With spring coming and outdoor swimming season approaching, some of our customers have asked us whether or not we produce sanitary pads they could use while swimming. The answer is, no one does. Actually, completely safe waterproof sanitary pads for swimming don’t exist!
Some think such pads might be made with the same technology as adults’ diapers or similar products, which may be water resistant. But sanitary pads are designed to keep liquids in, so they absorb water just as well as they do your menstrual flow. This makes pads become soggy and blow up like balloons once they appear in the water. That is why there are no good swimming pads for periods. And, since not every woman can (or want) wear a tampon, your safest option for swimming is a menstrual cup.
You Can Do It
In contrast to the common myths (such as waiting an hour after your meal to go swimming), you can go in for any sports while on your period. Moreover, exercising during your red days helps relieve many premenstrual symptoms. Scientists report women suffer less period pain when they are active. Water has an especially relaxing effect on our muscles, so in addition to being healthy, swimming is one of the most pleasant activities you can afford while on your period.
Ideal For Swimming
Women health specialists consider a menstrual cup a perfect option for swimming for several reasons. Worn completely internally, it stores your menstrual fluid, not absorbs it, unlike sanitary pads. It means your menstrual cup won’t absorb water, which can cause vaginal infections. This especially applies to swimming in the pool, as chemically treated water, once it gets into the vagina, increases bacterial growth.
Another reason is, cups can hold your menstrual fluids for a much longer period than pads. Gynecologists have counted a normal period makes up about 80cc’s of blood loss, and menstrual cups can contain about 30cc’s at a time –almost a half of your entire period in one cup! It allows you to swim for a few hours. You can wear it safely for up to 12 hours, with a guarantee of no leaking. As women athletes report, it feels so light you can even forget about it for a while. Even after 12 hours, all you have to do is remove your cup, empty it, and wash it thoroughly before inserting it again.
Another good news about using menstrual cup is that it helps decrease the menstrual flow if you wear it consistently over a long period of time. It is also reported to reduce cramping.
Make Friends With It
Even in activities such as dancing, hiking, skydiving, camping, or yoga, menstrual cups adapt to various angles of your body movement. Which means, even if you work out strenuously, your cup will stay in place. This even works if you go upside down in swimming!
Still, there are some peculiarities about wearing a menstrual cup for you to mind. When you’re just trying your cup out, it’s a good idea not to jump into the ocean the first day you’re wearing it. Let your body get used to it and know how it feels. If you notice any inconveniences, fix this before you head off to the beach. For instance, if you’ve had any leaks, or if your cup fills with water after you take a bath, it’s better to find out what’s causing these issues while you’re still at home. Most probably, it will be the wrong position of the cup. Just take your time to learn to place it in the right position at the entrance to your vagina.
Wherever you are, all the maintenance your cup needs is washing it well, with clean, potable water, once every 12 hours. Even if you remove it in a public restroom, wiping it with a damp tissue is enough to reinsert it. Next time you have a chance, wash it with warm water and mild, oil-free soap. What you have to remember at all times is to have clean hands before you insert or remove your menstrual cup.
