You CAN Take a Bath on Your Period
Can you have a bath on your period?
For a long time, talking openly and candidly about periods was considered taboo. Thankfully, times have changed, but there are still far too many myths and misconceptions about what you can and cannot do on your period. One common misconception is about periods and bodies of water, i.e., showers, swimming, and baths. If you’ve got bad cramps, fatigue and anxiety that many women have during their period, a nice hot bath sounds like just the ticket, right?
If you’re wondering, “Can I take a bath on my period?” The answer is YES, and we share why it may actually be a great idea below.
Is it safe to take a bath on your period?
It is 100% safe to have a bath while on your period, and there is zero reason not to bathe or take a nice, long shower on your period.
Will you bleed in the bath on your period?
One common myth is that a bath will completely stop your period flow. That’s not always the case. While it’s true that sometimes water pressure temporarily stops visible blood flow, that is not always the case. If the water pressure does not stop blood flow, you might have to contend with menstrual blood in the water. Ultimately, it’s up to you, your comfort level and your needs.
Is it safe to wear a tampon in the shower or bath?
Yes, you can wear a tampon in the shower or bath if you do not want to ‘free bleed.’ Just ensure you promptly change the tampon once you are out of the water. You may also opt for a menstrual cup, which is reusable and easily removed once you’re out of the shower or bath. Pads, on the other hand, are not a good choice for bathing, showering or swimming. They’re designed to absorb any liquid they come into contact with, so you’ll end up with a heavily saturated mess.
Conversely, you don’t have to wear anything if you don’t want to. In the shower, menstrual blood will naturally drip down the drain, and there may be a bit of blood in the bath water. How you decide to proceed depends on your comfort level.
Benefits of period baths
Self-care during your period is so important. For many women, hormonal changes have both physical and emotional effects, even in the days leading up to your period. Taking a warm, relaxing bath is a great relief for a few reasons:
- Menstrual cramp and pain relief: The warm water is a gentle, natural and safe way to relieve some of the pain you may feel in your uterus, abdomen and back during your period
- Stress and anxiety relief: Did you know that hydrotherapy, using water to treat symptoms, has been studied in reducing pain, fibromyalgia, anxiety and stress? Even ancient cultures believed in the healing properties of warm springs and hot baths (look at the ancient Roman city of Bath in England!).
- Better sleep: If you suffer from sleeplessness during your period, a warm bath in the evening may help you fall asleep deeper and more relaxed.
Not to mention how critical cleanliness and hygiene are during your period. Adding a bath or even a hot, steamy shower can be a great way to get natural relief for several period symptoms.
Tips for a great period bath or shower
Relaxing in a warm bath is a welcome treat for any time of the month, but during your period, it can be a pain-busting, stress-relieving miracle cure. Below, we’re sharing a few tips to help you have the best experience.
Clean the bathtub, but not too much
You’ll definitely want to make sure that the bathtub is fully clean before and after your bath, but don’t go overboard. Using too many chemicals isn’t good because many bathrooms tend to be smaller, enclosed spaces, and the strong fumes are dangerous. Also, a vagina’s Ph balance is sensitive, so using harsh cleaning chemicals may leave residue behind in the subsequent bath water. It’s best to use light chemicals and elbow grease for a clean tub.
Enhance the experience with aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is another ancient healing technique touted as a beneficial health aid as far back as ancient Greece, India and China. A few scents you can add to your bath and shower include:
- Lavender: Helps with stress and pain relief and better sleep
- Frankincense: Helps with inflammation, mood improvement and better sleep
- Peppermint: Eases headaches, is anti-inflammatory, fights fatigue and supports memory function.
- Eucalyptus: Great for the cold and flu season as it helps with stuffy sinuses and has pain relief properties.
- Lemon: Can reduce anxiety, depression and pain and ease nausea.
You can easily find many of the above scents in oil form, and a few drops into the bath water is more than enough to get most of the benefits. If you opt for a shower, you can buy dried eucalyptus and lavender and hang them in your shower, where the steam can activate the scent. Lastly, you can put a few drops of any essential oil in a small humidifier. Don’t place any electric devices close to the tub.
Still having apprehensions? Talk to your Women’s Health Connecticut provider
It’s perfectly normal to be apprehensive about bathing during your period, or you have questions about swimming or using a tampon or menstrual cup in the pool or bath. That’s what we are here for–to answer your questions and partner with you on your women’s health journey. Consult with your Women’s Health CT provider; we’re always happy to discuss what’s safe and best for you and your health.