TeenHelp - Swimming while on your period? (Without access to tampons)

TeenHelp (http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/)

- Sex and Puberty (http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f6-sex-puberty/)

- - Swimming while on your period? (Without access to tampons) (http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f6-sex-puberty/t139219-swimming-while-your-period-without-access-tampons/)

Swimming while on your period? (Without access to tampons)

So my friend invited me over to her house for a swim party along with two other friends. It's this Friday/Saturday. I'm worried though because I just started my cycle and this is the first time having to deal with it while going swimming. Every website IVE looked at says it's really best to wear a tampon, but I'm honestly NOT wearing one. I refuse. I thought about wearing none, and just wearing my swimsuit bottoms along with black shorts over it, but I want to make sure nothing's going to leak through and make a mess in the pool. I'm usually a light bleeder so I'm not sure if it will be a problem or not for me. I'm sure my friends will understand if I want to not swim, I even told the one who's throwing the party and she said she understands if I can't. But I would really love to, just without wearing a tampon. I've been drinking lots of water and only eating healthy things as I know that sometimes helps. I notice a lot of times that when I take a shower, the bleeding stops completely until well afterwards. So will thst be the same case for the pool? I'll be wearing a couple layers and black shorts so I know it won't really show if it leaks, I just don't want to contaminate the water/and or have it show up all in the water. Thanks!

Re: Swimming while on your period? (Without access to tampons)

Usually when you go swimming you stop bleeding until you get out of the pool because of the water pressure. People just say wear a tampon because it is best because you never know when it is all suddenly going to come out, and also depending on how long you were in the pool, there could be a lot all at once. That's why tampons are said to be the best. If you're usually a light bleeder then it should be fine if you wear a few layers to stop it when it does come out, blacks a good idea. If you think you'll be fine, you're probably right but it's always good to just make sure. Getting a black towel to sit on once you get out might be good as well. Then if it gets bad they won't see it.

Take care :)

Re: Swimming while on your period? (Without access to tampons)

Tampons aren't evil, seriously you should consider them at one point :) I understand how hard they can be to get used to though and why you might not want to try them. Personally I probably wouldn't chance it. Hygiene wise, not too sure where it stands, but if you're light, it's probably not going to be noticeable. Good luck though! Hope everything goes okay :) There's a little piece here about it if you're interested.

Re: Swimming while on your period? (Without access to tampons)

As Laura said, tampons are not the enemy, but I understand you not wanting to wear one. Personally, I just avoid swimming on my period. Even with a tampon, I'm always afraid I'm gonna leak, but my period isn't as light. But you shouldn't let it get in the way of your fun. If your period is light, you might just be able to get away with it. I've gone swimming while spotting and had nothing happen, I'd just be quick to put on a liner/pad once you get out.