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Original poster

To swim whilst menstruating?

308 replies

awomensworkisneverdone · 20/05/2018 09:42

So funny light hearted conversation with sister and friend Friday and totally random.
I swim every Friday evening with my other half and my dc.
My sister told me it was vile for me to swim whilst bleeding. My friend disagrees and said it fine.
I did go swimming as my period was pretty much over (day 5). Would I swim whilst heavy? I would say no I wouldn’t. Would you?
Sister says it’s not fair on others swimming and friend says she’s wouldn’t care. Are there actually any rules about it? Would you? Would a tamping be suitable if you did want to swim? I’m not sure about others but if I bath whilst using a tampon it will eventually fill up with water and expand rapidly! Confused or is it just me?? Would you swim during your period?

OP posts:
Wide0penSpace · 20/05/2018 13:24

welshweasel
I swim 60-90 minutes several times a week. I go before I get in and have never needed to wee once in the pool. Maybe try this?

Urine is not sterile.

I have watched many children’s swimming lessons and they are interrupted on many occasions by children needing to get out for a wee. They don’t all piss in the pool like you.

Metoodear · 20/05/2018 13:31

Tampon or moon cup
If you free flow then you need BiscuitConfusedHmm

NK346f2849X127d8bca260 · 20/05/2018 13:36

I am a regular swimmer, now post menopause so don’t have periods but when I did I used tampons and avoided really heavy days, never had a problem.

karyatide · 20/05/2018 13:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
awomensworkisneverdone · 20/05/2018 15:07

But not all children are capable of getting out to use the toilet. What about babies they pee in the pool Confused so really there’s always going to be pee in the pool... I personally wouldn’t pee In the pool ild be to scared I would have a yellow mass around me Confused

OP posts:
BakedBeans47 · 20/05/2018 15:09

Iv also heard whilst In the water the flow will stop.

I’ve heard this too but not tested it. That said I have baths during mine and don’t bleed into the water if I don’t have sanpro in.

I use a menstrual cup

RomeoBunny · 20/05/2018 15:15

Water does not stop the flow as it's already excreted blood. Grow the hell up the lot of you, that is basic laws of physics and biology and pretty grim anyone thinks that's even a real thing.

Do you think shagging standing up stops you getting pregnant too? The mind fucking boggles.

Your vagina is not an open wound Angry

BakedBeans47 · 20/05/2018 15:16

Peeing in the pool beyond being toilet trained age is grim. My 2 boys have always gone out to the toilet since they were toilet trained. Particularly annoying when they were small admittedly and would be adamant they didn’t need to go before hand and then as soon as they were in the pool declared that they needed the toilet. At least now they can take themselves and I don’t need to get out of the water!

Original poster
awomensworkisneverdone · 20/05/2018 15:19

Romeo calm down Hmm
I was surprised how many people didn’t know this but it don’t bother me that they didn’t. Ever heard the saying you learn something new every day ?
But I admit weather makes me a little touchy too

OP posts:
itsbetterthanabox · 20/05/2018 16:13

Wear a tampon or cup.
You aren't putting your tampon in high enough.
Do you use non applicator?
Even if it does get water in it it'll still absorb blood too.
Get a cup that'll solve it.

Original poster
awomensworkisneverdone · 20/05/2018 16:26

Can’t believe I didn’t know about moon cups! Iv just ordered mine. What an amazing creation

OP posts:
Carolynnnna · 20/05/2018 16:36

I also pee whilst swimming if I’m training/racing and need to go.

Disgusting.

Ansumpasty · 20/05/2018 16:40

This is why I can’t deal with public swimming pools. So you walk to the pool getting some blood in your costume then it just rinses off in the water, ready for someone else to dunk their head in it and get your blood in their mouth/eyes/ears. Grim

itsbetterthanabox · 20/05/2018 16:41

@Storm4star
If I shower/bath without a cup or tampon then was soon as I leave the shower I'll drop blood all over the floor and my legs before I can dry/get dressed. It also means my towel gets blood on it.

itsbetterthanabox · 20/05/2018 16:46

@welshweasel
Urine is not sterile. Please don't pee in public pools.
Go to special training ones or something where you can all enjoy swimming in each others pee.
It's unfair on other people. What makes you think it's acceptable?

welshweasel · 20/05/2018 16:52

Ok it’s not always sterile but it’s not harmful and in the vast majority of people contains virtually no bacteria. Me peeing in the pool is not causing you any issues. Of course I would try not to, and yes I always go before I get in the pool. But I’m not going to lie about the fact that sometimes it’s not practical to get out. Sorry if that offends you but I’m not going to change.

specialsubject · 20/05/2018 16:53

ah, the usual skanks who didnt listen at school.

cold water does not stop bleeding. you are leaving a small trail but most of it comes out when you get vertical to leave the pool. google ' gravity' if this is too complex....

internal protection, private pool or no swimming.

merrymouse · 20/05/2018 16:58

It’s not harmful because of the chemicals they put in the pool. You are assuming that nobody else is going to pee in the pool and that therefore your urine won’t make any difference - if everyone urinated in the pool they would need so much chlorine it wouldn’t be possible to swim.

However nobody wants to get out and go to the loo in the middle of a swim. It’s always inconvenient and unpleasant.

You are taking advantage of other people’s more socially responsible behaviour.

Alexkate2468 · 20/05/2018 17:00

I'm starting to feel very 🤢 about swimming in my local pool. It didn't ever cross my mind that someone would consider swimming without a clean tampon.

I know OP said she wears one but if this conversation is happening here, I wonder how many people don't.

Oh to be rich and have my own pool 😝

W0rriedMum · 20/05/2018 17:10

This is the grimest thread I've read on MN. @romeobunny is spot on - cold water doesn't stop periods because the lining has already been shed by the time it gets to your vagina. Water does dliute the blood of course..

Avoiding pools for a bit after this.. Shock

Original poster
awomensworkisneverdone · 20/05/2018 17:15

No one has said their period stops if you read they say it stops at the moment they are bathing in pool ect. Google “read” and try it Grin

OP posts:
Pootle40 · 20/05/2018 17:18

When I was young and had just started my tampons would expand and fill with water and it was uncomfortable but it happened because I didn't have it in properly. Otherwise that should not happen

YellowPansy23 · 20/05/2018 17:19

To be honest someone swimming with a tampon or without if their flow is light doesn’t gross me out when you take into account the amount of kids that must use the pool as their toilet- you can’t pretend it’s just a woman swimming on her period who suddenly makes the pool unsanitary. There are many more bodily fluids in the pool, I just try not to think of this when swimming.

blaaake · 20/05/2018 17:22

Ewwww EnvyEnvyEnvyEnvy this thread has let me know public pools are even more trampy than I thought, and I've been to Rhyl sun centre !

ToothyMcPuthy · 20/05/2018 17:26

If you have your period, use a tampon or mooncup when swimming, or please don’t swim IMO.

Even if you believe the cold water stops the flow, surely your risk a ‘gush’ as you get out?

These threads put me off of every swimming again. Gross.