Can I swim or get wet on my period

Yes, girl, you can totally swim and get wet on your period. There's literally nothing stopping you from having fun in the water just because you're bleeding. It's a total myth that you can't.

What to use in the water

Okay, so the main thing is to make sure you use something that collects your period blood inside your body. Pads won't work because they'll just soak up all the pool or ocean water and get super heavy and gross, which, ew, no thanks. But tampons and menstrual cups are perfect for swimming because they collect the blood before it can leave your body. Period swimwear is also a really cool option if you want to try something different.

What about sharks, though?

I know, I know, movies make it seem like sharks will smell a drop of blood from a mile away and come after you, but that's just not how it works in real life. Your period blood isn't like a giant signal for sharks. Lots of people swim, surf, and literally scuba dive on their periods all the time. You'll be totally fine, I promise. Plus, bleeding usually slows down a little in the water because of the pressure, which is kinda neat.

So don't let your period stop you from jumping in the pool or hitting the beach! Just pick the right product and go have fun.