Swimming during menstruation helps reduce cramps and is a gentle form of training. While most women use tampons on these occasions, others don't like it or can't put it into practice. Thankfully, there are many other options for girls who want to swim during their period, without inserting a tampon.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Try Alternative Devices
Step 1. Try a reusable menstrual cup
It is made of silicone or rubber and is a reusable, flexible, bell-shaped device that collects flow. The cup, when inserted correctly, does not cause any leakage and is one of the best alternatives to tampon when you want to swim.
- Cups offer numerous benefits, as well as being a different solution to a tampon. Since most of these devices only need to be replaced once a year, you can save a lot of money on menstruation products. The cups should only be emptied every ten hours and reduce the formation of bad odors.
- Some women have some difficulty with insertion and / or extraction, believing that the procedure causes some "mess". If you have fibroids or uterine prolapse, you may have trouble finding the right cup for you.
- If you are using a IUD, talk to your gynecologist before deciding to use the cup, as inserting it could potentially move the IUD, so take precautions.
- Menstrual cups are available in different sizes, you need to do some tests before you find the model and size suitable for your body; you can buy them at the pharmacy or online.
- Insert the cup before swimming and leave it in place until you take off your bathing suit to put on your regular underwear and you can use other products to manage your period.
- Read this helpful article to learn how to insert and remove a reusable menstrual cup.
Step 2. Evaluate disposable cups
They are more expensive when compared to reusable pads and tampons, but they are more flexible, easier to insert and offer good protection while swimming.
- If you use disposable cups, they can get a little dirty when they have to be put in and taken out, just like with reusable ones; in addition, you must allow for a certain period of "learning" to insert them correctly into the vagina.
- Just like you would a reusable cup, insert it before swimming, leave it in place until you are ready to put on your regular underwear and use other methods of protection.
- Check out this article to learn how to insert and remove disposable menstrual cups.
Step 3. Consider the sea sponge
If you don't want to use tampons, because you are concerned about the chemicals that are used during their production, natural sea sponge can be a good alternative. Tampons made from this marine material do not contain any chemicals and are also reusable.
- The US FDA has not approved the use of sea sponges as a method of managing menstruation, due to the possible onset of toxic shock syndrome.
- Tampons and sponges work the same way, they absorb the flow. The advantage of sponges lies in the fact that they are completely natural products, very absorbent and adapt to the conformation of the body; Plus, you can wash and reuse them for up to six months.
- Make sure the sea sponge you buy is made specifically for the purpose of absorbing menstrual flow, as those that are marketed for artist or craft projects are treated with chemicals. These products are available online, often on the same web pages dedicated to cups.
- To use a sponge tampon, start by washing it thoroughly with mild soap and rinsing it thoroughly. Then, while the sponge is still wet, squeeze it to remove excess water and squeeze it with your fingers until it reaches the correct size.
Part 2 of 3: Consider Alternative Use of Non-Specific Products
Step 1. Ask your gynecologist for more information about the diaphragm
This is a rubber, dome-shaped cap that is inserted into the upper part of the vagina. It is a method of contraception that prevents sperm from entering the cervix and not a device for controlling menstrual flow; however, if you have a light flow, you can wear it while swimming as an alternative to a tampon.
- The diaphragm can be left in place for up to 24 hours. If you have sexual intercourse, you must leave it in the vagina for at least the next six hours in order to avoid pregnancy; this device offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
- The diaphragm can increase the risk of urinary infections; you shouldn't use it if you are allergic to latex, while the wrong diameter devices can cause pelvic cramps and pain. So remember to change it if you gain weight or lose more than 5 kg.
- To clean it, take it out of your vagina and wash it with mild soap, before rinsing and drying it carefully. Do not use products such as talcum powder or face powder, as they can damage the diaphragm.
