Can you swim in the ocean while on your period?

During menstruation, it is possible for a woman to swim in the ocean. Wearing a properly secured tampon while swimming and an absorbency pad while lounging near the water can prevent menstrual leakage and potential embarrassment.

The reported fear of sharks beginning a feeding frenzy as a result of sensing menstrual leakage in ocean water is a common misconception among men and women; however, the presence of blood and tissue from the uterine lining in the ocean water can cause an embarrassing sight for the affected woman as can an unsecured string from an improperly fitted tampon or a detached absorbency pad.