Can You Scuba Dive on Your Period?
Many beginners or those currently taking scuba diving lessons often get concerned or worried about diving when on their period. There are many myths out there that will create anxiety about diving when on your period. So is it safe and can you scuba dive on your period?
Yes, you can scuba dive on your period, unless period cramps or pain is very severe making it impossible to go diving.
Menstruation doesn’t inhibit a woman’s ability to function normally or go about their daily routines. This however isn’t to ignore the fact that some women do in fact get very severe cramps and pain which is quite uncomfortable.
Most cramps can be easily relieved by taking pain medication while in some cases, on may require very strong pain relievers and could take some time before the pain is fully gone.
In this article, we’ll look into some factors to consider when diving on your period, how diving and periods interact, and also look into period diving and sharks.
Let’s get right into it!
How to Scuba Dive While on Your Period
The menstrual cycle can be affected by various factors such as changes in diet and environment among others. Despite knowing your cycle dates sometimes the period can just show up earlier than you expected them since you changed your location.
Maybe you just traveled to a new destination and decided to go scuba diving then your period starts. This can be very frustrating but shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the dive with your friends.
To scuba dive when on your period, use tampons, menstrual cups, period swimwear a menstrual disc, or simply go scuba diving without any of the feminine products.
All these products help absorb period blood allowing you to enjoy the dive.
Simply use the feminine product as you normally would, put on your diving suit, and go diving.
Always wear a black diving suit to prevent any signs of bloodstains after you get out of the water.
Can You Scuba Dive with a Menstrual Cup
Yes, you can comfortably scuba dive with a menstrual cup.
Menstrual cups are probably the most used feminine products when scuba diving on your period. Many divers love the menstrual cup for its ability to stay intact for over 8 hours without causing any health risks.
You can comfortably scuba dive for a whole day without worrying that you could get Toxic Shock Syndrome or worrying that the cup will overflow creating a mess.
In addition, menstrual cups are very environmentally friendly. They are reusable, manufactured using 100% medical grade silicone, easy and comfortable to use, and easy to clean.
Menstrual cups are inserted in the vagina and collect the blood throughout the day. Since period blood only comes out in small drops per hour, the cup can effectively keep you protected all day long.
Once you are done diving simply remove the cup, empty and clean it for reuse.
Divers who use menstrual cups don’t have to worry about changing the cup immediately after they get out of the water. The cup continues performing its work effectively until you are ready to remove it so no need to carry an extra cup when you go diving.
Can You Go Scuba Diving With a Tampon
Yes, tampons are safe to use when scuba diving on your period.
Tampons are also very popular not only among female divers but also as a feminine product among many women. They are very small, easy to insert, and comfortable to walk around in.
Tampons can last longer depending on the flow. For a normal flow or light flow, you can use a tampon for up to 8 hours and up to 4 hours for a heavy flow.
This makes the tampon an excellent choice for diving.
The only issue is that divers have to carry some extra tampons if they plan on diving all day and also figure out how to change and dispose of them when out there in the open sea.
There’s also the high risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome which can occur if a tampon is left in the vagina for too long, this is a very high-risk condition and could be fatal.
Vaginal irritation can also result from using tampons when diving or not. Always have a good history of how your body reacts to different feminine care products. You wouldn’t want to get a vaginal irritation when out there diving far from any health facilities.
Another downside to tampons is that they create a lot of environmental waste. After changing the tampon please keep it in a plastic bag and properly dispose of it once you get back to the hotel. Don’t litter the environment or throw the tampons in the water.
In some cases, the tampon string that hangs outside the vagina gets soaked in the water and can start to draw the blood out from the tampon. The main issue here is this can cause staining which can be embarrassing for some divers especially when wearing brightly colored wetsuits.
Use Menstrual Discs
Menstrual discs function in a similar manner as menstrual cups.
Insert the disc in the vagina where it collects blood and is emptied once full. Like the menstrual cups, discs are also reusable and very environmentally friendly.
Menstrual discs are perfect for diving and can stay up to 8 hours before emptying.
These however require a lot of practice to insert them properly since the shape differs from that of a menstrual cup.
Proper use will guarantee you stay protected and have no leaks.
Use Period Swimwear
All the feminine products discussed above require inserting them into the vagina a practice that isn’t comfortable for everyone.
Don’t worry, if you don’t like inserting feminine products into your vagina there is a solution, period swimwear.
Designed like regular panties or swimsuits, but with high absorbing technology to keep you at ease when diving.
The period swimwear has layers to absorb the blood and keep it locked without leaking. No need to worry about blood oozing out once you sit down.
Due to this absorbing ability, period swimwear is quite pricy compared to any other feminine product out there.
It’s also very environmentally friendly since it creates no waste. If you are cautious about the waste you produce this is a great investment.
Are Feminine Products A Must Have When Scuba Diving On Your Period?
No, you can choose not to wear any feminine products when diving on your period.
