Can you go swimming with a menstrual cup or should you rather use tampons in such a case? This is what you need to know about the menstrual cup when swimming!
It's hot, we're all looking to cool off. If only it wasn't just your period knocking on the door. You've actually said goodbye to tampons for a while now.
But what about the menstrual cup and swimming?
Does it work? Does it hold tight?
Or can it come to a bloody surprise in the bikini panties?
This is what you really need to know about it!
Table of contents
Much about my experience with the menstrual cup I have already told you in a separate blog post. Today we want to devote ourselves to the topic of swimming.
What is a menstrual cup anyway?
For those of you who haven't had much to do with the cup, here are a few lines. So that you are not completely confused by all the terms: A menstrual cup is also called a menstasse, menscup or simply cup.
Behind all these terms is a small cup made of silicone. You insert the cup into the vagina when you have your period. The opening is placed directly at the cervix and collects menstrual blood here.
Depending on the strength of the period, you must empty the cup after 4 to 8 hours. You rinse it with water and can use it again immediately. Especially on the light days I notice the advantages quite clearly.
The very unpleasant feeling that occurs when inserting a tampon into the dry vagina and removing it is eliminated. The vaginal flora is not disturbed because, unlike the tampon, no chlorine-bleached absorbent cotton is inserted.
The big advantage over tampons is obvious.
Menstrual cups
- do not dry out the vaginal mucosa, which makes them much more pleasant to insert,
- unlike tampons, do not produce odors,
- can be reused for 10 years,
- can be worn for up to 8 hours without being emptied,
- have more capacity than a tampon,
- have no annoying thread that constantly dangles around and can hang out of the bikini pants,
- are super comfortable to wear
- and available in different sizes.
Once the period is over, you disinfect the menstrual cup and keep it until the next time. That's what I do every month with my Lunette menstrual cup*.
If you are still unsure, you can read many good reviews on Amazon.
It all sounds good at first, doesn't it? But can you go swimming with a menstrual cup? We'll come to that now.
Can you swim with a menstrual cup?
Yes, you can. And it can even be more pleasant than with a tampon. If the tampon is not deep enough, it may become waterlogged. We've all been there and it's very uncomfortable, right?
Tampons like to absorb water in the swimming pool or at the seaside and must therefore be changed particularly often. Germs and bacteria from the dredging pond love the pleasantly warm atmosphere in a fully soaked tampon and are very happy to cause infections here.
This is not possible with a men's cup. The cup is made of silicone and cannot absorb water. This protects your vaginal health. You do not have to change the cup every time you come out of the cool wet.
If it fits correctly, it closes with the cervix. Here it sits bombproof and does not slip. So no water gets in and no blood comes out.
Gone are also the days when you are constantly afraid of the tape of the tampon hanging out of the bikini pants. Because a cup has no such tape, nothing can go wrong.
You can use the menstrual cup while swimming and any water sport.
How to swim with the menstrual cup
If you go swimming with the cup for the first time, you may feel a bit uncomfortable. Therefore, I recommend that you start the test on a weak period day.
If you keep two things in mind, everything will go smoothly.
1. the size of the menstrual cup when swimming.
While there were only a few manufacturers and models a short time ago, the market is now almost flooded with men's cups. The choice is huge.
They differ in color, size, return sticks and a little in shape.
Which cup really suits you, you have to find out for yourself. Unfortunately, I can't do that for you. I get along very well with the Lunette and would never want to swap it again.
The question you need to ask yourself is: which cup fits my pelvic floor?
There are cups that are longer and those that are less long. In some women, the cervix drops a little during the period. Observe how this is with you. To do this, insert a finger into the vagina - preferably a week before your period and then on the first day of bleeding. Do you notice a big difference? Then a cup that is not so high is suitable for you.
Cups come in 2 to 3 sizes, depending on the manufacturer.
Smaller cups are suitable for women up to 170 cm and narrow to medium stature.
Larger cups use women from 170 cm, who have a stronger stature or who have already given birth to a child.
This is how you get an irregular cycle under control!
2. place the mencup correctly when swimming.
The best cup is of little help if you place it incorrectly. If it is not directly at the cervix, then it can happen that something leaks out on the right or left.
To avoid surprises when swimming with a menstrual cup, take time to check the fit. When inserting the cup, make sure that it unfolds completely.
Only then the upper side closes with the vagina. Nothing can run in or out.
3. empty the menstrual cup before swimming
You want to go to the lake right now? Empty the cup while relaxing at home and make sure it's sitting properly. It's more relaxed at home than at a public restroom.
I can wear the cup for 5 hours on my strongest day without having to empty it. On weak ones, I leave it for 6 hours.
4. become familiar with the Menscup
If you have just switched to the cup, then you should take a few days. You can also practice insertion without having your period.
Simply moisten the cup with water or use some lubricant.
Then you are ready to go swimming with the menstrual cup. Before the first day of swimming, you should simply develop a bit of a routine so that insertion and removal go smoothly.
If you have been in the water with it, you should immediately check whether everything is still in place. This will be the case 99 percent of the time. But beginners in particular are quickly unsettled. Therefore, do not go into the water for the first time on the strongest days, but towards the end of the period.
You'll get the hang of it quickly, and you'll feel it right away later when something's not right.
This is my experience with the menstrual cup!
Why is the menstrual cup waterproof?
In order to insert the cup, you need to fold it. This folds it to about a third of its size. When inserted, it pops up and takes its place directly in front of the cervix. It automatically goes into the right shape, creating a slight vacuum.
The difference between the outside air and the inside of the cup seals the material. This keeps everything where it belongs. To be able to remove the cup later, you have to press it in slightly with your fingers.
Thus, a little air flows into the cup and the vacuum is released.
Without the help of your fingers, this vacuum cannot be released, which is why the Menscup is waterproof.
The menstrual cup while swimming and water sports
But of course you can wear the Menscup not only for swimming, but also for other water sports. From water skiing, stand up paddling to jet skiing.
The cup is very elastic and thanks to its resilience keeps its shape even during wilder water sports. Because it is made of soft silicone, you do not feel it. Not even when you jump over the waves on a jet ski.
Once the cup is in place, it cannot slip. The muscles of the vagina hold it in place. Since you can wear the menstrual cup for a long time while swimming and in the water, it is perfect for relaxing days in the cool water.
I have tested it: Period underwear - it really can!
My conclusion
I regularly go swimming with the menstrual cup and have never had any problems. If you are unsure, test it on a light day of your period. If the cup does not hold on very heavy days - which can happen with me - then take a tampon on that day. However, since I rarely feel like swimming on my first day, I haven't had this problem yet.
To be on the safe side, I would advise you not to wear white or very light-colored bikini pants. But you wouldn't wear them with a tampon either. So, all is well :).
Enjoy the day at the lake, the outdoor pool or the sea and don't let your period throw a spanner in the works. Have fun!
To browse further:
* Advertising & affiliate links: Our website is financed by advertising and affiliate links. As a partner of linked stores (e.g. Amazon) we earn from qualified sales.
Read more
