"Can I swim whilst on my period?"

Remember those TV ads that showed women effortlessly frolicking on the beach in white dresses when they’ve got their period, insinuating that *insert brand here*’s products will make you feel confident enough to don your whitest whites and hit the beach during shark week?

As unrealistic as these ads seemed (it was the OTT smiles and laughter mid-frolic, as if PMS doesn’t exist, that did it for us), there’s a hint of reality in the messaging: your period really shouldn’t stop you from doing any activity you want to – assuming of course, you feel up to it, or aren’t in excruciating pain (shout out to our endo-warrior pals as we know it can be a really tough time for some).

Here are some of your most common questions about periods and swimming, and the (real) facts you need to know before taking a dive...

IS IT SAFE/HYGIENIC TO SWIM WHILST ON YOUR PERIOD?

From a physiological perspective, there’s no reason why your period should prevent you from swimming*. There is nothing unhygienic about it, or unsafe (bar regular safety standards around water, of course) - it really comes down to personal preference.

Most public pools are chlorinated to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of diseases, so unless you've got unruly limbs or an out-of-control butterfly stroke, you’re unlikely to endanger anyone else by swimming whilst you’ve got your period.

CAN I GET AN INFECTION WHILST SWIMMING ON MY PERIOD?

You could get an infection from swimming, but this doesn’t really have anything to do with whether or not you have your period. Chlorinated pools in particular are more likely to cause irritation to the skin than salt-water, which MAY lead to a vaginal infection, but the best way to reduce your risk of any infection down there is to shower as soon as you get out of the water, and never stay in wet bathers for too long.

DOES YOUR PERIOD 'STOP' IN WATER?

To a degree, yes, it can/does. This is basically the result of physics and gravity (i.e. water pressure!), but you might still experience some leakage as you move around or swim, if you’re not wearing a period blocker - not to mention what might happen when you actually get out of the water and your flow/gravity resumes as normal…

IS IT TRUE THAT SWIMMING WHILST ON YOUR PERIOD CAN ATTRACT SHARKS?

This one’s a huge myth. We couldn’t find any evidence to suggest this is ACTUALLY a thing. You wouldn’t swim in shark-infested waters anyway, but no, having your period doesn’t increase your chances of attracting them.

CAN SWIMMING MAKE PERIOD PAIN WORSE?

No worse than any other physical activity - actually, it can sometimes make it better. As told by our The Moxie Periodic Table resident fitness expert, Jacqui Kingswell, exercising whilst on your period can actually help soothe PMS-related period cramps as it releases endorphins = natural pain relievers!

WHAT PERIOD PRODUCTS ARE BEST FOR SWIMMING?

Anything that can be worn inside of the vagina to collect menstrual flow, like a tampon or a period cup, is going to be the most non-descript type of period care for swimming in that you or anyone else won't notice you're wearing it, or that you've even got your period; and, your less likely to experience leaks. Also, you can leave a tampon or menstrual cup in for up to 8 hours at a time (you might need to change sooner, depending on your flow), which is handy if you're planning a long. lazy day by the pool or at the beach.

Pads aren't recommended for swimming because they're designed to be worn outside the body and will just end up becoming a wet, soppy, mess in your bathers when immersed in water. 

CAN I SWIM WITHOUT A TAMPON OR CUP IF MY PERIOD IS LIGHT?

With all the above in mind, you might get away with not wearing anything at all whilst swimming if your period is suuuuuper light. It's unlikely that you're going to *gush* whilst in the water, especially if you're at the very end of your cycle, and darker bathers will help mask any accidental leaks, should they happen (PSA: there's no shame in a lil' leakage. It's happens! It's normal!).

If you're not willing to risk it, go with the lightest possible tampon absorbency you can for your flow (or, wear a cup).

*THE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE (WHEN IT'S BEST NOT TO SWIM).

If you have an existing vaginal infection, have recently given birth, are bleeding after an egg collection or miscarriage, or have recently had any kind of procedure on your vulva/vagina, it’s best to consult your Doctor before taking a dip.

Otherwise, go with your own flow and feels; your body, your period, your choice.