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Can you swim on your period? What about cycle syncing? All your period questions answered!

It’s super normal to have questions about your cycle, like “Can you swim on your period?”

Welcome to Nurse’s Corner! ThriVe+ is THE place for women to ask questions, connect, and get empowered in their health. Women’s sexual and reproductive health can be confusing. Especially since our bodies can be so different! We’re all women here, sure. But have you ever asked your friends about their cycles? If you have, you’ve probably found out that our cycles can be pretty different. That’s why it’s so helpful to learn about your cycle, specifically. 

When you become an expert on your body, you’ll be better equipped to make health decisions when you need to.

So do you have to cancel your day at the pool if you’re on your period? Is it bad to wear a tampon all day? Can it get stuck? I’ve got you, girl. I’m here to answer your questions about periods. It’s completely normal to have questions about your menstrual health at any age. Our bodies change, even over time. It’s never too late to learn more about your period!

Let’s dive into some common questions and clear up any misconceptions

1. Can you swim on your period?

Yes, you can absolutely swim on your period! Using a tampon or a menstrual cup can help prevent leaks while you swim. These options are designed to be worn internally, allowing you to swim comfortably. 

Learn about all the different types of menstrual products — there’s a great variety! It’s a good idea to have your favorite products on hand for different situations, like going for a swim. Being on your period can be a bit inconvenient, but you should be able to do the activities you love. So is swimming still okay if you’re on your period? Yes, girl!

2. Can I get an infection from wearing a tampon too long?

Yes, unfortunately. Wearing a tampon for too long can increase your risk of a rare but serious condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Typically,  it’s best to change tampons 4-8 hours, and use the lowest absorbency tampon you can.1. Your health matters!

3. Can stress delay my period?

Yes, stress can actually affect your menstrual cycle. Dealing with a lot of stress lately? High levels of stress can disrupt your balance of hormones that regulate your period, potentially causing it to be delayed, or even missed.2 If you’re stressing about questions like “Can you swim on your period” and you’re worried about your health, keep learning and asking questions. Learning more about your health can be very empowering for you.

Finding ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, relaxation techniques, and adequate sleep, can help maintain a regular cycle. Have you been sexually active and missed your period? Come see us for a no-cost pregnancy test, so you can get answers. You deserve to have peace of mind.

4. Does my period sync up with other women’s?

The idea that women’s menstrual cycles sync up is known as “menstrual synchrony.” If you’ve discovered that you’re synced up with a friend, that’s super cool! Some women feel a special connection when they find out they’re cycling together. That’s totally fine! We often feel a bond when we share symptoms or period days.

And while it’s a popular belief that this can be done on purpose, scientific evidence seems doubtful.  A study of almost 200 women living in a dorm found no significant evidence for period syncing — and that syncing was up to chance.3  Still, it’s interesting when it happens!

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5. Can I use a tampon if I’ve never had sex?

Yes! You can use a tampon if you’ve never had sex. Tampons can be used by anyone who menstruates. There are different sizes of tampons to fit every body — even slender kinds that some women prefer. It might take a little practice to insert it comfortably. But with time and patience, lots of women find tampons to be convenient during their period. Is it okay to go swimming on your period? With tampons, lots of women find swimming a breeze! 

Worried about the fit? It’s alright to try out different sizes and brands. Your comfort is important, even on your period. If you don’t like the way tampons feel, you still have choices! There’s plenty of other menstrual products. Try them out, and find what works for you!

6. Can a tampon or menstrual cup get lost in my body?

No, a tampon or menstrual cup cannot get lost inside your body — the vagina ends in a part of your body called the cervix.4 The cervix prevents anything from going beyond it. If you have trouble removing a tampon or cup, relax and take your time. If you’re really having difficulty, you can seek help from a healthcare professional. Don’t be embarrassed. It happens to more of us women than you’d think! Especially when you’re new to using tampons, or any menstrual product that gets inserted into the vagina.

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Your period is in your control!

It’s important to feel empowered and informed about your menstrual health. You deserve to have confidence about it. Got questions? That’s natural! Getting some accurate info is a positive step towards understanding your body better. Can you swim on your period? Will a tampon get lost in your body? Girl, these are questions we’ve all had. We get you. ThriVe+ is here to support you! We’ve always got reliable medical information and resources for your reproductive health. Even though our bodies are different and might change over time, we can always support each other.

Worried about a missed period? We’re here to help! Our women’s services are no-cost, and lab-quality. Our team is super kind and judgment-free. I’m glad you found us — ThriVe+ really is a safe haven for women. Come see us. We’re here for you.

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Healthy • Safe • Strong

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