Why wearing a tampon while working out may not be great for your health

No sweat!

Experts say exercising on your period is absolutely fine — and even beneficial — because hitting the gym can reduce menstrual pain, boost mood and potentially ease bloating.

If you’re planning to embrace outdoor workouts this summer, you may want to take extra care choosing feminine products that offer protection while also helping to manage sweat, odor and chafing.

Though it is generally safe to exercise while wearing a tampon, the founder and CEO of the nontoxic, sustainable period care brand Viv For Your V warns of a possible hygiene issue with sweaty, high-impact activity.

“Sweat tends to accumulate around the vagina and underwear, creating a damp environment, causing the tampon string to become wet,” Katie Diasti told The Post. “A wet string can lead to an increase in bacterial growth and higher risk of UTIs and yeast infections.”

Pads, menstrual cups, discs or athletic period underwear may be better options.

For their part, tampons have come under fire recently due to concerns about their safety and potential health risks.

A shocking 2024 study found lead, arsenic and other toxic heavy metals in several tampon brands, prompting an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration.

The agency’s initial literature review didn’t identify safety concerns with tampon use and contaminant exposure.

The FDA is also conducting laboratory tests to determine if metals are released from tampon materials into the body.

Dr. Alessandra Hirsch, an OB/GYN at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, pointed out that the 2024 study didn’t explore whether the metals were absorbed through the vaginal lining.

“A substance is only ‘toxic’ if it reaches vital organs in a high enough quantity to cause harm, which this paper did not investigate,” Hirsch told The Post.

“The American College of Medical Toxicology released a statement last year in response to this paper to reassure menstruating individuals that there is still no evidence that tampons cause metal poisoning.” 

As its investigation carries on, the FDA “continues to recommend FDA-cleared tampons as a safe option” for menstrual use.

“Much more study and research is required, and there are currently no recommendations to not use tampons,” Dr. Mitchell Kramer, director of obstetrical and gynecologic strategy and clinical integration at Northwell’s Huntington Hospital, told The Post.

“There are certain ways to minimize risk,” he added. “Use 100% organic cotton tampons that do not contain any dyes or fragrances, avoid synthetic fiber tampons, change tampons frequently (this also minimizes the risk of toxic shock syndrome), and use tampons for the minimum amount of time that is comfortable during the period.”

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening illness caused by bacterial toxins.

A tampon left in too long can become a breeding ground for bacteria that cause TSS, bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections.

The FDA recommends changing tampons every four to eight hours to maintain good hygiene and reduce the risk of bacterial growth and TSS.

That’s why tampons might not be the best choice while sleeping, hiking and playing outside for a long time, Diasti said.

“These situations can make it harder to change your tampon on time,” she added. “Menstrual cups and discs are great alternatives — they offer longer wear time and greater convenience for extended periods without access to a restroom.”

Menstrual discs are designed to sit in the space behind the cervix, while menstrual cups are typically positioned just below the cervix.

The cup must fit well. Diasti said a wrong-fitting cup can leak or shift during physical activity, especially for those with a high or low cervix.

Hirsch warns that an improperly cleaned menstrual cup may increase the risk of fungal infections, while pads or period underwear can cause local allergic reactions such as rashes and itching.

“All of this is to say that, unfortunately, manufactured products all carry some unknown risk, which we believe to be quite small,” Hirsch said. “For now, the best way to decide on a period product is to pick the best fit for your lifestyle.”

If none of these options work for you, there’s always free bleeding.