- Please note once again that the use of the diaphragm is not recommended as a normal method of managing menstruation. If you have mild bleeding and want an alternative to tampon for swimming, you can try this technique; however, you should test beforehand to make sure the device is blocking the flow. If you have intercourse after swimming, leave the diaphragm in place for at least six hours before pulling it out.
Step 2. Try on the cervical cap
Just like the diaphragm, the primary purpose of the cervical cap is contraception, but it is also capable of blocking menstrual blood, so you can try using it when you want to swim and are looking for a solution other than tampon.
- It is a silicone device that is inserted into the vagina. Much like that of the diaphragm, it prevents pregnancy by blocking the access of sperm to the cervix.
- If you are allergic to latex, spermicidal substances or have already suffered from toxic shock syndrome, you should not use the cervical cap; you should also avoid it if you have poor control of the vaginal muscles, any type of infection (such as urinary or venereal infections) or if you have cuts or lacerations to the vaginal tissues.
- Talk to your gynecologist before using the cervical cap during menstruation. Its continued use for this purpose is not recommended, but if you are in the last days of bleeding and just want to swim, such a device could be a viable solution.
Part 3 of 3: Changing Habits
Step 1. Avoid submerging yourself completely in water
If you can't find a viable alternative to tampons, you can participate in water activities without getting completely wet.
- You can consider sunbathing, walking in shallow water, relaxing under an umbrella or letting your feet dangle in the water; these are activities that you can safely carry out even when wearing an external tampon.
- Remember that menstruation is a normal part of life, and while it can be embarrassing to tell friends that you can't bathe for this reason, you should feel comfortable that your mates will understand the situation.
- If you feel uncomfortable telling friends that you are menstruating, you can simply say that you are not feeling well or that you do not feel like swimming.
Step 2. Put on some waterproof underwear
This piece of clothing is a safe and comfortable alternative when you are on your period and want to swim or do other activities.
- Waterproof underwear looks similar to regular panties or bikinis, but has a hidden "leak proof" lining that absorbs blood.
- If you plan to swim in this garment, be aware that it cannot absorb moderate or heavy flow; you should only use it in the last days of menstruation or in those months when the bleeding is very light.
Step 3. Wait for the flow to subside
Since it is difficult to find solutions other than tampon that are both effective and discreet, if you have heavy bleeding, it is worth simply waiting for the flow to lose intensity before swimming.
- Birth control pills, when taken correctly, can reduce the flow; intrauterine hormonal devices can cause less intense bleeding. If you are an avid swimmer and don't want to use tampons, you can consider these solutions to reduce the overall length of your period.
- You can also consider using other extended regimen pills that reduce the frequency of bleeding; this type of contraception involves taking the "active" pills every day for three consecutive months before taking the "placebo" pills that allow bleeding. Although some women report slight leaks while taking active pills, this method allows you to know exactly when you will have your period and plan your swims accordingly.
- Try to follow an intense workout. Regular and strenuous physical activity, of any kind, shortens the length of your period and makes it less intense. If you swim a lot, you may find that your cycle changes during the warm months when you spend more time in the pool. however, if it becomes too light or disappears completely, you should go to your gynecologist to rule out pregnancy or any underlying disease.
Advice
- If you are concerned about using a tampon because you don't know how to insert it, read this article for more details.
- If you are unable to use tampons because you are a virgin and the hymen is too tight, you must use different methods, which do not require the insertion of any devices.
- If you swim a lot and your period becomes a frequent impediment, consider switching to a method of contraception that makes the flow lighter or blocks it altogether (such as the Mirena IUD or the extended-regimen birth control pill).
Warnings
- Remember that just being in the water doesn't stop bleeding; water pressure can reduce it in some women, but swimming doesn't stop menstruation. If you choose to enter the water without any protection, be aware that the flow may return to normal as soon as you get out.
- Do not use external pads, not even those made of fabric, when swimming; the water impregnates them, preventing them from being absorbed by the blood.
- Check with your gynecologist before using a cervical cap or diaphragm during menstruation to make sure it's safe.
