Sports and Your Period: Play With Confidence

Here's something worth knowing: you never have to sit out the sports you love just because you have your period. Athletes at every level, all the way up to the Olympics, compete during theirs. With a little prep, you can too. Let's sort it out together.

You're in great company

Loads of professional and Olympic athletes play and compete during their periods. It's completely normal and totally manageable.

Choosing the right products for sports

For most sports

• Tampons: they stay put while you move.
• Period underwear: great under sports kit.
• Menstrual cups: can be worn for hours.

For swimming

• Tampons: the most common choice.
• Menstrual cups: a great alternative.
• Not pads: they soak up the pool water.

For contact sports

• Tampons or cups: nothing on the outside to think about.
• Period underwear as a handy backup.

Tips for your sport

Swimming

• Pop in a fresh tampon right before you get in.
• It's perfectly hygienic and safe.
• The water pressure actually helps keep leaks away.
• Change into a fresh tampon when you're done.

Dance and gymnastics

• Tampons or cups work best.
• Leotards and tight outfits are absolutely fine!
• Dark-coloured bottoms can help you feel relaxed.
• Change before a performance.

Team sports (football, basketball, and the like)

• Whatever you're comfortable with works.
• Bring spare supplies to games.
• Wear dark shorts or leggings under your kit.
• Half-time is a good moment to check.

Running

• Tampons or period underwear are great picks.
• Stay hydrated, since periods can affect your energy.
• Don't be afraid to slow down if you need to.

Handling leaks

Preventing them

• Use the right absorbency for your flow.
• Change your product before you play.
• Wear dark-coloured bottoms.
• Add a backup, like period underwear plus a tampon.

If one happens

• It's really not the end of the world!
• Tie a jacket or top around your waist.
• Ask a teammate or friend for a hand.
• Honestly, most people won't even notice.

Talking to your coach

You don't have to share any details, but it's perfectly okay to:

• Ask for a bathroom break.
• Sit out if your cramps are severe.
• Ask about darker kit options.

A good coach will understand.

Your cycle and how you feel

Fun fact: how you feel athletically can shift across your cycle. Many people feel strongest in the days after their period, notice a little less endurance during it, and feel heavier or slower just before it arrives. That's all normal, and even elite athletes track their cycles to understand their bodies better.

Remember

Your period is just part of life, and it doesn't have to stop you doing what you love. With a little preparation, you can play any sport, on any day, and feel great doing it. Go get 'em, Sosô's right behind you. 💛