How to swim when you're on your period but you use pads

You cannot wear an ordinary pad in the water because it will soak up the pool water like a sponge and stop working, but you can still swim using period swimwear.

You can, and taking it easy when you don't feel well is fine. If cramps are bad enough to stop you, tell a grown-up so a doctor can check: that's not something to push through. For swimming, a tampon, a cup or period swimwear all work.

Your options if you do not use tampons

• Period swimwear: This looks just like a normal swimsuit or bikini bottoms, but it has a built-in layer that traps period blood without swelling up with water. You wear it just like regular swimwear.
• Chilling by the water: If you do not have period swimwear and only use pads, you can put on a fresh pad, wear shorts or a cover-up over your suit, and hang out by the pool or on the beach with your feet in the water instead.

If you ever want to try internal products

Pads are just as good, so you never have to switch if you do not want to. If you do ever decide to try a tampon or cup for swimming, pick the lowest absorbency you need for your flow. Change a tampon every 4 to 6 hours and never leave one in for more than 8; empty a cup at least every 12 hours; wash your hands before and after. If, while using one or soon after, you get a fever or feel hot, cold or shivery, are sick or have diarrhoea, feel dizzy or faint, get muscle aches, get a rash that looks like sunburn or feels rough like sandpaper, or feel like you have flu, take it out, tell a grown-up straight away and say you were using one. If it hurts to put in or won't go in after a few tries, tell a grown-up so a doctor can check. It can't get lost inside you, and if you can't get one out, a grown-up or a doctor can help.