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Don't let your fear of using a tampon while swimming keep you from enjoying a sunny day at the pool or beach. Many people don't realize that using a tampon while you're swimming is no different from using a tampon in math class or during a Sunday picnic. Here's what you do.
Steps
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Insert your tampon as you normally would. You should be comfortable with wearing a tampon regularly before you venture into the pool. To use a tampon, just pull it out of its wrapper, find a comfortable position that allows you to position the thicker applicator half of the tampon into your vagina, and then press the thinner applicator end into the top half until it goes as far up as it can, moving the tampon further up your vagina. Once you feel that the tampon is firmly in place, gently remove the applicator. [1] X Research source
- You should feel the tampon move all the way into your vagina and out of the applicator. If you don't push it back far enough, it'll come out with the applicator.
- Choose a tampon that's absorbent enough to last for 4 hours without any leakage.
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Make sure you're comfortable. Walk around, sit, and just move around a bit to make sure you can't feel the tampon in your vagina. If it hurts or you can still feel it, try again or insert your finger in your vagina to push it up further. Sometimes, if the tampon cannot be further inserted your period may be coming to an end. In that case, you should avoid trying to force it if it hurts too much. [2] X Research source
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Choose the right bathing suit. This is probably not the time to wear your brand new light pink or your bold white bathing suit. Pick a suit of a darker color, just in case you have any leaks. You can also go for a bathing suit with a thicker bottom so you feel less exposed. Just pick something that you're comfortable in that doesn't draw too much attention to your bottom. If you know you have less of a chance of having people see you leaking a bit, you'll be much more comfortable. [3] X Research source
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Carefully tuck in the tampon string. The only thing that could happen is that the tampon string could dangle out of your underwear. Just make sure to tuck it into the bottom of your suit carefully and don't stress out about it. If you'd really like to, you can trim the string a bit with nail scissors, but don't cut it too much or you'll have a hard time getting it out.
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Don't wear pantyliners. Pantyliners will not work in the water. Unfortunately, you'll have nothing to keep you from leaking onto the bottom of your suit, though the water will take care of that somewhat. You can wear them to the pool only if you know there's no chance you'll be swimming or even showing your bikini bottom (the pantyliner may be visible.) [4] X Research source
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Consider wearing shorts when you get out of the pool. If you want some extra protection and are nervous about getting out of the pool and sunbathing in just your bathing suit while wearing a tampon, then you can just throw on a pair of comfy denim jeans to make you feel more secure when you get out of the water.
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Change your tampon a bit more frequently if you want to. Though you don't have to change your tampon more frequently if you're swimming, if you feel paranoid about needing to change it, or if you feel a little uncomfortable after getting out of the water, then you can change it 2 hours or so early if you'd like to.
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Enjoy your swim. Don't worry so much about swimming with a tampon -- everyone does it. Enjoy your swim without worrying about leakage! Swimming will relieve your cramps, give you some exercise, and make you feel better and happier about being on your period.
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Tips
- Never wear a tampon for more than 8 hours - this could lead to toxic shock syndrome. [5] X Research sourceThanks
- Don't keep a tampon in for more than 4 to 8 hours.Thanks
- Use a band-aid or other athletic adhesive to put the tampon string somewhere.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Wear some comfy shorts over your swimsuit bottoms, whether in the water or not. This provides an extra layer of protection and can look cute. You can wear shorts even on non-period days to avoid any suspicion you're menstruating.
- Before getting in the pool after inserting a tampon, gently wash the external vaginal area to remove any lingering blood. This prevents potentially unsanitary dried blood from rehydrating in the water.
- Don't worry — you're not alone. Ask other girls for advice if needed, as we've all dealt with periods and can share tips from experience. And there's likely others menstruating at the pool too.
- When swimming while on your period, ensure you insert the proper absorbency tampon for your flow level. Also consider wearing shorts for extra coverage and confidence!
- To avoid cutting your tampon string too short when trimming it, try taping it to the inside hem of your swimsuit bottoms instead. Or just wear shorts over your suit.
- If you accidentally drop a tampon, throw it out and use a fresh one to prevent introducing germs and infection risk into your vagina.
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References
- ↑ https://obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/health-info/teens/how-to-insert-tampon
- ↑ https://obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/health-info/teens/how-to-insert-tampon
- ↑ https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/lifestyle/fitness-and-exercise/swimming-on-your-period
- ↑ https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/lifestyle/fitness-and-exercise/swimming-on-your-period
- ↑ https://tonic.vice.com/en_us/article/ywg8j5/what-happens-if-i-keep-a-tampon-in-for-longer-than-8-hours
About This Article
Article Summary
X
If you need to use a tampon while swimming, just make sure to tuck the string into the bottom of your suit. While it’s unlikely that your string will pop out from your bathing suit, trim it a bit with scissors if you’re worried about it. Since pantyliners don’t work in the water, wear a dark-colored bathing suit with a thicker bottom to cover up any leaks. Consider wearing a pair of shorts when you get out of the pool to make you feel more secure. Otherwise, don’t worry about swimming with a tampon. In fact, swimming can help relieve your cramps. For more tips, like how to insert a tampon safely, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "Yes today is my big day, I just got my period. At first when I started I was like uh oh because I wasn't prepared. I told my mum and we went to the shop to buy tampons. At first I didn't know how to insert a tampon but this article has helped me a heap." ..." more
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