Taking a Bath While on Period

Yeah. That would be a niggling little thought. Should I, shouldn't I. Should I be taking a bath while on period? And with good measure add some more tales of lore to that already troubling doubt - "My granny said not to" ..then that right there is the reason why you are left wondering whether you should be bathing while on period. And mind you, the question is not limited to pubescent girls who have just started out on menstruation. This doubt is seen to bother several woman, transcending over several age groups.

Stories that support and whispers that recount things like "My sister was taking a bath during her cycle and she started getting the worst cramps ever. My granny said it's because she was taking a bath while she had her periods" or even things like 'You're not supposed to wash your hair during your menses' leaves one wondering...true or not? Let's solve this once and for all - is bathing while on periods OK?

Can You Take a Bath While on Periods?

In a simple, one word answer, Yes. It is definitely alright take a bath during your cycle. In fact, it should be encouraged. When one has their menstruation cycle, there are several other things that come with it - there's fatigue, mild depression, soreness and cramping. Now imagine the body losing out on all the blood, all that iron. That is bound to make you tired. Have you ever had a hot water bath after an especially tiring day? When your feet are aching and you are sore from all the activity? Doesn't it feel good to simply soak yourself in and feel the tension ebb away? Exactly! The same thing applies to taking a bath while one has their period. It will calm you like no other and leave you refreshed and rested. So also, like a hot water bag relieves one of their cramping aches, a bath will set the mild pain right.

Cleaning yourself well and maintaining high standards of hygiene, especially at the time of your cycle is a must. An unkempt body can lead to infections and the like. So bathe regularly during your periods.

If you're worried that you'll get the water into your body if you soak like that, that's not going to happen. But yes, depending on the heaviness of the flow, you might bleed a little into the tub which can get pretty ugly and probably negate the cleansing aspect of the entire venture all together. Which can be dealt with effectively if a little care is taken when having a bath while on period. Let us see how.

Care for Bathing While on Period

There are some things that you can definitely do to make sure that nothing untoward happens when you're taking a bath during your menses.

• If you're planning on soaking in the tub, make sure that you use a paper towel and clean yourself before you get in. This will prevent the blood from flowing into the tub.
• If you swim often while on period then do what you do there, use a tampon before getting into the tub and there won't be any discharge, so to say.
• If neither of these seems to suit you well and you are grossed out with the thought of sitting in a bath while having a heavy flow then opt for a shower.
• Taking a shower is just as relaxing and will work just as well in getting rid of all the tiredness.
• Make sure that you do not sit in the bath that has had some blood flow in it for long periods.
• If you've been in a tub where there have been stray traces of blood, make sure to take a shower after you come out.

Now that you know that taking a bath while on period is absolutely OK, I hope it has led to some relief. So the next time when you have your period and you feel like your head is bursting and your stomach churning - do one thing, just take a long-drawn bath.