You’ve lined up a brilliant day of diving, tanks are prepped, the sea’s looking lush, and your kit’s ready to go. Then bam… Aunt Flo turns up uninvited. Cheers for that...
So what now? Cancel the dive? Skip the fun?
Not a chance. The short answer is: YES! You can absolutely dive while on your period. Loads of women do it all the time; instructors, divemasters, holidaymakers, you name it.
Still got a few worries floating about? Let’s get into the details and clear things up!
Listen to Your Body
Being on your period isn’t a medical reason to cancel a dive. But feeling like garbage is. If you're dealing with intense cramps, nausea, dizziness, or just don’t feel quite right, it’s okay to skip a dive. Comfort and safety always come first. If it’s just mild discomfort, most divers power through with some painkillers and good timing so the relief lasts through both dives.
Fatigue can also be a thing. If you're feeling drained, let your dive team know. Good buddies will always lend a hand with tanks and gear. And if it’s one of those “I just wanna nap in the sun” days - there’s no shame in sitting one out.
Feeling the Chill?
Some folks find they get cold more easily during their period. Blame the hormones! Consider thicker wetsuits or extra layers, especially if the water’s a bit brisk. You’ll thank yourself during the safety stop.
Mood & Mindset Matter
If your mood’s a bit off or you're feeling extra emotional, think about the kind of dives you're doing. Strong currents or deep dives might not be the best call when you're not feeling 100%. Go for chill sites where you can relax, enjoy, and not feel pushed beyond your comfort zone.
What about protection, how do I deal with that on a dive boat?
Pads? Not an option, they just don’t work in the water. Tampons can do the job, but changing one mid-dive trip isn’t the easiest thing. It can feel awkward, messy, and finding a discreet place to bin it isn’t always simple.
That’s where menstrual cups come in, and honestly they’re a total game-changer. Just pop one in before heading out and you’re good to go all day. No leaks, no fuss, and no need to deal with anything until you’re back on dry land. Plus, they’re reusable, which means less waste and more savings. Win-win.
* Also, here’s a little bonus: many divers find their flow naturally slows or even pauses underwater. The pressure and the way the body responds down there often help keep things nice and tidy.
DCS Risk - Is It Higher?
Some studies suggest menstruation could potentially increase the risk of decompression sickness (DCS) in women. However, the exact reasons for this increased risk aren’t entirely clear. The hypothesis is that hormonal changes during menstruation could affect the body’s ability to eliminate dissolved nitrogen, or that dehydration during this time may contribute to the risk.
That said, the research on this is limited, and more studies are needed to definitively prove a direct link between menstruation and DCS. As a precaution, staying hydrated, diving conservatively, and avoiding pushing yourself to your no-decompression limits are good practices for anyone, regardless of whether they are menstruating or not.
What about sharks: are they really a worry?
Let’s put this myth to bed once and for all: being on your period doesn’t turn you into shark bait. If period blood actually attracted sharks around here, we’d be telling every menstruating diver to dive Koh Tao, because we truly love sharks and want to see them up close!
The reality is, sharks aren’t interested in that tiny amount of blood. The flow is minimal, and the water pressure typically prevents any leakage. Plus, sharks aren’t hunting humans; they’re after very specific amino acids from their usual prey. You’re far more likely to cut yourself setting up gear and not see a shark for miles!
Still Unsure? Talk to Your Dive Pro!
If you're nervous or just want a bit of reassurance, talk to your dive guide or instructor. Most female pros have been there, done that, and totally get it. You’re not the first person to ask, and you definitely won’t be the last.
So if you're feeling fit, confident, and ready to blow some bubbles - a little monthly inconvenience shouldn't hold you back. You've got this, sister :)
Dive on, badass mermaid!
And remember: cramps don’t cancel adventures, but self-care always comes first.
