Can You Take a Bath on Your Period?

Updated 11 May 2022

Fact Checked

Reviewed by Tanya Tantry, MD, Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Medical Consultant at Flo

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Cramps and a sore lower back when you have your period are some of the more unpleasant side effects, and nothing relieves these quite like a hot bath. But some women avoid soaking in a tub when they’re menstruating. However, you may be able to take a hot bath during your period if you’re careful. Read on if you’re wondering if you can take a bath while on your period or shower with a tampon in.

Can you take a bath on your period?

The short answer: Absolutely! Some women may not feel comfortable about the idea of sitting in a tub while on their period. However, you can take some steps to make baths more comfortable. You might want to wait until the end of your period, or you may find that soaking in the tub makes you feel cleaner and choose to bathe more often. Ultimately, you can let your personal comfort determine if you want to take a bath while on your period.

Pros and cons of taking a bath on your period

Many women enjoy the relaxation of the hot water in a bath. It can soothe cramps and make your back feel less sore. You can add some aromatherapy oils to your bathwater to help you relax and relieve some of the edginess of your emotional state. The fluctuating hormones during your period can make you irritable or sad, and a nice hot bath during your period can do wonders for your mood.  

Taking a bath on your period can be messy, however. You may actually experience a heavier flow. There’s a good chance that you will leak menstrual blood into your bathwater, which may seem off-putting and unsanitary to some people. You may want to bathe more often, either with a shower or a bath, to reduce any odor associated with menstrual blood.

You may run a higher chance of developing an infection if you take a bath on your period. The cervix is more relaxed and dilated during your period, which can increase the likelihood of an infection entering your uterus. The bathwater may not be the most hygienic place to relax. 

Warm water can increase your menstrual flow, so keep this in mind when you’re picking the absorbency of your tampon or deciding whether you need to empty your menstrual cup before sitting in the tub. Also, the warm water can increase dizziness associated with a heavier menstrual flow. If you already experience mild anemia when you have your period, then taking a hot bath may have negative health effects.

Can you wear a tampon in the shower or bath?

You absolutely can wear a tampon while in the shower or bath. Some women prefer not to wear a tampon while in the shower in order to clear their vagina, while others are uncomfortable with the blood that can leak out. Ultimately, it’s your choice whether to wear a tampon in the shower.

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Whether or not to shower with a tampon in is up to you. Just make sure you’re careful when you clean around your vaginal opening.

Some women worry about leaking onto the floor or towel after a shower. If this is you, you may feel more secure wearing a tampon so you don’t have to clean up the mess. You may want to change your tampon after your shower, though, as it can absorb water and may not protect you as much. Whether or not to shower with a tampon in is up to you. Just make sure you’re careful when you clean around your vaginal opening. 

If you’re taking a bath on your period, you might want to use a tampon. You may feel more relaxed in a tub of hot water, and some menstrual blood can leak out. If you’d like to take a bath on your period, wearing a fresh tampon can make you feel more secure. Once you’ve finished bathing, however, you may want to change your tampon, as it can absorb some of the water.

How to take a shower on your period

If you choose to wear a tampon or cup in the shower, you may not be able to get as fully clean as you’d like. It’s okay to bleed in the shower. The blood will run down the drain. If you had a pad on before your shower, you may notice brown-colored blood rinsing off, too. This is likely from your pubic hair catching the blood, and it’s important to rinse it off thoroughly to prevent infection and odor.

Even during your period, your vagina is a self-cleaning organ that secretes mucus to clean dead cells and menstrual fluids.

Clean, warm water is the best way to clean around your vagina. Even during your period, your vagina is a self-cleaning organ that secretes mucus to clean dead cells and menstrual fluids. Make sure to rinse front to back, just like you wipe. If you have a detachable showerhead, don’t spray the water straight into your vagina. Direct the flow on the outside, not the inside.

How to take a bath on your period

If you choose to wear pads, you may want to wash the area before getting in the bath. While this may seem counterintuitive, the blood on your skin and pubic hair can contain bacteria. You can put in a fresh tampon or clean menstrual cup before taking a bath. Then, simply relax and clean yourself the way you normally would, including shaving your legs and underarms if you want. Make sure to change your tampon after, however, because the tampon can absorb bathwater. This, too, can lead to an infection.

The takeaway

When you’re on your period, bathe however you feel most comfortable. It’s your choice. However, it’s important to keep your vagina and labia clean while menstruating, as the extra bacteria can lead to infections, like a urinary tract infection or pelvic inflammatory disease. However you choose to clean yourself, make sure that you practice good hygiene during your period.

History of updates

Current version (11 May 2022)

Reviewed by Tanya Tantry, MD, Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Medical Consultant at Flo

Published (22 October 2019)