Question: Can you swim on your period?
Expert Answer
Absolutely! So many girls wonder the same thing. There is no physical harm associated with swimming on your period. I remember feeling very anxious the first times I went swimming when on my period, and I even feel that way now sometimes. At times I worry that the string from my tampon will be hanging out of my bathing suit or that it will leak into the water, but I don't think this has ever actually happened. I make sure that I wear a swimsuit with fitted bottoms. Sometimes I will wear my cover-up and change into a thin pad when I am just hanging out poolside.
- Kotex expert Sandy Knauf
Mom Answer
Yes, you can, but you should use a tampon. You might be asking, “can you swim with a tampon?” and the answer is yes! If you've never used a tampon before, or you're nervous about putting one in, you can read about how to exactly do it. It's easy once you get the hang of it! If you're just hanging out by the pool, you can use a pad, but I would wear shorts or a cover-up over your swimsuit bottoms. Pads are absorbent, and the sticky part will likely fail if you wear it in the water, so I wouldn't wear one if you're going swimming.
- Kotex mom Stacey DuFord
Peer Answer
Absolutely! There is no reason to miss out on hitting the beach with friends just because you're on your period. For the longest time I wasn't comfortable with the idea of swimming while I was on my period. I would sit out during swim class in high school mainly because I didn't think you COULD swim when you had it, even if waterproof period pads for swimming existed. Later when I started using tampons, I realized that it was possible and then nothing could stop me from getting in the water when I wanted!
- Kotex peer Jamie Villarreal
The advice provided in this material is general in nature and is not intended as medical advice. If you need medical advice, please consult your health care professional.
