Can You Swim with a Menstrual Cup?

For all the curious ladies out there wanting to enjoy a carefree day splashing around in the pool this summer, let’s discuss how and why you can swim with a menstrual cup and have peace of mind.

Is it Safe to Swim with a Menstrual Cup?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to wear a menstrual cup while swimming.

Menstrual cups are made of materials that are designed to be body-safe and comfortable for extended periods of wearing time, including swimming.

Swimming with a menstrual cup myths

​There are still some myths and misconceptions surrounding this topic. Let’s debunk these myths about swimming during your period with a menstrual cup.

Myth #1: Risk of Vaginal Infections

As long as you follow proper hygiene practices such as cleaning your hands before inserting or removing the cup and regularly sanitizing it according to manufacturer instructions, there should not be any elevated risk of infection.

Myth #2: Swimming Strokes and Diving

Once you have found an appropriately sized menstrual cup for your body type that has been inserted correctly to create a secure seal with your vaginal walls; it should remain firmly in place regardless of physical activity level or water pressure changes experienced underwater.

Myth #3 Will period blood attract sharks?

The good news is that there are no credible reports that menstruating women who go swimming or diving have experienced increased interest by sharks.

So, if you’re planning a beach vacation that happens to coincide with your period, you can rest easy and enjoy your time in the water without any worry.

Benefits of using a menstrual cup for swimming

Swimming with a menstrual cup offers a range of advantages due to its carefully crafted materials, ensuring both body safety and comfort during extended wear.

Let’s explore some of the benefits:

Secure Seal

Menstrual cups create a secure seal for menstrual blood inside the vaginal canal, preventing any leaks and protecting you from embarrassing situations in public pool water or beaches.

Hypoallergenic materials

Menstrual cups are made from medical-grade silicone, latex, or elastomer materials which make them safe for use in water environments without causing irritation or discomfort.

These materials are also hypoallergenic and do not contain harsh chemicals often found in disposable tampons and pads.

Barrier

Unlike tampons that may absorb pool chemicals or bacteria-filled water into your body; menstrual cups act as a barrier between these substances and your sensitive internal tissues.

This not only reduces the risk of infections but also ensures that you maintain a healthy pH balance within your vagina.

Holds More Fluid

Menstrual cups can hold more fluid than most tampons or pads, allowing you to swim for longer periods without needing frequent changes.

The average cup holds up to 30 ml of menstrual fluid which equates to almost twice more capacity that a tampon or some super-absorbency tampon can handle.

Eco-friendly

Using menstrual cups while swimming is an eco-friendly option since they are reusable for several years before needing replacement.

By choosing this sustainable option over disposable period products like tampons and pads – not only will you save money on purchasing these items every month – but also contribute towards reducing waste that ends up polluting our oceans.

Comfort

Due to the menstrual cups’ flexible design, they can easily adapt to your body’s movements while remaining securely in place.

This allows for a more enjoyable and comfortable swimming experience without the constant worry of adjusting or changing out period products.

Tips on maintaining hygiene while swimming with a period cup

Using a menstrual cup while swimming during your period can be a game-changer for those who love swimming and don’t want their period to hold them back.

Here are some tips on maintaining hygiene while swimming during your period with a menstrual cup.

Proper Insertion

Always ensure that your menstrual cup is properly inserted and sealed before entering the same swimming pool, or any body of water.

This will prevent leakage and keep the water clean for everyone.

It’s also essential to wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or adjusting the cup to avoid introducing bacteria into your body.

Choose the best Menstrual Cup

When choosing a menstrual cup for swimming, opt for one made from high-quality medical-grade silicone as it is less likely to harbor bacteria compared to cups made from other materials such as rubber or latex.

Make sure that you select the best menstrual cup with the right size and capacity based on your period flow so that it can provide adequate protection throughout your swim session.

Sanitize your cup

It’s important not only to clean but also to sanitize your menstrual cup regularly during periods when you’re frequently swimming with a menstrual cup in place.

While at the pool or beach, bring along sanitary wipes designed specifically for cleaning intimate areas so you can quickly refresh yourself if needed after exiting the water. These wipes are safe and gentle enough not to irritate while providing effective cleansing.

If you’re planning on spending extended periods in chlorinated pools, consider emptying and rinsing out your period cup more frequently than usual (every 4 hours) since chlorine may weaken its seal over time which may lead to leaks.

Change Cup

Pay attention to how long you’ve been wearing your menstrual cup; most manufacturers recommend changing them every 8-12 hours depending on menstrual flow intensity.

Conclusion

Menstrual cups are an excellent solution for swimming during your period.

They provide a secure period of protection and comfort while eliminating the need to make frequent changes.

When choosing and inserting a menstrual cup, be sure to consider factors like age, cervix height, firmness of material, and personal preferences.

It is also important to follow important hygiene practices such as cleaning/sanitizing your period cup before and after use, using specialized sanitary wipes after exiting the water, rinsing more frequently when exposed to chlorinated waters, and changing cups more often if they have been worn for extended periods.