Diving during the menstrual cycle???

[andrea31419]

I know thisj has been discussed but I wanted to shed a new light on it if possible. Try a product called a diva cup. It is a small cup that fits inside, no strings and no need to change it for about 6-8 hours. I have used mine several times while diving and never had any problems. The product is great in general and is a very health promoting idea. No bleached cotton, just a little cup that does not leak, only needs to be dumped and replaced every 6-8 hours deppending on your flow
Kelli

Never heard of this, where would you get one?

 

[Hoya97]

When I'm teaching a new class of divers, I print out a single page document I copied from Dive Training Magazine stating that if the woman feels okay, then there is no real reason why she shouldn't dive during her period. A number of credible sources are quoted in the letter, to add validity.

I then put the letter in envelopes addressed to each woman in the class and hand it to them at the end of the class session, thinking descrission being the best course to take. If the receipient is a 'girl' still living at home (12-17) I usually address it to the parents and give it to them as each family approaches the topic differently.

Think this proceedure (or something similar) would put an end to any concerns women may have, but are reluctant to broach such a topic in mixed company.

 

[Foo]

When I'm teaching a new class of divers, I print out a single page document I copied from Dive Training Magazine stating that if the woman feels okay, then there is no real reason why she shouldn't dive during her period. A number of credible sources are quoted in the letter, to add validity.

I then put the letter in envelopes addressed to each woman in the class and hand it to them at the end of the class session, thinking descrission being the best course to take. If the receipient is a 'girl' still living at home (12-17) I usually address it to the parents and give it to them as each family approaches the topic differently.

Think this proceedure (or something similar) would put an end to any concerns women may have, but are reluctant to broach such a topic in mixed company.

Excellent idea, and handled in a very professional manner. I'm sure the females in your classes appreciate your discretion, and the fact that you address a very real concern to women in such a tactful manner. I would have appreciated some info to this extent while I was in Open Water class. Yes, it's a natural thing and everyone has to learn to deal with it in their own way, but it can be a very embarrassing subject in mixed company. Thanks for sharing.

BTW, I went to Coz last month and of course, it was time for my period again. I again used the Aygestin (called my Dr., they called it in for me along with sea-sickness patches), tapered off the meds toward the end of my vacation, and by the time I got home, my cycle had returned. It is a great alternative to dealing with a period while diving, IMO and in my experience. Have had no ill effects, just gave me that 5 day delay that I needed. I had read about it in a dive magazine as a viable alternative.

Foo

 

[scubajenn]

As long as menstruation doesn't cause problems with any other normal activity, there is no medical evidence to suggest that you can't go diving.
To dispel other worries, it does not attract sharks or other predators to be menstruating underwater either.

From personal experience, I've been diving many many times while having my period and it never ever has been a problem. I've actually felt better after diving than before I got in the water during these times. (that may just be a personal bias because I love diving, but who knows?)

 

[mahoneme]

I just got certified, and believe it or not, that was one of the topics in our book. It says there is no risk whatsoever unless you are not feeling good (i.e. cramps, heavy flow, etc.). I had my period during my first four dives and I had no problem at all.