Menstruation is a part of the natural monthly process in which the body prepares for pregnancy. When pregnancy does not occur, menstruation begins. As your body goes through the process and the uterus sheds its lining, cramping can occur. This typically only lasts one to two days, but some women experience severe or long-lasting cramping throughout their cycle. Swimming may help relieve your menstrual cramping.
Symptoms
The symptoms of menstrual cramping can range anywhere from mild lower abdominal cramping to severe pain. Some women may experience mild cramping a few days before menstruation begins while others have pain throughout their entire period. Painful menstruation is also referred to as dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is primarily caused by an increase in the hormone called prostaglandin. This hormone centers in on the uterus and can cause sharp pain, a dull ache in the lower abdominal region and in some cases lower back pain. When you swim, you elongate and stretch your abdominal muscles. This can cause them to relax once your workout is complete, which helps to minimize cramping and tightness.
Causes
For teens and young women in their 20s, the causes of menstrual cramping are natural and caused by the shredding of the uterine lining. This is normal and occurs every 28 days. Cramping can be severe in teens and young adults and make it difficult to withstand everyday tasks. Swimming in a heated pool can help relieve symptoms and make the cramping more bearable. If you are in your 30s or 40s, you may naturally see some changes in your menses, such as a slight increase in blood flow and skipped periods. If you experience severe pain with your period or you have bleeding in between periods, you could have an underlying medical condition such as fibroids or endometriosis.
Solution
It may be challenging for you to consider slipping into a bathing suit when you are on your period, but getting up to 30 minutes of swimming each day while you are menstruating can help in several ways. It can give you an added energy boost while you may be feeling rundown or tired. It can also help to strengthen your core abdominal muscles, which may help with cramping. The water pressure of standing near a current or near the filter of the pool can also help sooth tense muscles and cramps.
Precaution
If you have excessive cramping or you are having a heavy flow day, you may want to refrain from swimming. If you are unable to wear tampons as opposed to feminine napkins, you should avoid the water. If you have cramps before swimming, you may want to avoid swimming in deep water -- your abdominal area could cramp up even more, making it challenging and difficult to get back to safety.
