When it comes to sports, most focus on the grit, hard work, and the thrill of victory, but one overlooked aspect of athletics is hygiene. Specifically, for many female water polo players, managing their periods is an important part of preparing for their sport.
Managing menstruation is important for athletes, especially for young athletes in water sports, health clerk Namita Dua said. For young teens, tampons are typically the easiest option to start with, but newer alternatives are becoming popular, she added.
“Nowadays, menstrual cups and discs are available for longer pool sessions or tournaments,” Dua said. “Period swimwear or a tampon is often enough, but athletes should change them before and after each game,” she added.
For student-athletes with heavier periods, using a menstrual cup or disc can be a lot more efficient, said Dua.
“The most common brand name is Saalt. For long tournaments, the menstrual cup or disc can offer the best protection,” Dua said.
Swimwear is a good option for student-athletes with lighter periods, Dua said. “Oftentimes, swimwear or a tampon is enough, but you need to change just before the game and just after the game.”
Periods can also bring mental challenges, Amy Therawitthayangkun, a senior on the water polo team, said.
“I get a lot of mood swings on my period,” Therawitthayangkun said. “Whenever we have a bad practice or game, it affects me more mentally than it usually would,” she added.
To prepare, Therawitthayangkun makes sure to focus on staying hydrated, she said.
“If I have cravings like chocolate, I will eat it,” Therawitthayangkun said. “Then I make sure to eat bananas, because they help with cramps, and just drink a lot of water,” she added.
Not all swimmers use products in the pool, Therawitthayangkun said. “Many swimmers do freebleed. If your flow is light enough, you don’t need any products to go into the pool,” she said.
There’s no need to be scared of joining water sports because of menstruation, Therawitthayangkun said. “Don’t let your period stop you from joining water sports,” she said.
Symptoms can make competing more difficult, but preparation helps you stay confident, sophomore water polo player Saumya Mishra said.
“When you’re in pain, you’re focusing more on that pain, which can affect your game performance,” Mishra said. “I always keep Advil, pads, and tampons with me,” Mishra added.
The bathrooms around campus have products, and in the nurses’ office, they have products of different sizes, Dua said.
“Lots of female students come here when they have their period, and we give them heat packs to relieve cramps,” she added. “If the cramps are unbearable, students can use Tylenol or Motrin as needed.”
Managing menstruation in sports, especially awareness and preparation, is key, Dua added. “If using a disc, cup, or tampon, just practice insertion before using them for big events or competitions, so you are comfortable and confident,” she added.
Periods may bring pain or stress, but they do not stop you from excelling at water polo, Mishra said.
“There is nothing to worry about your period,” Mishra said. “Just make sure that you are prepared at all times with tampons and whatever you need to feel well so that you can do your best,” Mishra added.
The team has a close bond and is not afraid to discuss topics like menstruation with one another, Mishra said.
If someone new wanted to join, we would be really happy to have them.
“We are like a family,” Mishra added.
