Going to the beach with your period: 6 tips to make the most of it!

How to reconcile periods and the beach? Like everyone else, you'd like to enjoy a lazy day at the beach this summer, but only because your period has just arrived! Let's find out together how to make this getaway a pleasant one.

Is it possible to go to the beach during your period?

First of all, there's no medical contraindication to going to the beach when you're on your period! Without even mentioning swimming, you can have a great time on the beach in your deckchair, at any time during your menstrual cycle.

Our 6 tips for enjoying the beach with your period!

Discover our tips for swimming with your period, or simply enjoying the warm sand in lazy mode while you're on vacation.

Dress casually

The bloating and swelling of the lower abdomen that occurs during your period can make your tight-fitting clothes uncomfortable. So avoid circulation problems and discomfort, and dress in loose-fitting clothes: skirts, shorts, elasticated-waist pants, beach dresses... On the other hand, a day at the beach also rhymes with bikini waxing: if you've had the good idea of getting it done too late, you could suffer from some redness or ingrown hairs: so avoid irritation by being tight in your clothes or bikini by choosing a suitable size.

If you have any doubts about staining your clothes during your period, choose dark colors for your clothes and towel, and take along a pareo just in case, to hide any unsightly stains.

Avoid sweet or fatty treats

While it's tempting to indulge in pampering at the water's edge, meals that are too fatty, too salty or too sweet will add to thediscomfort of menstrual cramps and bloating in women.

Try to eat healthily, with snacks such as fruit (yum, watermelon!), nuts or delicious, refreshing summer smoothies.

Stay hydrated all day long

It's important to stay hydrated during hot spells: drink plenty of water! This advice is even more valid during your period, as good hydration will relieve bloating and uterine muscles. What's more, hormonal fluctuations and blood loss, which contains 90% water, increase the risk of dehydration. So pack a large bottle in your beach bag!

Choosing the right menstrual protection

Menstruation usually goes hand in hand with sanitary protection. It's up to you to choose the one that suits you best from among the most popular on the market:

• Tampons: ideal for swimming, this internal sanitary protection will help prevent leaks, especially in the event of heavy flow. However, beware of the visible string: wedge it between your lips to prevent it escaping from your swimsuit! Change in the bathroom after swimming to avoid toxic shock syndrome.
• The menstrual cup: an ecological, zero-waste alternative to sanitary protection such as tampons, it must be well positioned so as not to get in the way while swimming or sunbathing. As with tampons, change them after bathing, and wash your hands thoroughly before and after!
• Period panties: why not use menstrual panties to match (or not) your swimsuit top? As long as you're not swimming, menstrual panties are ideal for sunbathing. You can also wear them after getting out of the water, once you're dry.
• Similarly, disposable sanitary pads can be used as long as you don't go in the water.
• Menstrual swimsuits: combine swimming, lounging and menstruation in a single product. Intended for light flows or as a complement to internal sanitary protection, it retains menstrual blood in and out of the water. Practical, isn't it? This is our preferred solution for going to the seaside with your period, and we offer several models at Elia.

Protecting yourself from the sun

It's essential to protect yourself from the sun's rays at the beach, and to think about the health of your skin. As menstruation makes women more sensitive to pain, you don't want to combine menstrual cramps with sunburn either! So make sure you're equipped with a high-protection sun cream and a beach umbrella so you can enjoy the sun without regret!

Exercise to relieve menstrual pain

Last but not least, take advantage of your time at the beach to get moving! Sport relieves lower abdominal pain by oxygenating the muscles of the uterus. Swimming, beach volleyball, beach racket... it's a great opportunity to get your body and your cardio system moving!

If you don't feel like it, then take advantage of a towel lying on the warm sand: its comforting warmth can also reduce pain, as you enjoy a nap lulled by the sound of the waves.

As you can see, there's something for everyone, so choose the format that suits you best so you can enjoy your period at the beach!

FAQs on menstruation and the beach

Can I go to the beach without a tampon during my period?

How to avoid menstruation at the beach?