There are a few reasons why it’s not a good idea to insert a tampon until you’re on your period.
- The general rule is: Only insert a tampon once menstrual flow is present.
- Your menstrual flow naturally moistens your vagina and makes it easier to insert a tampon. Inserting it when you’re not on your period would be uncomfortable. A dry tampon is also difficult to remove.
- If you’re not on your period, you may forget to remove the tampon when you get out of the water, putting you at risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
Your period probably won’t start while you’re in the water. You could go to the bathroom and check to see if your period has come before going swimming and then again when you get out of the water, and put a tampon in then.