Swimming during menstruation? it's okay as long as you ...

There are many taboos and myths about monthly female guests. One of the things we hear most often is not allowed to swim during menstruation. So, can women actually swim while menstruating? If so, what should be prepared? Here are some things you need to know if you want to swim during your period.

Can I swim during menstruation?

Menstruation is not a reason for you not to do activities, including swimming. Medically, there is actually no prohibition against swimming while menstruating. However, you should avoid swimming when you have a lot of menstruation.

You don't have to worry about the blood leaking out while you are swimming. Your menstrual blood flow will not slow down or stop completely while swimming, but the water pressure in the swimming pool will prevent the blood from coming out while we are in the water. Only when you get out of the pool, menstrual blood maybe just got back to flow. However, this potentially embarrassing thing can be easily prevented with careful preparation.

How about swimming in the sea? The principle is the same. Don't be afraid that you will be eaten by sharks when swimming in the open sea during your period. Sharks are not interested in menstrual blood because they cannot smell menstrual blood which is actually "old blood", not fresh blood. The new shark will prey on you if you bleed fresh blood while in the water.

The safe way to swim during menstruation

To avoid menstrual blood that leaks out when you go ashore after swimming, you should use a tampon or menstrual cup to catch the blood flow.

When going to swim, use a new tampon. Tampons that are already filled with menstrual blood will make the possibility of leaking higher. In addition, many of the bacteria that grow on tampons can invade your bloodstream, causing poisoning. Tampons that are filled with blood can also spread bacteria into the pool water. This can be detrimental to other pool visitors. Then when you're done swimming, immediately replace the tampon that has been used. This also applies if you are forced to swim using a bandage.

Which must be considered before swimming during menstruation

Although it is fine to swim during your period, you still have to pay attention to the cleanliness aspect. The swimming pool is used by many people. When in the pool, it is very easy for the vagina to become infected. Not to mention menstrual blood which is alkaline and changes the pH of the vagina, plus the effect of the pH of water in swimming pools. This makes it easier for bacteria from pool water to collect in the vagina.

Another problem is the use of tampons and menstrual cups, which are not yet common in Indonesia, so you may insist on swimming with sanitary pads. In terms of cleanliness, this is not recommended because the sanitary pads will absorb pool water, causing them to expand and become damp. It can also be a source of infection. Therefore, if you want to swim, it's best to go on the last few days when the blood flow is very low.

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