Can I go swimming when I have my period? Yes, but a pad won't work underwater, so you need to wear a tampon. Tampons absorb the menstrual flow from the inside, so being in water won't affect them. If you've never worn a tampon before, you may want to talk with your mom or another woman you trust. You may want to get the slim-fit type, read the directions first, and leave some extra time to get it properly in place. See more Personal Questions Back to Articles Related Articles Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.