During menstruation, you only lose at most 10 teaspoons of blood or very little.
Being in water creates pressure lowering the amount of blood that comes out of the body. Divers can easily go diving and not worry about creating any mess in the water around them. Besides the blood leaving the body gets diluted as soon as it hits the water.
The only issue is after the dive, blood still comes out and it won’t be easy hiding the stain when out of water. Divers can quickly put on a famine product of their choice after diving.
When the flow is very light or on the last days of the period you can comfortably dive and even take some time before putting on any feminine product since the blood leaving the body is very little.
Can You Go Diving With A Menstrual Pad?
Diving with menstrual pads isn’t recommended at all.
The pad will soak up water and only feel uncomfortable for you. Diving with a menstrual pad makes no sense at all and is similar to forgoing the feminine products altogether just that the latter feel more comfortable and free.
Avoid menstrual pads at all costs when going diving.
These can only be used after the dive, then they will function properly. If you choose to go diving without any feminine product a pad may be the easiest product to put on after the dive compared to tampons, menstrual cups, and menstrual discs.
Can You Scuba Dive with Sharks on Your Period
We’ve seen it in movies, heard it from friends, and probably shared with a friend that sharks are attracted to blood and will attack you.
This myth creates so much fear around diving when on your period since you are worried about attracting and getting attacked by sharks.
As mentioned earlier, blood leaving the body during your period is very little and gets diluted fast.
Can sharks smell period blood?
Sharks can’t smell your period blood or attack you when on your period.
The only reason sharks attack is when disturbed or when they sense fear in you. Always remain calm and respect the marine life if you want to enjoy the views underwater.
How Your Period Affects Scuba Diving
While many divers can safely scuba dive during their period, there are some aspects to consider or expect during this time.
Our bodies react differently and also handle stress differently meaning the effects will vary from one diver to the other.
Some of the factors to consider include;
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Feeling cold
- Low energy levels
- Hunger
- Mood swings
- Body aches
Dehydration
During your period you may notice you tend to get easily dehydrated. This increases the risk of DCS and cramping.
Always stay hydrated days before your period and during the period.
Fatigue
Scuba diving doesn’t require a lot of energy but can leave you feeling very fatigued, especially from carrying the equipment and dehydration.
Feeling cold
The menstrual cycle involves a lot of hormonal changes which can leave you feeling colder than usual. Wear a thicker diving wetsuit and always wear socks, gloves, and a hoodie to reduce the body surface area in contact with water.
Low energy levels
It’s natural to have low energy levels during your period even when not diving. Always access your energy levels before diving.
Low energy levels could increase the chances of fainting and drowning when scuba diving.
Hunger
This differs among divers, some may have a higher appetite while others don’t have the appetite at all.
You may notice you feel very hungry even after a 30 minutes dive during your periods. Eating a healthy meal or snack before diving can help prevent this.
Avoid starchy foods as they tend to increase the severity of cramps.
Mood swings
Hormonal changes cause mood shifts and you end up snapping at your dive buddies for no valid reason.
Other factors such as fatigue, hunger, and pain can make the mood swings worse. Surround yourself with dive buddies who understand what you are going through.
Body aches
Backaches and headaches are common during the menstrual cycle.
Diving could make the pain worse or better depending on the individual. If the aches are too much before the dive you can always take some pain medication and relax first then dive when the pain subsides.
If the pain gets worse while diving, it’s safe to get out of the water and take a rest.
Benefits of Scuba Diving When On Your Period
Scuba diving can help relieve some pain experienced during periods.
For instance, I like to distract myself when experiencing period pain by watching a movie. Taking my mind off the pain for a few minutes makes me feel better.
Scuba diving allows you to explore underwater creatures which can be very relaxing for the body and mind.
Remember to take pain medications even as you try to distract yourself for a few minutes from the pain.
When to Avoid Scuba Diving When On Your Period
This should always be a personal decision to make. Listen to your body and understand when you can function to full capacity and when you can’t.
Some of the things to consider include;
- If you feel very tired and weak, don’t go scuba diving. Take a rest and let the body recharge.
- When experiencing severe cramping avoid scuba diving
- If you have severe body aches that will inhibit your ability to dive take a rest instead.
Listen to your body first and take care of it. You can always reschedule the diving session.
Can Scuba Diving Delay Your Period?
There is no evidence indicating that scuba diving can delay your period.
Scuba diving could make your period lighter or only last for a few days but not necessarily delay it.
In most cases, periods are delayed due to diet changes or changing your environment. These changes, however, don’t affect all women, some may experience it while others have no effect.
Final Take
We’ve looked at whether you can go scuba diving while on your period, looked at some feminine products to use and what to avoid.
We’ve also highlighted some aspects to look out for before scuba diving while on your period.
You can scuba dive while on your period and sharks won’t attack you as long as you respect them and their environment.
Enjoy diving and take care.
