Can you swim with menstrual cup?

If you’re someone who embraces an active lifestyle, loves swimming or water-based activities and has started using a menstrual cup, you may wonder if it’s safe to swim with one. While there is no major reason why menstruating swimmers can’t wear menstrual cups while taking dip in the pool or sea, there are some things to consider.

The basic principles of menstrual cups

Before jumping into whether it’s safe to swim with a menstrual cup or not, let’s first understand the basics about them.

A menstrual cup is a tiny bell-shaped reusable hygiene device consisting of medical-grade silicon that sits against your cervix and catches your blood flow rather than absorbing as traditional tampons do.If used correctly,cups have been shown to reduce cramps and tackle odor. They’re cheaper than pads and tampons in the long run,and they last up to 12 hours per use.Not only are they eco-friendly but also more money-saving.

However,it can be tricky for beginners at times -inserting-it might take practice.

Do swimmers need to switch from their preferred method during periods?

For those into sports that involve diving/jumping,such as swimming-some people prefer wearing slimmer options like panty-liners instead of period underwear since absorption isn’t necessary.Period underwear may become bulky by swelling up leading people feeling uncomfortable when wet.

But what if you don’t want unnecessary waste from disposable products? Or would like something less messy/potential leakage scenarios?

In that case Menstrual Cups come in handy all year round,in any activity level.

When it comes down to myths around menstruation ,there are plenty!Let’s break some down;

  • Swimming during your period is unhygienic / taboo: For anyone who has washed clothes stained w/blood or even washed undergarments stained w/blood, you will find out that blood comes clean easily in water!

  • Water goes inside the vagina: No need to panic ladies-the cervix prevents menstrual fluid and water from mixing.

  • You can’t swim on your period without tampons/ pads. You absolutely can with a menstrual cup.(emphasize)

Now, imagine the freedom of swimming all day long comfortably for hours during your periods! Using cups makes life so much easier by not having to worry about changing frequently,or pain/discomfort due to cramps.

Using a Menstrual Cup while swimming does sound ideal IF;

  • You have practiced inserting & removing on dry land:a messy situation can occur otherwise as there might be blood filled cups dropped or lost (embarrassing!).

  • Empty/reinsert regularly: Even though most women report no leakage we highly suggest emptying the cup every 3 – 4 hours. Yes,it means finding/having access to washrooms but better safe than sorry.

But,can you really enjoy swimming without any discomfort while using menstrual cups?

Let’s do some myth busting here:

Myth #1 :Menstrual Cups are uncomfortable

While change is hard and initially awkward,you’ll hardly feel their existence within a day or two.Should you feel an uncomfortable tugging sensation after inserting,fiddling around adjusting its position works well!

Myth #2:Swimming pools break down materials that make up Menstrual Cups

Chlorine present in pools doesn’t harm them!Manufactured mostly with medical-grade silicone ,menstrual cups stand bleeding but also chemically-resistant.Stronger chemical agents such as hydrogen peroxide could cause material breakdown although they’re unlikely found near recreational pools/saunas at water parks.

Even more comforting and convenient is the fact that your menstrual cup stays put even when water encompasses it;swimming with a menstrual cup implies you need little to no special considerations,save for some precautions to ensure it doesn’t overflow or fall out:

Double-check insertion

Before heading off,best practice to double check proper positioning/insertion of the Menstrual Cup.

Empty Beforehand

In full knowledge,consider emptying them right before swimming as opposed to leaving them in all day.Two good reasons why: It’s not uncommon for menstrual flow rates can be different when sliding down waterslides & swallowing some causes coughing which could lead eventually to inadvertent removal.

Use Swimming Gear For Convenience

Swimsuits w/built-in liners like shorts resemble normal ones but are fitted w/a panty-liner.Avoid unnecessary worry while at water parks/swimming activities,and best of all,you won’t feel alone!There are practising swimmers donning these liners-women have embraced this choice allowing time well spent doing what we love!

That said,it is worth re-emphasizing the following dos/donts during swimming sessions on periods with cups inserted:

DO;

  • Sanitize hands prior tampering
  • Use lubrications if feeling dry around vaginal folds-inserting/removing then becomes easier.
    Avoid any complications later!
  • Change every 4 hours

DON’T

  • Wear a cup if walking/climbing isn’t active activity(might cause shift!)

For once,pool swims,dips do not need high-end special products meant entirely for aquatic activites. Menstrual cups-given correct position can stand in as an excellent option used throughout summer months!(solidify!)

As someone w/perks of using period-friendly gear such as reusable pads,I assure you they bring joy,makes logical sense both from financial end/ease-of-use perspective alongs settling the nerves one faces before hitting the water-any ‘if only’ needs refashioning to ‘OH OH YES’!

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