Should Menstruating Women Avoid the Ocean?

[WhyNot]

@Autolycus

While menstrual flood has very little blood, unless my health class, and more importantly my past amorous adventures, have been extremely mistaken, there is a fair amount of bleeding during a period.

Depends what you call “a fair amount”. Generally speaking, women average a fluid loss of about 60mL in a “normal” menstrual period, but as high as 240mL may be “normal” for some women. Of that, about 30-50% is blood.

So that’s half a cup of blood, maximum for a healthy woman, over a week’s time. Generally it’s more like 2 Tablespoons over a week’s time. Most women don’t pass the same amount of fluid every day, either, so the bulk of that might be on days she’s not swimming. I might use a tampon on my heaviest days while swimming, but my lightest I just don’t bother.

Mayo Clinic cite for 60-240 mL figure.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists cite for 30-50% blood statistic.

[Autolycus]

@WhyNot

So that’s half a cup of blood, maximum for a healthy woman, over a week’s time. Generally it’s more like 2 Tablespoons over a week’s time. Most women don’t pass the same amount of fluid every day, either, so the bulk of that might be on days she’s not swimming. I might use a tampon on my heaviest days while swimming, but my lightest I just don’t bother.

Well it sure seems like more than that when you’re riding the crimson wave. :eek:

[WhyNot]

@Autolycus

Well it sure seems like more than that when you’re riding the crimson wave. :eek:

Sure does. Try measuring out 2 Tablespoons of Coca-Cola and pouring it on your countertop. Liquids spread out to cover an unbelievable surface area. (This tip brought to you by my lactation consultant - I called her up crying over spilt breastmilk, and she pointed out that it probably wasn’t nearly as much as I thought it was. She was right.)