The first thing to address is the “mythology” of swimming on your period. No, you won’t attract sharks in the Bristol Channel (we don’t have those kinds of sharks!), and no, it isn’t unhygienic for you or the environment. In fact, many swimmers find that the cold-water shock and the weightlessness of swimming are the best natural remedies for menstrual cramps and “the blues.”
However, managing a period in the great outdoors—where there are no cubicles, no bins, and often quite a lot of mud—requires a bit of tactical planning.
The Gear: Choosing Your Protection
The days of struggling with a rogue tampon string while trying to peel off a wetsuit are behind us. Here are the modern options for the British wild swimmer:
1. Menstrual Cups & Discs
For many, this is the “Gold Standard” for wild swimming. Because they create a seal, there is almost zero chance of water entering the cup or blood leaking out. You can wear them for up to 12 hours, meaning you can hike to a remote loch, swim, and hike back without needing to find a “bathroom” in the bushes.
2. Period Swimwear
This is the breakout star of 2026. Brands like Modibodi and Wuka have perfected gusset technology that absorbs blood without “swelling up” like a nappy when you enter the water. For a light-to-medium flow, you can wear these exactly like a normal swimsuit. They are discrete, eco-friendly, and look cracking.
3. Tampons (The Traditional Choice)
Still a reliable option, but with a caveat for wild swimming: the string can act like a “wick,” drawing cold lake water into the tampon. If you use them, tuck the string carefully and change as soon as you get out of the water to avoid irritation from the damp cotton.
4. The Wetsuit “Safety Net”
If you’re wearing a thick 4/3mm wetsuit, it actually provides an extra layer of compression and containment. Many swimmers find that even if they have a tiny leak, the wetsuit keeps everything internal until they hit the changing robe.
Comparison: Period Protection for the Open Water
| Method | Best For… | Water Entry Risk | Wear Time | Eco-Friendly? |
| Menstrual Cup | Long hikes & remote lochs | Lowest (suction seal) | Up to 12 hrs | Yes (Reusable) |
| Period Swimwear | Light flow & beach days | Moderate | 2–4 hrs | Yes (Reusable) |
| Tampons | High-intensity training | High (wicking) | 4–6 hrs | No (Disposable) |
| Menstrual Disc | Comfort & High Flow | Low | Up to 12 hrs | Some |
The “Wild” Logistics: Changing & Hygiene
The biggest challenge in the UK isn’t the swimming—it’s the changing. Here is how to manage the logistics gracefully:
The Changing Robe is Your Best Friend: (See our guide on Changing Robes vs Towels!). A robe gives you a private “bathroom stall” anywhere. It allows you to remove period swimwear or change a tampon while staying warm and covered.
The “Clean Kit” Bag: Always carry a small, waterproof wet bag. Inside, keep fresh protection, some biodegradable wipes, and a spare pair of knickers.
Leave No Trace: If you are at a remote spot with no bins, you must pack out any disposable products. Use a dedicated “nappy bag” or a small opaque dry bag for used items.
Hand Hygiene: Use a squirt of hand sanitiser before and after handling any internal products. In the wild, “lake hands” are not clean hands.
Cramps and the Cold-Water Cure
It sounds counterintuitive to plunge into cold water when your stomach is cramping, but the science is on our side. Cold-water immersion triggers a release of endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers. Many members of our “Outdoors & Overcome” community report that their period pain vanishes the moment they submerge.
A word of caution: Your body uses a lot of energy to stay warm. If you are on a heavy day and feeling particularly tired or anaemic, keep your swim short. Listen to your body—sometimes a “toe-dip” is enough.
FAQ: Period Swimming Solved
1. Will everyone know I’m on my period?
Absolutely not. Modern period swimwear and cups are completely invisible. Even a wetsuit hides everything. The only person who knows is you.
2. Is it safe to swim in the sea on my period?
Yes, perfectly. There is no evidence that it increases your risk of infection. Just ensure you change out of your wet gear quickly after exiting the water to maintain a healthy pH balance.
3. What if I leak into my wetsuit?
Don’t panic. Wetsuits are designed to be rinsed. If a leak occurs, simply rinse your suit with fresh water and a mild “wetsuit shampoo” when you get home. It happens to the best of us!
4. Can I go “free-bleeding” in the water?
In the ocean or a large lake, the dilution factor is astronomical. However, out of respect for other swimmers and for your own comfort when you exit the water, some form of protection is usually preferred.
5. How do I manage a heavy flow on a long hike?
The menstrual cup is your best bet here. If you are worried, wear a pair of period-proof bikini bottoms under your wetsuit or shorts for double protection.
