How long can you swim on your period without a tampon?

Guidance for parents of teens

Quick summary

• It’s safe for your teen to swim on their period without a tampon or period product, but some leaking can happen
• There’s no set time limit for how long until leaks happen – lighter days carry less risk though, and the luna app can help to spot when these will be
• Tampons, period swimwear or menstrual cups are all great period products to help them feel comfortable

Rated 4.8

If your teen’s online, they need the luna app – the antidote to social media

Find out more

For many parents, it can feel tricky knowing what to say when your teen asks about swimming on their period, especially if they’re unsure about using tampons. 

You might worry about giving them the wrong advice, or feel unsure yourself about what’s safe and comfortable.

So we’re here to explain what to know about how long your teen can swim on their period without a tampon, and how you might support your teen in making a choice that works for them.

Can you swim on your period without a tampon?

Technically, yes, you can swim on your period without a tampon or other period product.

Many find that the water pressure slows the bleeding enough that they don’t notice much or anything while actually swimming.

But it doesn’t stop the flow completely, and as soon as they leave the water, cough, sneeze, laugh or bear down there’s a small chance of leakage.

So while it’s not dangerous, it can feel embarrassing to some teens if leakage occurs.

Swimming on a period, even without a period product, though is completely safe.

There’s no risk of shark attacks and there’s nothing wrong with leaking or having a period – in a pool, that’s literally what chlorine is for, to keep the water clean.

If they want to avoid that, a tampon, menstrual cup or period swimwear (which is designed to absorb flow in water, and isn’t worn internally) can help them feel more secure.

If your teen prefers to wear pads, it’s worth explaining that pads don’t work in water – they absorb water from the pool, meaning they won’t absorb menstrual blood effectively, and  may lose their sticky backing and float away.

How long can you swim on your period without a tampon?

If you’re wondering how to swim on your period without a tampon or cup, know that there’s no set time limit.

But it’s a good idea to encourage your teen to listen to their body and step out of the water if they are worried they’re leaking.

A lot also depends on their flow – on heavier days, leakage is a higher risk but on lighter days (usually at the beginning or end of their period) they might be fine.

They can get to know their unique flow patterns by tracking their periods on the luna app – this gives them insights into the days it’s likely to be heavier or lighter to help them plan.

It’s also worth reminding your teen to rinse off and pop in a fresh pad, period pants, or other product as soon as possible after swimming to stay comfortable and avoid any leaks.

If they do want to try a tampon, you might gently let them know that they shouldn’t keep the same one in for more than 8 hours (ideally changing every 4-6 hours) – and that they should change it soon after swimming.

Why some teens avoid swimming on their period

In a recent luna poll, nearly half of teen girls (49%) said they avoid swimming altogether when on their period, rather than use a product designed for swimming. 

Only 17% said they preferred tampons, and 20% said they use period swimwear. Menstrual cups were not a popular option (less than 1%).

This might reflect how many teens still feel unsure about tampons – your teen may have heard conflicting information or feel worried about the discomfort.

You might want to reassure them therefore that avoiding swimming is perfectly okay if that’s what feels best to them, but there are also other options worth knowing about.

What period product options could your teen use for swimming?

If your teen is open to hearing about options, you might want to mention:

• Tampons: discreet and worn internally, but not everyone feels ready to try them
• Period swimwear: absorbent and reusable – a good alternative if they don’t want to use tampons or an internal period product
• Menstrual cup: discreet and worn internally, but can be tricky to use at the start

Pads generally don’t work well for swimming, so you can help by steering them away from these in this context.

Ultimately, your teen can swim on a period without any form of period product and the blood will likely wash away (especially in the sea where there’s a current).

So long as they are aware of the risks of leaking, and perhaps pick a swimsuit that is darker in colour in case of leaks plus have a dry robe or towel on the side to slip back into, they’re fine to do this.

That said, a suitable period product can provide peace of mind.

It can be reassuring for your teen to know that they have options, and that they’re allowed to choose what feels right for them – whether that’s swimming with a tampon, trying period swimwear, a menstrual cup, or skipping the pool altogether.