How Do I Change My Tampon While Swimming?

Being on your period while swimming doesn’t need to be a big deal. However, it is good to be aware of proper feminine hygiene if you are on your period, using a tampon, and choosing to swim. Read this article for tampon swimming tips and everything you need to know about tampon usage while in the water.

When to Change Your Tampon While Swimming

Using a tampon while swimming shouldn’t be an area of concern. They are safe to use and are secure for most women when used correctly, even while in the water. Generally, it is recommended to change your tampon every four to eight hours.[1] However, this window may vary depending on the heaviness of a woman’s flow. This recommendation stands while swimming, although if you want to be safe and mitigate any added risk of infection you can always change your tampon after swimming.

If you enjoy swimming, the bottom line is that swimming while on your period and using a tampon shouldn’t be something to worry about as long as you follow proper feminine hygiene practices.

Tampon Use and Infections

If used correctly, the likelihood of getting infected from using a tampon is not high. However, if a tampon is not changed frequently enough, there is potential for bacteria to grow on the tampon inside the vagina.

Sometimes, this is known as toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which is caused by Staphylococcus aureus (otherwise known as staph). [2] TSS can also occur from using certain contraception methods for too long, like cervical caps and diaphragms, or by not changing a menstrual cup regularly enough.

Urinary Tract Infections

There is also some risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) when using tampons, although this is not common either. According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, tampon users have a higher risk of getting urinary tract infections when compared to women who use pads. [3]

However, the majority of women still choose to use tampons over pads for several reasons, including comfort, convenience, and appearance. UTIs are typically treated with a course of antibiotics, and treatment should be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Yeast Infections

As far as yeast infections go, there is not enough research to support that tampon use causes yeast infections. While it may be recommended to avoid scented tampons to help prevent yeast infection, if tampons are used and changed appropriately, they should not increase your risk of getting a yeast infection. [4]

Symptoms of a yeast infection can include [4]:

• Itching or irritation of the vagina
• Burning while peeing
• Redness or swelling in the vagina
• A rash around the vagina
• Thick, white discharge or watery discharge

If you or someone you know thinks they may have a yeast infection, consult with a qualified healthcare provider for next steps and treatment.

How to Treat Vaginal Infections

As mentioned, if you believe that you may have any sort of vaginal infection, the first step is to visit a healthcare provider who can best treat you. With TSS, treatment needs to be swift as this condition has the potential to be life-threatening. You will likely need to be hospitalized and treated with antibiotics.[5] From there, healthcare providers may need to treat any other underlying conditions that may have arisen from TSS such as changes to blood pressure and hydration levels or systemic organ failure. As noted above, this condition is not common if you follow feminine hygiene practices.

If you have a different kind of vaginal infection, such as a vaginal yeast infection, treatment can vary and can be less severe. It is typical for vaginal yeast infection treatment to include antifungal medications that can be either prescribed or over-the-counter, or other oral medications to manage more severe symptoms.[4] Any treatment for a vaginal yeast infection should be monitored by a healthcare provider to ensure that you are eradicating all of the bacteria in the appropriate time and manner.

Tampons and Metal Exposure

Lastly, a recent study in Environment International journal found that many tampons on the market could put women at risk for metal exposure.[6] While metal concentrations differed based on the country in which the tampons were purchased and the type of tampon purchased (organic versus non-organic), it was found that no category of tampon was completely free from metal concentration. Some of these metals included lead, cadmium, and arsenic. For several of these metals, no level of exposure is considered to be safe, making this an area of concern.

Take Control of Your Feminine Health

Everlywell provides a comprehensive and easy-to-use platform for you to take your sexual health and feminine hygiene into your own hands. With several sexual healthcare options available online, you can test yourself and receive results from the comfort of your own home. Once your results are in, they will be reviewed by qualified healthcare practitioners who can give you any necessary guidance on next steps. Take control of your feminine health today.

1. The facts on tampons and how to use them safely. Food and Drug Administration. Published September 30, 2020. Accessed August 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
2. Jacquemond I, Muggeo A, Lamblin G, et al. Complex ecological interactions of Staphylococcus aureus in tampons during menstruation. Scientific Reports. 2018;8(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-018-28116-3. Published July 2, 2018. Accessed August 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
3. Omar HA, Aggarwal S, Perkins KC. Tampon use in young women. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 1998;11(3):143-146. doi:10.1016/s1083-3188(98)70134-2. Published August 1998. Accessed August 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
4. Yeast infection (vaginal) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Published January 11, 2023. Accessed August 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
5. Toxic shock syndrome - Diagnosis & treatment - Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Published March 23, 2022. Accessed August 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
6. Shearston JA, Upson K, Gordon M, et al. Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s. Environment International. 2024;190:108849. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2024.108849. Published August 2024. Accessed August 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL.