Can I Go Swimming With A Cup?
Can you go swimming using a menstrual cup?
The short answer to this is yes you can. Don't be scared about swimming on your period, a menstrual cup will make all the difference and remove the worries about any menstrual blood leaks!
How do menstrual cups work?
A Menstrual cup is made of medical grade silicone and is worn completely internally and works by creating a seal. This means that it helps stop leaks of period blood. A menstrual cup has a greater capacity than a tampon does so you should be able to swim for longer and you won’t have a string to tuck away. Cups collect rather than absorb blood, you're not at risk of pool water or bacteria being absorbed like it does with a tampon.
Preparing to go swimming with a menstrual cup
- Before you start swimming with your menstrual cup make sure that you have one that fits you well and feels really comfortable, I would recommend trying it in your bath first to make sure there are no leaks and resolve those if there are.
- It is best to empty your menstrual cup of menstrual flow just before you go swimming to help avoid overflowing. I always emptied mine out just before getting into the swimming pool.
- Once your swim has ended I go again to the toilet and empty my cup incase any water has made it's way into my cup.
Many people find swimming with a period cup more comfortable and exercise helps with period cramps. If you need help finding the best menstrual cup see our article on choosing a menstrual cup or use our cup comparison chart.
Other exericse
If swimming isn't your usual method of exercising we have an article covering all the best options for exercising and reusable menstrual products.
Swimming in the sea - Does period blood attract sharks?
No, they are not. It's widely believed that sharks can smell blood in water miles away, but the scent they're really looking for is gastric acids secreted by fish. The amount of blood that might get out while swimming on your period is minuscule, and gets diluted by the water anyway
We are also on hand to help by emailing us at hello@theperiodlady.co.uk or look at our
Written by Roisin Senior Advisor @ The Period Lady