You’re planning a relaxing sauna session but wonder if wearing a tampon is safe. The last thing you want is discomfort or health concerns while trying to unwind. 

In this post, we’ll explore whether wearing a tampon in a sauna is advisable and share tips for staying comfortable and safe. 

• Wearing a tampon in a sauna is generally safe but requires more frequent changes due to increased menstrual flow.

• Choose tampons made from natural fibers to reduce irritation and discomfort in the sauna.

• Saunas can help relieve menstrual cramps, but it’s crucial to stay hydrated and listen to your body to avoid dehydration.

• Consider alternative menstrual products like menstrual cups for added comfort and protection during sauna or hot tub use.

• Tampons Made with Absorbent Materials Like Cotton or Rayon: A tampon is a small, soft product made from absorbent materials like cotton or rayon, designed to be worn inside the body during your period.

• Comfortable Menstrual Flow Absorption: It works by gently absorbing menstrual flow, offering a comfortable and discreet way to manage your period.

• Move Freely Without the Bulk: Unlike pads, which you wear outside your body, tampons allow you to move freely without worrying about bulkiness.

• Trusted Since the 1930s, Lasting Up to 5 Years: They’ve been around since the 1930s and are a go-to choice for many. If stored correctly, they can last up to five years.

• Tampons are now a popular choice: In fact, approximately 100 million women globally use tampons, with about 34.1 million women in the U.S. using them in 2020, making them a widely popular menstrual product.

• More studies are needed: However, despite the large potential for public health concern, very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons, says Jenni A. Shearston , a postdoctoral scholar at the University. This highlights the ongoing need for further research into the materials used in tampons and their potential effects on health.

• Go Natural: Opting for tampons made from natural fibers, like cotton and rayon, which help absorb fluid efficiently and minimize irritation, with minimal additives, can reduce the risk of irritation.

• Other Options: Alternatives like menstrual cups or period panties—absorbent, reusable underwear designed to keep you dry and leak-proof—can also provide additional comfort and protection in the sauna.

Always listen to your body, and if discomfort arises, consider switching to a different menstrual product or exiting the sauna. If tampons aren’t your thing, you might explore alternatives like menstrual cups, pads, or period underwear. Tampons are loved for their convenience and how they fit seamlessly into an active lifestyle.

"We typically recommend that you change your tampon every four to six hours, though many people will change them more frequently if they're experiencing a heavy flow," says Dr. Melisa Holmes, doctor, educator, author, and co-founder of Girlology. 

Wearing a tampon in a sauna is generally safe, but there are some considerations to keep in mind.

The heat in the sauna may increase menstrual flow, so it’s important to use a fresh tampon and change it more frequently than usual to maintain hygiene and comfort.

Opting for tampons made from natural fibers, like cotton and rayon, which help absorb fluid efficiently and minimize irritation, with minimal additives can reduce the risk of irritation. 

Alternatives like menstrual cups or period panties, absorbent, reusable underwear designed to keep you dry and leak-proof —can also provide additional comfort and protection in the sauna. 

Always listen to your body, and if discomfort arises, consider switching to a different menstrual product or exiting the sauna.

• Saunas Can Ease Menstrual Cramps and Body Discomfort: The heat from a sauna relaxes muscles and improves blood flow, which can help reduce menstrual cramps and general discomfort during your period. Many women find it soothing and therapeutic.

• Emotional Calm Through Sauna Warmth: The gentle warmth can ease anxiety, tension, and mood swings—common symptoms during menstruation. This emotional reset is one of the subtle but powerful effects of sauna use during your cycle.

• Sauna Improves Circulation in the Pelvic Area: The increased circulation from sauna heat helps relax the pelvic floor and may support better menstrual flow and less bloating. It's a natural way to help your body feel lighter and more open.

• Hormonal Shifts That Support Relaxation: Sauna sessions temporarily raise levels of growth hormone and prolactin, both linked to relaxation and muscle ease. These shifts can make a big difference in how your body copes with period symptoms.

• Regular Sauna Use May Balance Your Cycle Over Time: While new users might notice mild changes in their cycle at first, regular sauna use tends to bring more consistent hormonal effects, offering more stability during menstruation.

• Hydration Is Non-Negotiable During Your Period: Because sauna sessions increase sweat and your body is already losing fluids during your period, it’s vital to drink water before and after to avoid fatigue, dizziness, or discomfort.

• Use Period-Friendly Protection and Be Mindful of Your Limits: For hygiene and peace of mind, use menstrual cups, tampons, or period-proof swimwear. And if you start to feel dizzy, overheated, or unwell, step out of the sauna and cool down.

• With Care, Saunas Are Safe and Beneficial During Your Period: Used wisely, saunas can be a powerful tool for comfort and wellbeing during menstruation, just listen to your body and stay hydrated.

Yes, you can go in a hot tub with a tampon. Tampons are designed for water activities, including hot tubs, and they provide effective protection by absorbing menstrual blood.

However, it’s essential to change your tampon immediately after leaving the hot tub, as it can absorb water, reducing its effectiveness and potentially introducing bacteria. 

For added comfort and to avoid any leakage, make sure the tampon is the right absorbency for your flow, and securely tuck in the string. 

• Menstrual cups are safe to use in saunas: Menstrual cups are flexible, medical-grade silicone devices that collect menstrual flow, offering a comfortable, leak-proof alternative to tampons. When it comes to using a menstrual cup in a sauna, the answer is yes, you can!

• Menstrual cups resist heat better than tampons: Menstrual cups perform better in the heat of a sauna compared to tampons. Unlike tampons, which can shift or expand with the heat, menstrual cups stay securely in place and don’t absorb moisture from sweating .

• Menstrual cups offer greater comfort in hot environments: Many people find menstrual cups more comfortable in hot environments since they’re designed to fit snugly without the risk of drying out or causing irritation.

• Menstrual cups are more environmentally friendly than tampons: Menstrual cups are much more sustainable than tampons, making them a better choice for the environment.

• Menstrual cups provide superior leak protection in saunas: Since they form a seal inside, menstrual cups tend to prevent leaks better, even in the sauna.

• Menstrual cups are becoming more popular: According to AWHS data , 19% of U.S. participants use menstrual cups, though they are not as commonly used as pads and tampons. This shows a growing shift toward using menstrual cups for comfort and protection.

• Menstrual cups offer better overall protection and convenience in saunas: Overall, menstrual cups offer better protection and convenience in a sauna compared to tampons.