Facts About Your Period: Bathing, Sex, Pregnancy, and More

Here's what you need to know about menstruation

There's a lot of information swirling about periods, which may make it difficult to know what's true and what's not when it comes to menstruation. For example, you might be confused about whether you can take a bath or exercise on your period or whether it's possible for periods to synchronize.

Having a firm grasp on how your period works and what you can or can't do while you're on it can help you feel more confident during menstruation.

This article will provide answers to these common questions and others, such as whether you can have sex or get pregnant on your period.

common period myths debunked

Verywell / Lara Antal

Can You Take a Bath on Your Period?

There's no reason not to bathe on your period. Practicing good hygiene during your period can prevent odors. A warm bath can also relax your abdominal muscles and help ease cramps.

Keep in mind, though, that while water pressure may reduce or stop your period flow while you're in the bath, this isn't guaranteed. If this prospect makes you uncomfortable, consider putting in a tampon beforehand.

Can You Swim on Your Period?

It is safe to swim during your period, and like in a bath, your flow may be held or reduced due to water pressure. However, you may want to use feminine protection such as a tampon or menstrual cup when swimming to prevent staining your bathing suit if you do leak.

If you do leak in a swimming pool, there's no need to worry about blood contaminating the pool. Most pools contain chlorine and other chemicals that help prevent the transmission of diseases.

You can also swim in the ocean without fear that having your period will make you a target for sharks. This is an unverified urban legend.

Can You Have Sex  on Your Period?

The misunderstandings about sex during menstruation have cultural roots. Some religious texts don't allow sex during menstruation, and some cultures believe that men can be contaminated or harmed by any interaction with menstruating women. This is not true.

It's perfectly fine to have sex during your period. It may even help relieve cramps and make sex more enjoyable, as blood acts like a natural lubricant.

However, you may feel uncomfortable about having sex on your period due to the potential mess, and you and your partner may decide to wait for this reason.

Can You Exercise on Your Period?

It is safe and healthy to exercise while on your period. Being on your period shouldn't impact the effectiveness of your workout. Furthermore, regular exercise may even help relieve cramps.

Some people report having less energy during their period, which may impact their desire to exercise. Pain medication can help if your cramps make it hard to work out.

Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period?

It is possible to get pregnant during your period.

You need to ovulate (release an egg) in order to get pregnant. That usually happens after your period is over. However, the time when you are fertile can sometimes overlap with your period. This can happen any month, but it's more likely if your periods aren't regular or if you bleed longer than average.

Unless you use birth control like the pill or an IUD or meticulously use natural family planning methods, assume there are no safe days to have sex without the chance of pregnancy.

Remember that most birth control methods do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. It is always best to practice safe sex.  

Do Periods Synchronize?

Some people believe women who spend a lot of time together have their periods at the same time. This is still an open question.

During the 1970s, research suggested that women who lived together had their periods at the same time. Researchers thought this was caused by body chemicals called pheromones.

A more recent study from 2017 conducted by Oxford University and the period tracking app Clue examined data from more than 1,500 people and found that there was no truth to the notion that the menstrual cycles of cohabiting people align.

Summary

Exercising, swimming, and taking a bath are all safe to do while on your period. It's also safe to have sex while menstruating, but keep in mind that there's still a chance—albeit a small one—of becoming pregnant.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much blood is lost during a period?

    On average, a woman loses 2 to 3 teaspoons of blood during a normal period that lasts four to five days. Women with heavy bleeding and longer periods may lose twice that amount.

  • How many periods does a woman get in a lifetime?

    A woman typically menstruates approximately 450 times in her life. Research shows women menstruate on average for 35 years and have 13 cycles a year.

  • Who is Aunt Flo?

    Aunt Flo is a euphemism for a menstrual period. Years ago, talking about menstruation in mixed company was taboo. Women came up with other words and phrases for a period, such as a monthly visitor or a visit from Aunt Flo.

    On the internet, Aunt Flo is often shortened to AF. However, AF also has other meanings online, such as alcohol-free.

    Other euphemisms for menstruation include:

    • Carrie (from the movie of the same name)
    • Crime scene or CSI
    • Crimson tide
    • Moon time
    • Mother Nature's gift
    • On the rag
    • Rag week
    • Red wedding
    • Riding the cotton pony
    • Shark week
    • That time of the month
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Office on Women's Health. Physical activity and your menstrual cycle.

  2. Planned Parenthood. Can I have sex during my period? Can I get pregnant during my period?

  3. American Psychological Association. Pheromones, in context.

  4. Clue. Do menstrual cycles sync? Unlikely, finds Clue data.

  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heavy menstrual bleeding.

  6. Chavez-MacGregor M, van Gils CH, van der Schouw YT, Monninkhof E, van Noord PA, Peeters PH. Lifetime cumulative number of menstrual cycles and serum sex hormone levels in postmenopausal women. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2008;108(1):101-12. doi:10.1007/s10549-007-9574-z

Additional Reading

By Tracee Cornforth
Tracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women's health issues.