Your phone buzzes. It’s a text from your best friend: “Beach vacation this afternoon?” You glance at the calendar, a familiar wave of dread washing over you as the cramps kick in. You start to wonder, “Can you swim with a menstrual cup?”
For years, a period showing up right before a pool party or vacation meant choosing among a bulky, water-logged pad, a wet bathing suit chafing your skin, or the constant worry of a soggy tampon string making an unwelcome appearance.
Forget that. We’re here to tell you that leak-proof, worry-free freedom to swim, splash, and sunbathe on your period is not a myth. A menstrual cup or disc lets you enjoy the water without that uncomfortable wet bathing suit feeling caused by absorbent period products.
It’s time to dive in, no strings attached.
Do Menstrual Cups and Discs Work for Swimming?
So can you swim with a menstrual cup? The short answer is YES, you can absolutely and safely swim with a menstrual cup or disc.
When inserted correctly, they create a reliable seal that keeps menstrual fluid in and water out, making them a game-changer for any water activity. Unlike disposable period products, they provide better period protection.
Reusable period products like a menstrual cup or menstrual disc keep pool water out while collecting your flow, so you don’t sit in a wet bathing suit worrying about leaks.
nixit menstrual disc
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Wear your menstrual cup or disc for up to 12 hours straight
Enjoy zero string drag or visibility
Made with body-safe, medical-grade silicone
For many swimmers, a menstrual cup is the most reliable of all period products in the water.
Whether you're diving into the ocean, lounging by the swimming pool, or doing laps at the gym, menstrual cups and discs give you the freedom to swim confidently without worrying about leaks, visibility, or discomfort. Just insert before you go, and you're ready for hours of uninterrupted water time.
How Do Menstrual Cups and Discs Work vs. Tampons?
Tampons and menstrual cups/discs handle your period in completely different ways, and that difference is everything when it comes to swimming.
Tampons absorb whatever liquid they come into contact with, which sounds fine until you realize they can't tell the difference between menstrual fluid and chlorinated water. Jump in the water, and your tampon turns into a little sponge, soaking up H2O and losing its ability to actually do its job.
The result? Leaks, discomfort, and an immediate trip to the bathroom to change it. Not exactly the carefree swim day you had in mind.
Menstrual cups and discs flip the script entirely. Instead of absorbing, they collect your flow in a soft, flexible cup or disc that creates a seal inside your body. No water gets in, no fluid leaks out.
nixit disc and wash duo
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Plus, there's no string dangling from your swimsuit, and they hold way more than tampons ever could. It's period protection that actually works with your body and your swimming plans.
Here's how they stack up side by side:
Feature | Tampons | Menstrual Cups | Menstrual Discs (like nixit) |
How it works | Absorbs menstrual fluid and pool water | Collects fluid using suction to stay in place | Collects fluid; held in place by anatomy (tucks behind pubic bone) |
Effectiveness when swimming | Becomes saturated quickly; less effective in water | Maintains seal; water stays out | Maintains secure barrier; water stays out |
Leak risk | Higher risk; needs changing almost immediately after swimming | Lower risk when inserted correctly | Lower risk when inserted correctly |
Visibility | String may peek out from swimsuit bottoms | No strings or external parts | No strings or external parts |
The comparison makes it clear: menstrual cups and discs maintain their seal and effectiveness in water, while tampons don't. The nixit disc holds up to 70 ml and offers up to 12 hours of protection, even on heavy flow days. That means you can swim in the morning and stay protected well into the evening without worrying about leaks or product changes.
If you want uninterrupted swimming during your period, switching from absorption to collection is the answer. And if you’re looking for the best menstrual cup for swimming, prioritize a high-capacity, medical-grade silicone design with no visible stem.
Safety Check: Are Menstrual Cups & Discs Pool-Proof?
Your top concern is likely safety, and we get it. The great news is that when a menstrual disc or menstrual cup is inserted correctly, it forms a seal that prevents water from getting into your vaginal canal. This means water from a swimming pool, lake, or salt water stays out, and your period blood stays securely inside. This makes them a top choice for female swimmers.
What about infections? Leading health authorities confirm that the risk of contracting an infection from swimming is very low. Since menstrual cups and discs don't absorb water, they don't disrupt your delicate pH balance the way a water-logged tampon might.
The materials also matter; nixit is made from 100% medical-grade silicone and is registered with the FDA and authorised for sale by Health Canada.
The Benefits of Using Menstrual Cups or Discs in Water?
Making the switch from disposables to menstrual cups or discs is about more than just avoiding leaks. It's about upgrading your entire period experience, especially during water activities.
All-Day Period Protection: With up to 12 hours of wear time, you can spend the entire day at the beach without frantically searching for a bathroom every couple of hours. No more awkward towel-change dashes.
Superior Capacity: The nixit disc holds about four times more than a super tampon. That means peace of mind during a long swim, even on your heaviest days.
No Strings, No Problems: A menstrual cup or disc is completely internal. You can wear your favorite swimsuit without a single thought about a string showing. It's total freedom.
Eco & Wallet Friendly: One reusable menstrual cup or disc can replace hundreds, if not thousands, of disposable tampons and pads over its lifespan. It’s eco-friendly period care that saves you money and saves the planet from unnecessary waste.
When you add it all up, menstrual cups and discs aren't just better for swimming. They're better for your entire period routine.
nixit cycle+ period care package
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Whether you're hitting the pool for morning laps, planning a beach vacation, or just want the option to swim whenever the mood strikes, a menstrual cup or disc gives you the confidence and freedom to say yes without hesitation.
How Do You Swim with a Menstrual Cup or Disc?
Feeling ready to take the plunge? Here’s your game plan for a seamless, leak-free swim.
