Many women may be concerned about the start of their period during the summer and on hot days: How do we bathe when our period has arrived? There are many preconceived notions, but the solutions are there too!
"You cannot bathe during menstruation."
For several decades, this widespread prejudice has dictated to women that they cannot bathe during their period. Furthermore, it has led many women to repeatedly suppress their desire to swim because of their menstruation. Some women worry about their intimate hygiene or are afraid of bleeding in the water and leaving a large bloodstain behind. Who has never used the excuse of menstruation to avoid swimming lessons at school? Today, we want to finally put this outdated notion to rest!
Indeed, there are many solutions nowadays if you want to cool off and swim while you have your period. No matter if you have a normal period, a rather light flow, or a heavier period: don't forget this taboo!
The water stops the bleeding.
A second misconception is that water would stop menstruation. In other words: If you have your period and shower without menstrual hygiene protection, the bleeding is supposed to stop. It is believed that showering, bathing in the bathtub, water sports, or simply swimming in the pool can provide a kind of miraculous "pause" in your period. I'm sorry, ladies, but this idea is just as wrong as the first one. Water can slow down the bleeding, but it will never affect the menstrual cycle or completely stop the blood flow! So be careful of the stains if you plan to bathe for several hours without appropriate hygiene protection! As soon as you get out of the water, the bleeding returns with its normal pressure, and you might experience an unpleasant surprise.
"Menstrual bleeding attracts sharks."
One of the prejudices that may seem a bit unusual, which all women have thought about at the beach, is: "Menstrual blood attracts sharks". This can be understood; sharks are terrifying and have the image of bloodthirsty animals. However, you can safely forget this theory: So far, it has not been proven that sharks are attracted by menstrual blood.
discover now!
The idea that one should not go into the water during their period can be a barrier for women. But whether you get your period in a swimsuit or jeans, it doesn't change the risk of staining your clothes! And locking yourself at home is not a solution either. If you're afraid of staining your swimsuit, then just don't wear a white swimsuit! Instead, choose a dark swimsuit that doesn't show a stain right away.
The soothing effect of water on our body during menstruation
Contrary to what is commonly believed, swimming during your period has a positive effect on the body! It does no good to say: "My cramps get worse in the water", because they don't! In fact, the opposite is true: thanks to the flowing movement of the water, swimming actually helps to relieve painful cramps. Of course, we don't mean to say that you should swim the English Channel right away. But a little swimming will do you good and alleviate your menstrual pain. Backstroke is best; you should rather avoid strenuous swimming styles like butterfly. So if you have a painful and difficult period that leads to cramps in your lower abdomen, you now know what to do.
The different solutions
Wear a dark swimsuit
If you are afraid of stains, avoid swimwear that is very tight against the body and light colors. Opt for a covering black swimsuit that highlights your tan, or a dark blue or dark purple swimsuit to wear some color. This way, you will feel secure and no longer fear unwanted stains.
Wear shorts over your usual hygiene protection.
"Even though it is unlikely that blood will seep through your bikini bottom, you might feel more relaxed swimming and enjoying the day at the beach if you wear shorts over your favorite bikini!"
"Also wear a more responsible hygiene protection!"
The knickerbockers or hygienic panties is perfect for hiding under a covering swimsuit or Shorty. In fact, it will provide you with optimal protection while sunbathing by the water, combining comfort, ecology, and safety.
Today, many women use their usual hygiene protection during the summer, such as tampons and sanitary pads, which contain plastics and other undesirable substances harmful to health and the environment. These become waste products for the seas and oceans during the holiday season. 45 billion sanitary pads are thrown away every year. Countless birds can suffocate on tampon applicators, and fish can die from pieces of pads. Both hygiene products take an average of 400 to 450 years to decompose in nature. For this reason, we advise against conventional feminine hygiene products and recommend healthy and environmentally friendly solutions such as period underwear.
"Having your period and going for a swim in peace? Yes, you can! And if you really have an aversion to swimming during your period despite all this advice, just go into the water only on the days when the bleeding is lighter. For example, you can avoid the swimming pool at the beginning of your period on the first days when the flow is particularly heavy."
