6 ways to enjoy sports comfortably during your period without using sanitary napkins
"When I play sports, I worry about stuffiness and chafing."
"I want to know about sanitary napkins that won't leak even when I'm moving around vigorously."
It is not uncommon for women to be distracted during their period and be unable to concentrate on sex, or to suffer from dampness or slippage from their sanitary products.
If you are still experiencing leaks even when using a tight-fitting sports napkin, there are ways to improve the situation, such as by changing the brand and type of sanitary product or the shorts you wear.
In this article, we will explain in detail what to do if you feel uncomfortable or experience menstrual leakage while playing sports during your period, as well as recommended sanitary products.
If you want to enjoy sports comfortably even during your period, please refer to this article.
Table of Contents6 ways to enjoy sports during your period without using sanitary napkins
Female athletes also face menstrual problems How to wash a leaking pad while playing sports
If you're concerned about stuffiness or leaks, we recommend the Murmo menstrual cup. Frequently asked questions for those who are concerned about using pads during sports
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6 ways to enjoy sports during your period without using sanitary napkins
If you're worried about menstrual blood leaking or stuffiness when using sanitary napkins while playing sports, try these six solutions.
- Change the type of napkin
- Change your period briefs
- Change your napkins frequently
- Try tampons
- Try a menstrual cup
- Consult a medical institution
The appropriate solution will vary depending on the cause of the leak. Try to find the method that works best for you.
Change the type of napkin
If you have a heavy flow or if your period leaks through the gap between your skin and the pad, you can try changing the type of pad you use. When playing sports that involve a lot of strenuous movement, such as squatting and jumping, it is not uncommon for pads to leak through the gap between the pad and your body if they do not fit snugly against your skin.
For example, the napkins below have high absorption capacity and are designed to fit snugly against the skin.
- Nighttime napkins, napkins with wings, napkins with shorts
- A pad designed to stay in place during sports
Even if the label is the same, such as "nighttime" or "daytime," the shape and length of pads vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. Try out pads from various manufacturers to find one that suits you.
Change your period briefs
If changing your sanitary napkin doesn't help, or if you get a rash when using a different sanitary napkin, you can try changing your period panties to ones that fit your body better.
When choosing period panties, check the following points:
- Does it fit your buttocks comfortably?
- Can you move comfortably without it slipping or being too tight?
- Is the size correct and not too tight or too loose?
- When wearing shorts, are there any gaps around the waist or groin?
When it comes to shorts for sports, we recommend products made from stretchy material that won't slip down even during intense movements, or products that tightly wrap around the buttocks to prevent them from slipping down.
Also, if you are concerned about your shorts getting stuffy, try choosing products that are highly breathable, with high sweat absorption and quick-drying properties.
In addition to period shorts that you attach a pad to, several manufacturers also sell absorbent sports shorts, so you might want to try those out.
Change your napkins frequently
If you have a heavy flow and leak, you should reconsider how often you change your pads. You may not change your pads often because you don't have enough time for breaks or you sweat so much that you don't feel like going to the bathroom.
Generally, it is recommended that you change your sanitary napkins every two hours on heavy bleeding days and every three hours on light bleeding days.
However, even if it hasn't been long since you changed your mask, if it feels sticky or uncomfortable, you should change it as soon as possible.
Also worth reading: How many ml of blood loss is there per day on average during menstruation? Two reasons why menstrual blood flow increases or decreases
Try tampons
If you have heavy menstrual flow and leak, or if thick pads get in the way of sports, using tampons is one option.
Tampons are feminine hygiene products that consist of an absorbent material made of cotton that absorbs menstrual blood and a string for removing them. Unlike napkins, which are attached to underwear, tampons are inserted into the vagina.
The recommended interval for changing pads is every 4 to 8 hours, and there are several types available, including "for normal days" and "for heavy days." If you're worried about heavy menstrual flow, we recommend using both pads and tampons.
Until you get used to using tampons, it may be easier to use products that come with an applicator that makes insertion easier.
Also worth reading: Can I wear a tampon in a hot spring? 3 ways to enjoy a hot spring during your period
Try a menstrual cup
Using a menstrual cup in combination with napkins or absorbent shorts is also recommended for sports.
A menstrual cup is a sanitary product in which a cup made of soft material, such as medical-grade silicone, is folded and inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood.
On lighter days, you can discard your menstrual blood in the toilet 1-3 times a day, and on heavier days, once every few hours.The design keeps menstrual blood from escaping the body, so there are no restrictions on movement during sports, and you don't have to worry about stuffiness or odor.
Also, since the area where menstrual blood comes out and the area where urine comes out are different, there is no need to remove it every time you defecate.
Menstrual cups are durable and can be reused multiple times, which is why they are often chosen by those who aim for a sustainable lifestyle as they reduce waste from sanitary products.
Also read: How to Use a Menstrual Cup
Consult a medical institution
If your menstrual flow is too heavy, it may be a sign of an underlying uterine disorder.
