My period overlaps with the sauna, hot springs, swimming pool, beach, or other marine activities! Can I use a menstrual cup for summer leisure activities?
Many people have probably given up on the idea of being able to enjoy things like saunas, hot springs, swimming pools, and the ocean during their period.
Menstrual periods can sometimes occur on different dates, so some of you may have had the experience of planning a hot spring trip with your girlfriends after carefully coordinating schedules, only to find that one of you gets your period, meaning you're the only one missing out on the large public bath you were looking forward to and having to make do with just taking a shower in your room.
Tampons can also be used, but since the water in public baths is used by an unspecified number of people and is therefore full of germs, if you use a tampon you will need to change it immediately after bathing, which can be inconvenient.
That's where menstrual cups come in handy. In this article, we'll explain in detail how menstrual cups can be used in situations such as saunas, hot springs, pools, the ocean, and marine activities, as well as their convenience and peace of mind.
Please note that some facilities may not allow bathing during menstruation, so please be sure to follow the facility's rules.
Also, during menstruation, some people are more likely to feel unwell, such as becoming anemic, so please be careful not to push yourself too hard and take care of your own physical condition.
And please be sure to follow proper etiquette, such as washing and cleaning your delicate areas before entering the sauna!
1. What is a menstrual cup?
Menstrual cups are reusable period products made from soft, medical-grade silicone or medical-grade TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). They are cup-shaped and collect menstrual blood instead of absorbing it. They can hold a larger amount than pads or tampons, meaning you don't have to change them as often, making them more comfortable.
From here, we will explain how to use menstrual cups to make your period more comfortable in public baths such as saunas, hot springs, pools, and the beach.
2. Using a menstrual cup in the sauna
Since you enter a sauna naked or in a swimsuit, you cannot enter if your menstrual blood is exposed to the outside world.However, a menstrual cup has the advantage of being worn inside the body, so it is less affected by the external environment.
Here are some tips for using a menstrual cup in a sauna:
- High temperature durability
Menstrual cups are made from heat-resistant silicone or TPE, so they can withstand the high temperatures of a sauna. However, each manufacturer has different heat resistance limits, so it's important to check beforehand.
Silicone menstrual cups in particular have excellent heat resistance, remaining virtually unchanged even at temperatures of 150°C. Murmo menstrual cups are also made of heat-resistant silicone, so they will not lose shape or leach out even if you wear them in a high-temperature sauna.
Less risk of leakage
A properly fitted menstrual cup reduces the risk of leakage, allowing you to enjoy the sauna without worry.
It can also be used for a long time, so there is no need to replace it immediately after using it in the sauna.
If you are worried about leaking on heavy days, we recommend inserting a menstrual cup in the bathroom before entering the sauna.
If you normally use a menstrual cup at the same time as using pads or panty liners, there's a chance that people around you might see them when you change in the dressing room, which is not very considerate of others. In such cases, it might be better to change in the bathroom instead of the dressing room.
Even better, we recommend using it in combination with absorbent shorts instead of napkins.
Absorbent shorts are no different from regular shorts, so you can take them off and put them on right in the changing room, which is very smooth.
3. Using a menstrual cup in a hot spring
I think that bathing in a hot spring during your period is something that many women give up on. I'm sure there are women who have had the experience of looking forward to bathing in a public bath only to be forced to use a private bath in their room.
With a menstrual cup, you don't have to give up.
Please note that some facilities may not allow bathing during menstruation, so please be sure to follow the facility's rules.
・The influence of hot spring water
Menstrual cups are made of a material that does not absorb moisture. This applies not only to water, but also to the components of hot spring water. Also, since the menstrual cup itself acts as a lid at the entrance of the vagina, if it is worn properly, moisture will not get into the vagina, so it can be used safely.
・Ensuring privacy
It's difficult to ensure privacy in public baths such as hot springs, but by using a menstrual cup, it becomes impossible to tell from the outside that you're on your period. Also, if the menstrual cup is inserted correctly, it acts as a lid over the entrance to the vagina, preventing menstrual blood from leaking out, allowing you to enjoy the hot springs in peace.
- Warms the body and relaxes
Physical discomfort during menstruation, such as menstrual cramps, can be exacerbated by exposure to cold, so it's a good idea to keep your body warm. If you use a menstrual cup, you can take a relaxing bath and warm your body, so it's recommended for people who usually just take a shower.
4. Using a menstrual cup while swimming in a pool or the ocean
Just like saunas and hot springs, you can safely enjoy swimming in pools and the ocean during your period by using a menstrual cup. The same goes for marine activities such as surfing, SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), and scuba diving.
・Influence of pool water or seawater
Menstrual cups are made of a material that does not absorb moisture. Also, the menstrual cup itself acts as a lid at the entrance of the vagina, so if it is worn properly, moisture will not get into the vagina, making it safe to use.
・Exercise in water
Menstrual cups can be used in water, so there's less risk of leaking in the pool. When worn properly, they can withstand vigorous activity, so you can swim with peace of mind.
Because the menstrual cup fits inside your body, it offers unrestricted movement, allowing you to fully enjoy swimming and other activities, making your time in the pool or ocean more comfortable.
・Long-term use
When swimming in a pool, at the beach, or participating in marine activities, you often spend long periods of time in the water, but menstrual cups can be used for long periods of time, so you can enjoy the experience with peace of mind.
6. What about tampons?
Tampons are a traditional way to enjoy saunas, hot springs, pools, and the ocean during your period, but they have some disadvantages compared to menstrual cups.
・Risk due to water absorption
Tampons are designed to absorb menstrual blood, but there is a risk that the strings and fibers will absorb water when in water. In particular, the water in public baths is used by many people, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. In contrast, menstrual cups collect menstrual blood, so there is no risk of water absorption.
・Replacement frequency
Tampons should be changed immediately after use in water, as they become less effective and pose a risk of bacterial growth. Menstrual cups, on the other hand, are more convenient because they can be worn for longer periods and need to be changed less frequently.
summary
Be sure to wash it thoroughly after use and keep it clean. It is especially important to clean it with a neutral detergent such as soap after using a sauna, hot spring, swimming in a pool, or swimming in the sea.
Using a menstrual cup can make saunas, hot springs, pools, the sea, and marine activities more comfortable during your period.
If you're interested, why not try out a menstrual cup?
With proper use and maintenance, you can enjoy yourself without any restrictions even during your period.
