Can you wear a tampon swimming?

[MedicalAttention]

I don't go swimming often, so managing a period in a pool isn't something I've ever had to deal with.

I'm due to take DC swimming tonight and my period has just started! Dc will be so upset if I cancel and I don't have the time or money to go and buy period swimwear. Will a tampon work or will it leak? More importantly, would there be a risk of infection if it was to absorb pool water?

Any advice would be appreciated.

It works fine, that's what they're designed for. Go for the lowest absorbancy you need and remove it when you get out of the pool and you'll be fine. Enjoy your swim.

Works fine, doesn't leak, no infection risk.

If you're worried, switch a fresh one before you go in the water and change again when you get out.

Done it all my life (25+yrs of periods), no issues.

Yes it's fine, water won't get up that far for the tampon to absorb it anyway, but change it when you're done swimming anyway if it makes you feel happier

Yes it’s fine! After second child I was worried it would all be a bit loose down there and catastrophising about the entire pool being emptied because it had somehow floated out of me (sorry if tmi) … but it’s absolutely fine.

Phew.

I used to swim regularly when on my period and always wore tampons, never any problems.

The only times I wear tampons are for swimming, sunbathing or if going yo a party/event and I happen yo be on my period.
Tampons are perfect for swimming.

Tampax have been around a awful lot longer than period swimwear and swimming with it has been the norm for decades.

I'd be more inclined to think period swimwear wouldn't work and is more for lazing on the beach. I can't see how once it's sodden with water it can absorb any blood.

Absolutely fine. Women do it all the time. Don't worry.

Good to know, thanks everyone.

I used to swim competitively as a teenager with heavy periods. I can confirm you will be fine!

@UndecidedAboutEverything haha this made me giggle. I definitely have thought about this in general. Or just leaking (which I mean is a common thought is women have when we’re bleeding but a little more unrealistic to have in water). Oh the joys of having a vagina and being a woman lol

@MedicalAttention @Branster yes! She is right! I have a decent flow I would say and I have had to go in water on some of my heaviest days and that’s what they are meant for. We bleed for about a whole week each month. We need to stop limiting ourselves lol. Insert a tampon and get in that water mama!

@MedicalAttention @AnthuriumCrystallinum omg same here! Mine are still heavy and I still use them! But I swam competitively and have always had a pretty heavy flow. You will be fine!

100% fine. Enjoy your swim!

Weren't they originally advertised that you can go swimming, horse riding and play tennis? I used Tampax for years and I never excelled at the aforementioned activities.

It's fine as others have said but for the environment's sake so is a cup!

Where have you been living?! Even as a teen in the 80s I knew you could do this , you must live a very sheltered life . You need to read more .

I too am astounded a woman would not know this.

I am going to go a little against the grain here. Yes you can wear tampons to swim , but in my last year or two before menopause stopped it for me , I would come on very heavy. I was once very very upset when I got out of the pool and blood dropped on the pool deck (alot, but blood mixed with water seems like SOOO much more blood.) Anyway. A good friend told me to always tuck the string inside when you swim as it acts like a wick and if you are heavy will pull the blood down. UGHH. So glad those days are done for me.