Regardless of whether you're playing sports or not, if you have heavy menstrual flow and need to use night pads or diaper pads during the day, it might be a good idea to see a doctor. Heavy menstrual flow may mean you're anemic without even realizing it.
A gynecologist will check the condition of your uterus and, if necessary, can help you control your period with birth control pills. If you have concerns about the relationship between your period and sports, it's a good idea to find a gynecologist who is easy to visit and consult with.
Also worth reading: Asking obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Kanako Inaba about menstruation
Female athletes also face menstrual problems
Female athletes are said to have the following menstrual problems: [1]
- It gets stuffy when you sweat
- Pain caused by rubbing of sanitary products
- If you move too much, your sanitary products will slip out of place
- Menstrual products slip off and menstrual blood leaks onto the uniform
- It's uncomfortable when you move or exert force and it comes out visibly.
- Concerns about leaks and discomfort affect performance
It is not uncommon for athletes to use sanitary products other than sanitary napkins when playing sports. Why not consider flexible options, including using other sanitary products in addition to sanitary napkins?
How to wash a leaking pad while playing sports
If your menstrual blood leaks from your pad while playing sports, follow the steps below to wash it.
- Wash it promptly
- Check the type of detergent before washing
If you take the right measures, you can prevent stains from remaining on your shorts and clothes.
1. Wash it off as soon as possible
If menstrual blood leaks onto your uniform or shorts while playing sports, wash them with water as soon as possible. Menstrual blood can easily leave stains over time, so you should wash them with water on the same day at the latest.
It is important to use cold water, not hot water, when washing. The proteins in blood harden and become difficult to remove when using hot water, so use water below 40°C. [2]
2. Check the type of detergent before washing
After applying first aid with water, launder the soiled clothing. Oxygen bleach and sodium bicarbonate are common detergents used in conjunction with laundry detergent to remove blood stains.
However, there are some cases where detergent cannot be used depending on the type of fabric.
Uniforms, in particular, may not be washable or bleachable. Always check the care tag to see if they can be washed or bleached before washing. [3]
If you're concerned about stuffiness or leaks, we recommend the Murmo menstrual cup.
For those who want to reduce the worry of stuffiness and leakage and still be able to play sports during their period, we also recommend the Murmo menstrual cup.
The murmo menstrual cup is a Japanese-made cup designed for first-time users. It's designed for ease of insertion and removal, with minimal discomfort, making it comfortable for sports during your period. It can be used for up to 12 hours continuously, reducing the need to change your sanitary products.
According to a survey conducted by murmo, around 50% of women answered that it is "useful on days with heavy menstrual flow," and around 30% answered that it is "useful when playing sports or exercising."User support (for first-time users) is also available via LINE, so if you're interested in menstrual cups but worried about whether you can use them properly, please feel free to use it.
Also worth reading: [Latest survey data from 2024] What is the usage rate and awareness rate of menstrual cups, and what is the real deal about menstrual cups?
Frequently asked questions for those who are concerned about using pads during sports
We answer frequently asked questions about people who are concerned about using pads during sports.
Can sports pads leak?
Even sports pads can leak if you have a heavy flow or if they slip off.
Below are solutions for each cause.
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Cause of leakage |
Countermeasures |
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shift |
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Large quantity |
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The causes vary depending on factors such as the amount of menstrual blood, how often you go to the toilet, and the intensity of the sport, so try to find a method that works for you.
How long do sports pads last?
The usable time for sports pads varies depending on the amount of menstrual flow, so it is difficult to give a specific answer as to how many hours they can be used.
Also, when playing sports, your feet tend to get sweaty, and if you use them for a long time, they may feel damp and uncomfortable.
If you want to enjoy sports comfortably during your period, be sure to change your sanitary napkins early and try using daytime and nighttime sanitary napkins depending on the amount of menstrual flow and how sweaty you are.
Will using a menstrual cup cause any discomfort when playing sports?
Menstrual cups are made of soft material and fit gently into the vagina. Some women may feel a foreign body sensation until they get used to it, but once inserted in the correct position, there is almost no pain or discomfort.
Can a menstrual cup get stuck in my uterus while playing sports?
The opening of the uterus is only about 2 to 3 mm in diameter, so a menstrual cup with a diameter of about 4 cm cannot possibly fit through it.
Even if it gets too far back in your vagina and you find it difficult to find, if you apply pressure calmly, it will slowly move down to the entrance. If fitted correctly, a menstrual cup can be a great help during vigorous sports or water exercise.
summary
If you experience menstrual leakage even with sports pads, possible reasons include heavy menstrual flow or poor fit. In addition to menstrual leakage, sweat can also cause discomfort.
If you want to enjoy sports comfortably, you might want to consider changing your pads or period briefs, or using a menstrual cup.
Murmo is a menstrual cup made of soft medical-grade silicone. It keeps menstrual blood inside the body, making it comfortable to use even in water or during vigorous sports.
For those who purchase the product, we also provide usage support via chat on our official LINE account, providing gentle support for those using a menstrual cup for the first time.
Below is a page with detailed photos explaining how to use Murmo and its features. If you're worried about sanitary products for sports, be sure to check it out.