Wash Up & Fold: Start with clean hands. Fold your menstrual cup (try a C-fold) or pinch your nixit disc into an "8" shape. A little water-based lube on the rim helps with insertion.
Insert & Secure: Get comfortable (squat or prop one foot up), then insert your menstrual cup or disc, angling toward your tailbone. For nixit, push back and down, then tuck the front rim behind your pubic bone.
Comfort Check: Do a wiggle or a few squats. Can't feel your menstrual cup? Perfect! If you can, reposition and try again.
Set It & Forget It: You're protected for up to 12 hours. Empty it when convenient. Before heading out and after you're home, works great.
Post-Swim Rinse: Empty and rinse your menstrual cup or disc with fresh water after swimming. You may use menstrual disc wipes if reinserting. Otherwise, use a pH-balanced wash for a thorough clean.
Store Smart: Between uses, store your menstrual cup or disc in a breathable pouch, never an airtight bag that traps moisture.
Once you get the hang of insertion, swimming with a menstrual cup or disc becomes second nature. The first time might feel like a learning curve, but after a swim or two, you'll wonder why you didn't make the switch sooner.
Are Popular Period Swimming Myths Actually True?
Let's clear the water of some common period swimming myths once and for all.
Myth: Sharks can smell your period blood from the ocean or a lake and will attack you.
Reality: Nope. Your odds of being attacked by a shark are about 1 in 11.5 million, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. The tiny amount of blood collected internally in your menstrual cup or disc won't attract sharks and ring their dinner bell.
While sharks could technically detect menstrual blood in the water like any other bodily fluid, there's zero evidence that periods attract sharks more and increase bite risk. In fact, more than 80% of recorded shark bites have happened to men.
Myth: Your period stops in the water.
Reality: Not exactly. Hydrostatic pressure from the water can temporarily slow or halt the flow from exiting your body, but you're still menstruating internally. Medical professionals confirm that your period doesn't magically pause, which is exactly why an internal product like a menstrual cup or disc is essential to collect the flow and prevent any leaks.
Myth: You'll contaminate the pool with period blood.
Reality: False. With a properly inserted menstrual cup or disc, there are no leaks. And on the off chance a minuscule amount did escape, the chlorine in a standard pool is specifically designed to neutralize germs and bacteria. You're not putting anyone at risk. Pools are built to handle far worse.
Quick-Hit Tips for Confident Swimming
You've got the basics down, but these pro tips will take your period swimming game to the next level. Whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned menstrual cup or disc user, these simple strategies will help you feel even more confident and prepared before you dive in.
Plan Ahead: Insert your menstrual cup or disc about 30 minutes before you hit the water to ensure it has settled into place.
Suit Up Smart: Choose a dark or patterned bikini for extra protection and peace of mind, just in case.
Ditch the Liner: Trust your period cup or disc. You don’t need a backup panty liner, which will just get waterlogged anyway.
BYO-Rinse or Wipes: Carry menstrual cup/disc wipes or a reusable water bottle for a quick rinse in a bathroom stall if a sink isn't handy.
Do a Pre-Dive Check: A quick squat or bearing down slightly before you jump in can confirm your seal is secure.
These small adjustments can make a huge difference in how comfortable and confident you feel. The more you swim with your period cup or disc, the more natural it becomes. Soon enough, you won't even think twice about jumping in the water during your period. It'll just be part of your routine, no stress required.
Ready to Ditch Disposable Period Products?
So, can you swim with a menstrual cup or disc? Just imagine your next beach day with zero leaks, zero waste, and zero worries. With its 70 ml capacity and 12-hour wear, the nixit menstrual disc offers total freedom from disposable products that are not only a hassle to dispose of but also leave a mark on the environment.
Join over 6,500 happy customers who have changed their period for good. The water's waiting, and so is your freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear a menstrual cup or disc in a hot tub or sauna?
Absolutely! The heat won't affect the seal or the medical-grade silicone material. Just make sure your period cup is inserted properly before you settle in, and you'll be completely protected.
What happens if you accidentally insert your disc or cup incorrectly before swimming?
You might experience leaking or feel discomfort during your swim. If something feels off, exit the water, remove it, and reinsert it. It only takes a few minutes to fix.
Can you do water sports like surfing or diving with a menstrual disc?
Yes, you can participate in any water sport, including surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, and water skiing. The seal holds strong regardless of water pressure or movement intensity.
How do you know if your cup or disc is full while you're still swimming?
You typically can't tell until you remove it, which is why the 70ml capacity is so helpful. If you have a heavy flow, consider emptying it before swimming as a precaution.
Is it safe to swim in natural bodies of water like lakes or rivers with a menstrual cup?
Completely safe! The seal prevents lake or river water from entering your vaginal canal, protecting you from potential bacteria while keeping your flow contained.
Can teenagers or first-time users swim with menstrual cups or discs?
Definitely! As long as they're comfortable with insertion and have practiced at home first, teens and beginners can swim confidently. Starting with a practice run before the big swim day helps build confidence.
Can you swim during the heaviest days of your period with just a disc or cup?
Yes! With up to 70ml capacity and a 12-hour wear time, even your heaviest flow days are covered. Many users find they have more period protection than they ever had with tampons.
Will wearing a wetsuit affect how your menstrual cup or disc works?
Not at all! Wetsuits actually provide an extra layer of security and confidence. The tight fit won't interfere with the seal or cause any discomfort.
Can you swim immediately after inserting your cup or disc for the first time?
It's best to wait about 30 minutes and do a few practice squats or movements on land first. This ensures everything has settled into place and the seal is secure before you dive in.
Does swimming with a menstrual cup or disc affect your cramps?
Many users actually report that swimming helps ease period cramps, regardless of what product you're wearing. The gentle exercise and water pressure can provide natural relief while your cup or disc keeps you protected.
