Dr. Farah Kroman: Swimming is really good for you. Don't worry. Even if you are swimming when your period starts the flow is likely to be very light and probably won't be noticed. Have a tampon in your bag just in case. Sadness can be a part of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) which happens in the days leading up to a period starting or it can be more general sadness/depression brought about by the new hormones in puberty. Have a read at www.headspace.org.au Open link in new window or www.beyondblue.org.au Open link in new window. If you'd like to talk with a professional to help you deal with sadness try kids helpline (p. 1800 55 1800) or your school counsellor or GP.
Dr. Farah Kroman: Swimming is great when you have your period. It can reduce your crampy period pain and improve your mood. Of course, if you are swimming during your period, you will need to wear a tampon, so you can be prepared for swim school by having some tampons in your PE bag. A pad will not block the blood flow and will probably start to fall apart. Make sure you change your tampon after you get out of the water as it might be a little wet. Remember, it can take some time for a girl to develop a regular menstrual cycle and some girls can vary by a few days every cycle, even when they’ve had their periods for years. If after 12 months, your cycles are not fairly regular, or occur infrequently or too often (for example less than 3 weeks or every few months), see your GP for advice.
Dr. Farah Kroman: I wouldn't recommend swimming with a pad.. It will become water logged and won't be able to absorb blood, which may mean you end up with leakage. I suggest you use a tampon for swimming or avoid swimming during your period.
Dr. Farah Kroman: Usually, for heavy flow days, it's recommended to change your tampon when its full or after a maximum of 8 hours. Also consider a super tampon for the extra absorbency. Alternatively you may like to consider talking to your GP about hormonal contraception like the pill or progesterone rod - this can lighten the flow and allow you to skip periods altogether. The general consensus for when a period stops is BMI (body mass index) less than 17. This of course varies from person to person. Your period stopping is a sign that 'mother nature' thinks that it would be unsafe for you to carry a baby. If you are fit and healthy then you would still be able to be pregnant even if you have a low body fat percentage, and so your periods would continue.
Dr. Farah Kroman: There aren't really any other options besides tampons while swimming. If your periods are very light, you may get away with wearing nothing but that could be risky so I don’t recommend that. If you really can’t use tampons, you will just need to take a break from swimming during your periods.
Dr. Farah Kroman: Swimming is great when you have your period. It can reduce your crampy period pain and improve your mood. Of course, if you are swimming during your period, you will need to wear a tampon. A pad will not block the blood flow and will probably start to fall apart. Make sure you change your tampon after you get out of the water as it will probably be a little wet.