You can wear tampons for up to 8 hours and cups for up to 12, so you can go from sunning to swimming to playing beach volleyball without having to dash to the bathroom. Look for tampons labeled “active” or that are designed to be worn while playing sports. These are less likely to leak and are designed to stay put while you’re swimming, running, or lunging to catch a frisbee. If you’re worried about your tampon string showing, just bring a pair of nail clippers and carefully shorten the string after you insert the tampon. [2] X Research source Otherwise, just tuck it into the lining of your suit and you should be fine. When you enter the water, your period can stop or become very light. The pressure of the water can act like a plug or little airlock and keep the menstrual fluid inside. But this is not guaranteed to happen, and you shouldn’t count on it.
Keeping extra on-hand will give you peace of mind, so you can relax and enjoy yourself instead of wondering where you’re going to find a fresh tampon. Bringing extra tampons might end up staving the day if your friend unexpectedly gets her period or forgot to bring her own supplies.
If you’re really stressing about leaks, slip on a pair of shorts or a cute sarong over your suit bottoms for an extra layer of protection. [5] X Research source
Pack warm or hot water in a thermos with a little lemon. This can increase circulation and may help your muscles relax, easing your cramps.
If you take birth control pills, don’t take the inactive week of pills that you take when you get your period (they are usually marked or a different color). Instead, immediately begin a new pack. [8] X Research source If you use a patch or a ring, remove it after three weeks as usual. But instead of going without for a week, immediately replace it with a new one. [9] X Research source You may still have breakthrough bleeding when you skip your period, so you should still bring some panty liners, just in case. [10] X Research source If you are on birth control, make sure you have an extra pack of pills or ring or patch, in case your insurance won’t let you refill early (since you’ll need a new pack a week earlier than usual). [11] X Research source
Avoid caffeine, which can make cramps worse. [12] X Research source Drink water, caffeine-free tea, or lemonade instead of soda or alcoholic beverages, which can increase bloating.
A big pair of sunglasses and a cute sunhat can also camouflage period acne. Plus, you’ll look super glamorous.
If you really don’t feel like moving, elevate your feet on a stack of towels or your beach bag to help ease cramping. You can also lie on your stomach and take deep, slow breaths.
Remember: tampons cannot get lost in your body. If something happens and the string comes off, it’s very easy to get the tampon out. [15] X Expert Source Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DOBoard Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 3 April 2020. Just make sure you don’t wear your tampon longer than 8 hours and you will be totally fine. Some women do have difficulty inserting tampons because their hymen is too tight or the vaginal opening is too small. If you are not able to insert a tampon after several tries, see your physician. [16] X Research source
Wear a cute pair of shorts or a sarong around your waist, just in case your pad shows through your bathing suit.
Slip out of your shorts and leave them on the sand, then quickly get into the water. It’s not foolproof, but the water may stop your period while you are swimming, or make the flow so light no one will notice. When you get out, immediately slip your shorts back on, grab a fresh pad, and go to the bathroom to put it in your suit. The pad may have trouble adhering to the wet material, so you may just want to change into panties and keep your shorts on.
