Whether you’re headed to the beach with the crew this summer or finally trekking through your favorite national park, you deserve to know that you’re protected, healthy, and safe with every new adventure. That’s where the right menstrual products can really help, and why it’s so useful to know about your options.
For a long time, pads and tampons have been our only choice when it comes to period protection — and that was fine for a while. But new products, like menstrual cups, have made it easier than ever to explore, adventure, and enjoy everything the season has to offer, thanks to the fact that they can stay in for up to 12 hours.
Today, learn how menstrual cups work and the best ways to make them work for you at the pool, lake, or seaside with 10PM Curfew, your source for anything and everything female lifestyle.
What Is a Menstrual Cup?
There are many reasons to consider switching to a menstrual cup for your next period. They’re reusable products, which means you’ll be able to reduce the amount of single-use plastics you use and protect the earth in the meantime.
It also means you’ll save on the oh-so-expensive tampon and pad restock every month, which means more cash for dinner out or movie night in.
Menstrual cups are basically small cups that you insert at the start of your period, the same way you would insert a tampon. Rather than absorbing your flow the way cotton products like pads and tampons do, a menstrual cup captures it in a bell-shaped cup that you rinse and reuse through the course of your period.
Menstrual cups are super comfortable, and because they don’t move or shift around when inserted properly, you won’t need to worry about tackling that next 5K or trying out a new sport. Another benefit of using a menstrual cup is that you also don’t need to swap it as often as pads or tampons.
In fact, menstrual cups can stay in comfortably for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow, and you can use the same size throughout the course of your period (thank you, period innovators).
Can I Swim With a Menstrual Cup?
Let’s be honest. Your period shouldn’t have to disrupt your life or keep you from enjoying your next adventure — and with a menstrual cup, it doesn’t.
Like tampons, menstrual cups allow for a wide range of movement and activity without discomfort, shifting products, or worrying about leakage. And that includes swimming — so, yes, you can swim with a menstrual cup, sis.
What Should You Consider When Swimming With a Menstrual Cup?
Because menstrual cups sit inside your body rather than on your underwear, you can comfortably wear them in the water without worry. In fact, there may even be some benefits to wearing menstrual cups swimming over other period products.
Here are a few things to consider about swimming with your menstrual cup.
There’s a Lower Risk of Infection
Studies on menstrual cup use and related health benefits are still relatively new, but there’s evidence to indicate that it might actually be healthier to use a menstrual cup than a tampon. That’s because menstrual cups are designed to capture and contain your flow rather than to absorb it the way that pads and tampons do.
One of the main concerns women have to be careful of during their periods is toxic shock syndrome, which occurs when bacteria gets into the bloodstream. This can happen when you keep your tampon in for too long or when the area around your vulva isn’t kept properly clean during menstruation.
While toxic shock syndrome is very rare, it’s important to know how to recognize the signs, like rashes, high fevers, and low blood pressure. As long as you’re rinsing your cup on time, you have less to worry about when it comes to TSS.
And, because there’s nothing to absorb the water from the lake or the ocean, which can contain bacteria, menstrual cups might also give you a bit more peace of mind.
Menstrual cups are typically made out of silicon, which means there’s also less risk of micro-abrasions on the sensitive skin of your vulva.
Don’t get us wrong, there’s still a lot to learn about the benefits of using menstrual cups. But there do seem to be many advantages of cups over other types of period protection products.
Make Sure To Empty Your Cup on Time
Of course, menstrual cups have up to 12 hours of use before they need to be emptied and cleaned, but it can be useful to empty them at the start of your beach or lake day. That way, you’ll be able to spend as much time as you want splashing about in the water, and you won’t have to worry about finding a private bathroom to empty your menstrual cup.
One of the things to keep in mind about menstrual cup use is that it does require a little bit of planning and upkeep if you’re out of the house for the day. This is simply because you need a sink to empty and clean your cup properly, which can be a little more challenging in public restrooms or out on the go.
By emptying your cup at the start of the day, you’ll be able to focus on having fun in the sun.
Make Sure It’s Fitted Properly
One of the benefits of swimming with a menstrual cup is that you don’t need to worry about leaking while you’re in the water (sigh of relief), thanks to the differences in pressure. The one thing you do want to be careful of is the seal to ensure it protects you properly out of the water.
If you’re feeling a little like something’s not quite right and you’re worried that you’re not inserting your cup properly, it’s a good idea to check the instructions from the manufacturer and practice a few times at home before heading out on the water.
A menstrual cup seal definitely shouldn’t be the thing that keeps you from making those summer mems.
Have a Good Time
Once your menstrual cup is in, you can set it and forget it — aka, you won’t need to think about it again for a full 12 hours. Of course, you always want to pay attention to your body’s needs and adjust, if necessary, but otherwise, a menstrual cup allows you to have a great time and make those mems.
Embrace the summer night, dance till dawn, or simply enjoy sipping lemonade poolside and keeping up with the latest viral trends, all thanks to the freedom of a menstrual cup.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the perfect products for managing your period, the menstrual cup is definitely the choice to check out next. It’s comfortable, easy to use, and will save you money every month. That means you can buy the next round or pick up those concert tickets you’ve been eyeing.
Menstrual cups also give you lots of freedom to enjoy activities in comfort, whether you’re a Sunday sunrise hike girlie or you’re practicing your downward dog in the park. Menstrual cups are comfortable, easy to use, and designed with you — and the planet — in mind.
You can even wear them swimming! Whether you’re enjoying spring break in the Keys with your girls or crossing a line off your bucket list with scuba diving classes, a menstrual cup will keep you safe and protected in the water. Because you deserve peace of mind on your period, no matter where the next adventure might lead.
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