“If you do wear a tampon, I recommend removing it soon after you swim and replacing it with a new one,” Dweck said.

It also means that they can cause irritation and even infection in some cases. That means they’re not nearly as long-lasting in water than they are when you’re on land.

“But sometimes they become saturated with chlorinated, salty or bacteria-filled water,” she said. So, can you swim with a tampon? Tampons are an OK option, Dweck said. Plus, the absorbency of the pad or panty liner can weigh you down while you’re in the water. “Pads and panty liners are out because they get waterlogged immediately and, therefore, would not be able to absorb any blood,” she said. The best way to come prepared to a swimming session while on your period is to wear an insertable menstrual product. While it’s unlikely that you’ll leave a trail of blood in the ocean or pool if you free bleed, it doesn’t mean that your cycle doesn’t let up. “It’s a myth that your period stops altogether when you get into the water,” she said. You may have heard that your period pauses when you’re in the water, but that’s actually not true, Dweck said. “Many people safely dive while menstruating, and we have continued to see no obvious pattern of increased attacks,” the report stated.

Indeed, the International Shark Attack File reports that there is no evidence that people who are bleeding are more likely to be bitten by sharks than non-bleeders. “But sharks aren’t more likely to attack you while you bleed,” she said. “So long as you know how to swim, it is as safe for you to swim on your period as it is any other time,” she said.įor the record: No matter what kind of water (pool, ocean, lake, or something in between), it’s generally safe to do so while menstruating.Īccording to Dweck, many people are afraid that treading in seawater while they bleed will attract sharks or other sharp-toothed swimmers. author of “The Complete A to Z for Your V” and INTIMINA sexual health expert. If you own a set of floaties or a slick racing suit, you can go swimming any day of the month - including the days you’re menstruating, said Alyssa Dweck, M.D., O.B.G.Y.N.

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