Can people swim during their periods? Absolutely! Here’s how.
People shouldn’t let the fear of leaks keep them from enjoying the pool. These products can help people stay worry-free while swimming.
Periods shouldn’t stop people from enjoying that swim they’ve been planning.
“People can do most things without menstruation being a hindrance,” says gynecologist Angela Jones, MD, a practitioner and medical podcaster based in New Jersey. “There is a wealth of products out now that make carrying on with day-to-day activities a breeze, like tampons and menstrual cups.”
A day at the beach or the pool can be a fun day out, and there’s no reason people can’t feel protected and comfortable during their period. Read on for more tips and guidance.
In this article:
Can people swim during their period?
Yes! People swim while menstruating. Any uncomfortable moments can easily be avoided with proper planning.
How to choose the best period products to use for swimming
The first step may be to look at the bathing suit involved. A tight-fitting swimsuit can help secure period products and avoid any potential messes.
As for those period products, Dr. Jones recommends using either a tampon or a menstrual cup for swimming, both of which will collect blood prior to it exiting the body. When choosing, consider the following factors:
- Flow. Use the lowest absorbency tampon needed. If someone can wear a tampon up to 8 hours without changing it, the absorbency may be too high.
- The length of time for an activity. Tampons should be changed every 4 to 8 hours, and the reader should follow the labeled directions on all products. Do not leave a tampon in for longer than 8 hours.
- Comfort. People should choose a product offering maximum comfort, in addition to protection. This will help them swim more confidently.
Best menstrual products for swimming
Following Dr. Jones’s advice, here’s the breakdown on tampons and menstrual cups, with the benefits of each.
Tampons
Tampons soak up period blood within the vagina. It’s important to insert them properly — always follow the directions on the product — and make sure the string is tucked away before getting in the water.
Another thing to note: Tampons should be changed every few hours (typically every 4 to 8 hours) for hygiene reasons and to help avoid the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Never wear a single tampon for more than 8 hours at a time. TSS is rare, but it’s important to change tampons regularly.
Tampons are also a bit more discreet than menstrual cups, which require emptying and rinsing in the sink. Emptying out a cup can be more difficult to do in a public restroom, so keep that in mind.
Some popular tampon options are:
- Tampax Pearl Tampons with LeakGuard. These tampons come with a wide range of absorbency and are designed to help provide up to 100 percent leak protection.
- o.b. Tampons. These come in a variety of sizes as well, including some sized for ultra absorbency. They are applicator-free, so they take up less space in a beach bag.
- Playtex Sport. This product also comes in a variety of sizes and is designed for sports and motion of all kinds, including swimming.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups, on the other hand, are designed to collect menstrual fluid rather than absorb it. That’s another strategy to help keep leaks from happening. Some cups are also reusable, so some people prefer using them instead of tampons and pads.
Another bonus: Reusable cups may be less expensive in the long run.
For menstrual cups, someone might consider:
- CVS Health menstrual cup. Made of 100 percent medical-grade silicone, this cup comes in two sizes so people can find the one that best fits their body. It contains no BPA (bisphenol A), dyes, natural rubber latex or plastic, and there are no added chemicals.
- Intimina Ziggy Cup 2 (size A). This cup has a reinforced, flexible petal-thin body that is easy to insert and conforms to the shape of someone’s body so people can't feel it at all. It is made entirely of 100 percent medical-grade silicone. It's an eco-friendly period solution people can use over and over again for up to two years.
- Softdisc menstrual disc. These are disposable menstrual cups that might be considered a happy medium between a tampon and a reusable cup. They offer up to 12 hours of protection per wear, and they are also nontoxic and hypoallergenic.
So, start packing that beach towel and sunblock. Using the most suitable menstrual products can help make that time in the water worry-free all year long.
Key takeaways
People can absolutely enjoy swimming on their period. All it takes is the right preparation and products. Menstrual cups and tampons are two popular options that can help minimize leaks. When deciding between the two, it’s important to consider how heavy someone’s period is, the swimming activity in question and their own personal comfort level. Of course, these aids won’t erase the fact that, yes, a period is happening. But they can help shift the focus from what’s happening inside of the body to what’s happening in the water.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Anyone with their period can enjoy swimming without using a tampon. Alternative products like menstrual cups can also help protect against leaks. Other options include certain types of swimwear, designed to help absorb menstrual flow and prevent leaks.
In general, tampons should be changed every 4 to 8 hours. However, that window really depends on the individual and their flow. Tampons should never be worn for more than 8 hours. Changing a tampon right before swimming will help to make sure someone does not need to change it right after jumping in the pool.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your health care provider if you have any questions about medications, vitamins or supplements you may be considering or changes to your wellness or health care routines.
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FOR PEOPLE CAN DO MOST THINGS WITHOUT MENSTRUATION BEING A HINDRANCE SOURCE: Angela Jones, interview, July 2023.
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FOR FLOW, LENGTH OF TIME FOR AN ACTIVITY, COMFORT SOURCE: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The facts on tampons — and how to use them safely. Updated January 31, 2025.
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FOR SOAK UP PERIOD BLOOD SOURCE: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The facts on tampons — and how to use them safely. Updated January 31, 2025.
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FOR TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME SOURCE: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The facts on tampons — and how to use them safely. Updated January 31, 2025.
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FOR MENSTRUAL CUP SOURCE: Jin J. What are menstrual cups? JAMA. 2025;333(3):266.
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FOR HOW LONG CAN PEOPLE SWIM WITH A TAMPON IN SOURCE: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The facts on tampons — and how to use them safely. Updated January 31, 2025.