completely protected and free with SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear. Invisible under your clothes, it offers you comfort, discretion and maximum absorbency during your period. This underwear in sizes XS-M as well as L-XXL was specially developed for medium days and meets the highest demands. Invisible perfection for you Thanks to the innovative Free-Cut design and the thin material, SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear does not leave any unsightly marks under tight-fitting garments. You can move freely and feel completely comfortable without worrying about visible marks. With this underwear you stay confident and secure in any situation. Maximum comfort and flexibility for you SELENACARE's Free-Cut period underwear offers you not only protection but also exceptional comfort. The super-stretch microfibre material fits your body perfectly and offers maximum flexibility. Whether you're working, exercising or just relaxing, this underwear ensures an optimal fit and freedom of movement for you. Reliable protection for medium days The period underwear has been specially designed for medium days to provide you with a high level of protection. The absorbent layers inside the underwear safely retain fluid and prevent unwanted leakage. You can trust its reliability every day of your period. It's your perfect companion during menstruation. Experience the comfort, discretion and protection you deserve. Be confident and enjoy your freedom no matter what the day brings.
The Period Panty Hipster convinces with its modern cut and super-comfortable fit. As with all our models, the integrated suction surface is discreetly and invisibly incorporated into the period panty. The menstrual underwear absorbs up to 25 ml of fluid. With its low-slung leg and medium waist, it hugs your body perfectly and gives a feeling of security. Light, medium or heavy days The strength of your period can vary throughout your cycle. The Hipster period underwear is ideal for the light and medium days of your period. It provides a dry feeling and does not allow fluid to leak out. On your heavier days, we recommend using the underwear in combination with a menstrual cup or tampon. If you have periods or spotting, you can use either a period slip or a washable pad, depending on the intensity of the bleeding. No restrictions, always well protected There are really no limits to the use of period underwear. You can use them in your free time, at work or on holiday. In addition to period blood, it also absorbs sweat and other fluids and reliably seals them in. Because the material is absorbent, it also gives you a very safe feeling during sports. After use, you can wash the panties out with cold water, air dry them and reuse them. This makes them a convenient, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to tampons and disposable pads. Not only do you reduce waste, but you also save money because of their long life. Hygiene and freshness based on silver chloride (biocide active ingredient according to article 95 list) The absorbent layers of the SELENACARE products are equipped with the antimicrobial, biocidal protective finish SILVERPLUS® from RUDOLF GROUP. It prevents the proliferation of odour-causing bacteria. SILVERPLUS® is the leading silver ion technology and is certified according to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. OEKO-TEX guarantees that all components have been tested for harmful substances and that the product is harmless to health.
Going swimming during your period - dos & don'ts
We have put together a short and simple summary of what to bear in mind when swimming during your period:
DOS
- Use period products that are worn internally (e.g. menstrual cup, tampon)
- Change tampons straight after swimming
DON'TS
- Use panty liners, pads or normal period underwear
- Go into unsupervised waters if you are feeling very unwell
Menstrual cups from SELENACARE
Sustainability is our top priority. Did you know that pads, liners and tampons can take up to 500 years to break down? That is why our vision is for as many menstruating people as possible to switch to sustainable period products. The initial cost is a little higher, but the investment pays off after a very short time. Here you will find our range of menstrual cups from SELENACARE.
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