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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Bathing during a period

131 replies

Johannapiana · 11/06/2024 22:51

Recently heard a rumour online that it's no problem to have a bath on your period as the water stops blood flow (no tampon required).

Never worked for me. AIBU this must be an old wives tale?

YABU - Yes this can and does happen.
YANBU - Sounds bonkers.

OP posts:
GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 11/06/2024 23:29

I can lie in the bath for ever and don't get blood in the water. It must be the water pressure that stops it for me, not lying flat, because lying down in bed doesn't stop the flow. I can't think of another explanation.

Wallywobbles · 11/06/2024 23:28

I have a tampax on the edge of the bath and put it in as I stand up to get out, to avoid the crime scene look. Clean up any run off with the (dark blue) flannel that then goes in the wash

Original poster
Johannapiana · 11/06/2024 23:28

BeauSignoles · 11/06/2024 23:10

It's a myth that water pressure prevents menstrual flow, but it does slow it down. I just use a cup in the bath.

As in Moon Cup, or a mug held against the nether regions? 🤔

OP posts:
BeardieWeirdie · 11/06/2024 23:26

I bleed in the bath, especially on exit. I’d normally put a mooncup I when I stand up in the bath, so any gushing can be rinsed away when I drain it.

PickAChew · 11/06/2024 23:24

Just have a nice soak then a rinse with the shower before you get out.

Kpnutz91 · 11/06/2024 23:24

I suffer horrendous periods and hot baths help me no end, BUT.. I have one of those vaginas that suck up water and because of that it’s always a blood bath! I just shower straight after.. Even when not on my period, after a bath, 10 mins after I’ll flood a load of water out, not sure why it happens but it does 😅

Original poster
Johannapiana · 11/06/2024 23:22

Thanks that's interesting @BertieBotts
Know just what you mean about the dragons.😄

OP posts:
Disturbia81 · 11/06/2024 23:19

Catsmere · 11/06/2024 23:08

Never did for me, my baths were always a bit bloody.

Same! 😂 never bothered me.

mimiscards · 11/06/2024 23:18

Mine never stops in the bath. I don't have a bath now so I no longer have the issue haha, but I did find it annoying as baths always helped my cramps.

Original poster
Johannapiana · 11/06/2024 23:18

elm26 · 11/06/2024 23:11

I've got endometriosis and ridiculously heavy periods and I've never bled in the bath.

What's your secret??

OP posts:
Demilei · 11/06/2024 23:17

Johannapiana · 11/06/2024 23:06

You're all saying the bleeding stops when you get in the bath - is that because you're lying flat? Trying figure out how that would actually work...must have to have a really light flow.

My flow is heavy. For the most part it stops but I sometimes pass clots if I'm having that type of period.

BertieBotts · 11/06/2024 23:17

The water pressure stops the bath from looking "like a murder scene". But also, menstrual blood isn't really watery like blood usually is, it's much more mucousy and thick.

We did not have a shower when I was a teenager so if I wanted to wash on my period I had to have a bath. I found if I stayed in the bath too long, small bits of menses would escape and it would stay clumped together in little wisps - I always thought they looked like tiny little dragons swimming around in the water (I did get out then, though!)

There is also period swimwear you can get now which I can't understand how it works but it must work somehow. Or you can bath with a cup or tampon in, as long as you change it afterwards.

BillieEyelash1 · 11/06/2024 23:11

Mine stops when I’m in the bath and I usually have a really heavy flow. When I stand up to get out though it does restart and it’s like a murder scene with blood everywhere

elm26 · 11/06/2024 23:11

I've got endometriosis and ridiculously heavy periods and I've never bled in the bath.

CountryMumof4 · 11/06/2024 23:11

I've had mixed experiences, depending on what stage I'm at with my period. Medium to light = fine/no leakage. Heavy = definite leakage. I'm not fussed either way, but I do tend to shower instead on heavier days.

BeauSignoles · 11/06/2024 23:10

It's a myth that water pressure prevents menstrual flow, but it does slow it down. I just use a cup in the bath.

KickHimInTheCrotch · 11/06/2024 23:09

I have a very heavy flow which is a fairly new development (thank you peri menopause) and I can no longer bath without losing a fair amount of blood. Was never a problem previously.

Globetrote · 11/06/2024 23:08

Works for me.

The water pressure would usually stop anything coming out, which is why I don’t get the recent comments on a thread about swimming pools being disgusting places because you’re in the water swimming amongst other women’s vaginal discharge. The extreme pressure from a large body of water like a pool stops this from happening, plus the gusset in your swimwear.

Catsmere · 11/06/2024 23:08

Never did for me, my baths were always a bit bloody.

Original poster
Johannapiana · 11/06/2024 23:07

That's not what I'm asking though @Hoardasurass

OP posts:
VeryGoodVeryNiceChickenNugget · 11/06/2024 23:07

Demilei · 11/06/2024 22:58

Yes mine usually stops in the bath. Even if it didn't I'd still be having a bath.

Same here, but there are some on here that somehow suck up cupfulls of water so you'll get a lot of different answers.

Original poster
Johannapiana · 11/06/2024 23:06

You're all saying the bleeding stops when you get in the bath - is that because you're lying flat? Trying figure out how that would actually work...must have to have a really light flow.

OP posts:
Hoardasurass · 11/06/2024 23:06

Just change your tampon before and after a bath if your flow doesn't stop

haveatye · 11/06/2024 23:04

Menstrual cup. Won't soak up bathwater like a tampon.

SnackFish · 11/06/2024 23:04

Works for me, I don't even have a shower so it's baths every day 🤷‍♀️