“With proper hygiene, you can go to the beach with your period”, says gynecologist –

Those who have never experienced this, cast the first stone. You spend months planning that long-awaited summer trip and forget to check a basic detail: your menstrual cycle. But what to do when menstruation is scheduled to happen right at the time when you intend to stay in a bikini and enjoy the sun? We consulted the gynecologist, obstetrician and mastologist Fernanda Torras, specialist by the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and the Brazilian Society of Mastology. Check out the tips she gave:

If you use birth control pills

If you use the contraceptive hormonal with a break, it’s worth amending one pack in the other, you know? This will prevent menstruation from occurring that month. However, it’s worth talking to your gynecologist first to find out if the type of pill you use is suitable for the conduct. “In addition, it is possible to make the blood come earlier than expected. If you need it to happen a few days before, it is possible to interrupt the pack during this period and take your menstrual break in advance”, explains Fernanda Torras. Thus, you do not suffer from menstruation on vacation.

If you do not use birth control pills

Unfortunately, there is nothing to stop menstruation from happening. “The use of progesterone pills or pills with high doses of hormones in the premenstrual period is done by some women to achieve this purpose. But it is not indicated, since there are side effects and there is no guarantee of success of the menstrual block”, warns the doctor.

The way, then, is to bet on the pads. Fernanda guarantees that the internal ones and the collectors are the ones that offer the lowest risk of leaks. Not to mention that they don’t stay out, that is, they are very discreet. The only thing you need to remember is to change the tampon every 3 hours and the cup every 6, cleaning the cup every 12 hours.

“If you follow the pattern of changes and care, there will be no leaks or discomfort from the menstrual flow. There are still panties absorbent bikini for use together with internal absorbents and collectors, which guarantee absorption in case of accidental leakage”, he explains. There are so many existing options that going into menstrual water ends up not even looking like a seven-headed animal, right?

The gynecologist also dispelled some myths that exist about the issue:

Doubt: Is it true that water stops menstrual flow?

MYTH. “Sea water or swimming pool is not able to suspend or hold the menstrual flow”, says Fernanda Torras. In fact, the pressure the water exerts on the vagina makes it appear as if the bleeding has stopped, and the lower body temperature causes the blood vessels in the uterus to constrict, slowing the flow. But that’s just for a while, see?

Doubt: does going to the beach or swimming pool during menstruation increase the risk of infections or bacteria?

MYTH. “If there is adequate hygiene, there are no risks. It is always necessary to clean the vulva with water or wet wipes between changing pads. In addition to always washing your hands before introducing the clean product. The problem is often access to adequate bathrooms to perform the procedure. In the case of the collector, it is worth going to the beach and only changing the cup at home after six hours”, she says. To avoid infections, alternate with external pads when you can so that the vaginal flora breathe.