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Showering during your period may be alarming at first since you will notice blood flowing out into the water on heavier flow days. However, it’s safe and healthy to take showers every day while you’re on your period. There are some special strategies you can use to prevent irritation, odor, and infections when you shower on your period. There are also some additional ways of keeping your vagina clean between showers.
Steps
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Remove your pad, tampon, or cup before you shower. It’s fine to let your vagina bleed in the shower. The blood will run right down the drain. [1] X Research source If you wore a pad, the brown or red tinged water that you see going down the drain will likely be old blood that was stuck to your pubic hairs. It’s important to rinse this off and practice good menstrual hygiene to prevent infections, reduce odors, and stay comfortable during your period. [2] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
- Don’t worry about the blood staining the shower. It will not make contact with it long enough to do this. Just keep the water running until your shower is over, and then check to see if there’s any blood that you need to rinse down the drain.
- It’s okay to wear a tampon or menstrual cup in the shower if you don’t want to “free bleed.” Just be sure to change your tampon as soon as you get out of the water. [3] X Research source
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Shower or bathe at least once per day during your period. Regular showers during your period are necessary to prevent odor and reduce your risk of infection. Take a shower or bath at least once a day. Some medical professionals even recommend washing your vagina with soap and water twice a day. [4] X Research source
- Always make sure that the bathtub is clean, but don’t go overboard with strong chemicals. It’s best to use light chemicals and elbow grease to clean your tub. [5] X Research source
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Use plain warm water to wash your vagina . Avoid using any scented or harsh soaps or other intimate care products to cleanse your vagina. These are not necessary and may irritate your skin. [6] X Research source Plain, warm water is the best cleanser for your vagina. [7] X Research source
- If you want to use soap, opt for a mild, unscented soap and use a small amount to gently clean the outside of your vagina. [8] X Research source
- Tip : If the sight of blood bothers you, don’t look at it! Focus on a spot on the wall or ceiling of your shower instead.
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Rinse from front to back to prevent infections. Cleaning your genital area from front to back, just as you would wipe after using the bathroom, is important to prevent urinary tract infections. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source While standing in the shower, let the water flow down the front of your body and over your vagina. If needed, you can spread apart the labia to allow the water to flow over the clitoral hood and between your labia. [10] X Research source
- If you have a handheld shower head, only angle it so that it sprays your vagina from front to back. Don’t rinse from back to front.
- Avoid using a high-pressure setting on your shower head. Keep the shower head on a low-pressure setting to gently rinse the vagina.
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Cleanse the outside of your vagina only. Your vagina is a self-cleaning organ, so there is no need to clean the inside of it. Doing so may disrupt your vagina’s natural pH balance, which can result in an infection. [11] X Research source Don’t aim the flow of water inside of your vagina. Only rinse the outer areas of your vagina. [12] X Research source
- When bathing, “you want to clean your external genitalia gently with just soap and water, and don’t do anything on the inside of the vagina,” according to board-certified urogynecologist Cindy Basinski, MD. [13]
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Expert Source
Cindy Basinski, MD
Board-Certified Urogynecologist Expert Interview
- When bathing, “you want to clean your external genitalia gently with just soap and water, and don’t do anything on the inside of the vagina,” according to board-certified urogynecologist Cindy Basinski, MD. [13]
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Expert Source
Cindy Basinski, MD
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Pat the outside of your vagina dry with a clean, dry towel. After you finish your shower, use a clean, dry towel to gently pat the outside of your vagina dry. Don’t rub the skin around your vagina to dry it. Just pat it gently. [14] X Research source
- If you’re bleeding heavily, you may want to dry off the other parts of your body first, and then dry your vagina last.
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Put on clean cotton underwear and a new pad , tampon , or cup right away. Your period won’t stop in the bath or shower, but the water pressure may temporarily stop visible blood flow. [15] X Research source Once you’re out of the water, put on a fresh pair of underwear and a menstrual product right away to catch the blood.
