Should you have a very heavy flow, it’s a good idea to have an extra waterproof pad on hand for the days when you know you’ll be spending a significant amount of time swimming. This can not only help prevent any leakage, but also ensure that you’re comfortable.
How to Swim With a Pad and 4 Waterproof Period Pads to Try
If you’re a menstruating person, you know the trials and tribulations that come with your monthly flow. Beyond dealing with cramps, bloating and mood swings, certain activities are trickier to navigate, including swimming.
But if you’re not comfortable inserting a tampon or menstrual cup, you can swim with a pad. The trick is to choose a waterproof period pad, which is specially made to be worn in the water (without puffing up to nearly four times its size).
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Here’s exactly how to swim with a pad, waterproof period pads to buy and answers to other frequently asked questions about wearing a pad in the pool.
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How to Swim With a Pad
Here are some tips for how to swim with a pad during your period.
1. Get a Waterproof Period Pad
Regular, non-waterproof period pads can quickly fill with water and create a gel consistency similar to a diaper, explains Allison Rodgers, MD, an ob-gyn and reproductive endocrinologist with the Fertility Centers of Illinois.
“They can leak blood down your legs and get much bigger as they absorb water, making them obvious and uncomfortable,” she adds.
That’s why “waterproof” is a key element when searching for a pad to wear in the water on your period. (Jump to the best waterproof period pads to buy.)
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2. Choose the Right Absorbency Level
Pads come in varying levels of absorbency — most often light, moderate, heavy and super. The pad absorbency level that’s right for you might depend on the nature of your flow, as well as where you are in your cycle.
For example, if you’re on day one or two, you’ll likely have a much heavier flow and require a heavy or super pad versus on day five or six when you can get away with a light or moderate pad.
3. Wear Swimwear That Fits Well
To make sure your pad stays in place — since the water can compromise its ability to stick to your clothing — it’s a good idea to wear swimwear that is well-fitted. If it’s loose, the pad may show or even come out in the water.
4. Have an Extra Pad on Hand
Should you have a very heavy flow, it’s a good idea to have an extra waterproof pad on hand for the days when you know you’ll be spending a significant amount of time swimming. This can not only help prevent any leakage, but also ensure that you’re comfortable.
5. Bring Backup
Dr. Rodgers recommends bringing backup, whether it’s a tampon or a menstrual cup or disc, in case you’re not comfortable in your waterproof pad.
She also suggests carrying a change of clothes while you’re on your period — no matter where you’re going or what you’re doing. This may simply make you feel more comfortable should you have any leakage.
4 Waterproof Period Pads to Try
1. Simfamily Reusable Waterproof Bamboo Charcoal Menstrual Pads
Visit Page https://www.amazon.com
This set of six waterproof pads are reusable, so your $14 really goes a long way. They come in varying absorbency levels, including panty liner, regular and heavy flow.
To clean them, simply soak them in cold water or use the presoak function on your washing machine to remove all of the menstrual blood from the bamboo fabric. You can then wash them on cold using a natural detergent and tumble dry on low.
Buy it: Amazon; Price: $13.99
2. MissC2C Resuable Waterproof Menstrual Pad Set
Visit Page https://www.amazon.com
This set is very similar to the brand above, with fun flower prints on each of the reusable, waterproof pads.
They come in the same levels of absorbency and are made with two layers — one that is charcoal fabric and one waterproof layer. The charcoal layer helps prevent odor, as well as the build up of excess moisture and bacteria, while the waterproof layer helps keep water from filling up the pad.
Buy it: Amazon; Price: $12.99
3. Walbest 1pc Bamboo Charcoal Fiber Waterproof Menstrual Period Pad
Visit Page https://go.skimresources.com
This package only comes with one waterproof menstrual pad, so it’s a good purchase if you’re just looking to see what the experience is all about.
This pad is made from a bamboo charcoal fiber inner layer and contains two middle layers made from microfiber fabric. The bamboo charcoal provides an antibacterial effect and also serves as a natural deodorant to keep you feeling and smelling fresh.
Buy it: Walmart.com; Price: $ .99
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