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Change your pad, tampon, or cup at least every 4 to 8 hours. Not changing your menstrual product often enough can result in leaks, which can stain your underwear and clothing and may also cause an odor. Check your pad, tampon, or cup every time you use the restroom and change it as needed. If your period is heavy, you can change it more often. [16] X Research source
- Warning : Don’t leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours. Leaving a tampon in for too long can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS). [17] X Research source
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Avoid douches and vaginal deodorants. These products can disrupt the pH balance of your vagina, which may lead to an infection. It’s normal for your vagina to have a slight odor. However, if the odor is strong or if it bothers you, see a gynecologist. [18] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women's Health U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health Go to source
- A strong, fishy odor can sometimes indicate an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis. [19] X Research source
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Wash your hands before and after changing menstrual products. Dirty hands can introduce harmful bacteria into your vagina, so it’s a good idea to wash them before you check your pad, tampon, or cup. Wash your hands before and after using the restroom and before and after using a menstrual product to maintain good hygiene. [20] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
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Tips
- Avoid wearing tight, synthetic clothing, and opt for breathable, cotton underwear. [21] X Research sourceThanks
- Have a pad ready in your underwear for when you get out of the shower and get it right on, so you don't have any accidents.Thanks
- Change your pad or tampon regularly. It will keep you feeling fresher and smelling better.Thanks
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Warnings
- Menstrual hygiene is important for your health, since it can help prevent infections, reduce odors, and keep you comfortable during your period. [22] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source It’s totally safe to shower during your period, so continue to shower daily.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Plain, warm water
- Mild, unscented soap (optional)
- Clean, dry towel
- New pad, tampon, or cup
- Clean underwear
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about women’s health, check out our in-depth interview with Cindy Basinski, MD .
References
- ↑ https://womenshealthct.com/you-can-take-a-bath-on-your-period/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/menstrual-hygiene.html
- ↑ https://womenshealthct.com/you-can-take-a-bath-on-your-period/
- ↑ https://www.unicef.org/timorleste/media/2376/file/Menstrual+Hygiene+Management+-+English+.pdf
- ↑ https://womenshealthct.com/you-can-take-a-bath-on-your-period/
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/vaginitis/how-do-i-prevent-vaginitis
- ↑ https://bloom-obgyn.com/vaginal-hygiene-dos-and-donts/
- ↑ https://www.ohsu.edu/womens-health/care-and-keeping-your-vagina
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563155/
- ↑ https://youngwomenshealth.org/guides/vulvar-and-vaginal-care-and-cleaning/
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/vaginitis/how-do-i-prevent-vaginitis
- ↑ https://www.greaterbostonurology.com/blog/vaginal-hygiene-tips-is-it-really-like-a-self-cleaning-oven
- ↑ Cindy Basinski, MD. Board-Certified Urogynecologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://uihc.org/educational-resources/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines
- ↑ https://womenshealthct.com/you-can-take-a-bath-on-your-period/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/pads-tampons.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/menstruation.html
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching
- ↑ https://www.greaterbostonurology.com/blog/vaginal-hygiene-tips-is-it-really-like-a-self-cleaning-oven
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/menstrual-hygiene.html
- ↑ https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/vulva-vagina/your-vulva-vagina/how-can-i-stay-healthy-down-there
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/menstrual-hygiene.html
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you recently started your period, you may be unsure about how to shower during that time of the month. Start by removing your pad, tampon, or cup before you get in the shower, if possible. It’s totally fine if you bleed in the shower at home, since the blood will run right down the drain. If you're showering in public, like after gym class, you can wear a tampon. Once you're in the shower, gently clean the outside of your vagina with warm water and mild, unscented soap. Then, rinse the outside thoroughly from front to back so that you don't spread bacteria. You don't need to wash inside of your vagina or aim water directly into it, which can actually be harmful and cause irritation. When you're done, use a clean towel to pat the outside of your vagina dry. Be sure to shower at least once per day when you're on your period to stay healthy and feel fresh! For tips on cleaning your vagina in between showers during your period, read on!
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- "This helped me with just how to stay fresh and clean. I'm going to try to keep some wipes in my purse while on my period so I know I'm fresh. I have not noticed a odor, but sometimes I don't feel clean, so this is really going to help." ..." more
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"This helped me with just how to stay fresh and clean. I'm going to try to keep some wipes in my purse while on my period so I know I'm fresh. I have not noticed a odor, but sometimes I don't feel clean, so this is really going to help."
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