Summer, sun, swimming & your period – no problem with the sponge.
Finally, summer. The sun is blazing, the lake is calling – and then this: Your period has arrived. What now? With the right menstrual product and our little hygiene trick, swimming during your period is no problem. We'll show you what to consider when going swimming, why the menstrual sponge is a better choice than conventional products – and why our 2in1 intimate & sponge soap is simply a must-have in summer.
Quick Facts
• Swimming during your period can be hygienic and safe
• Thanks to its retrieval cord in the form of a short tab made of transparent medical silicone, the menstrual sponge remains invisible even under the skimpiest bikini – without a long string that could peek out.
• This removable retrieval cord made of medical silicone is water-repellent and does not soak up chlorine, salt, or lake water
• In summer, with heat and sweating, thorough interim cleaning of the sponge is particularly important
• The 2in1 Intimate & Sponge Soap cleans both the sponge and the intimate area – preventing irritation and bladder infections
• Rub the sponge over the soap twice, rinse briefly – done
Can I go swimming with the menstrual sponge?
Yes, absolutely. The menstrual sponge sits softly and discreetly in the body, adapts to your anatomy, and is imperceptible – even when swimming, diving, or moving in the water. At the same time, it is highly absorbent and can hold more blood than many conventional menstrual products. This provides reliable protection and is considered by many to be much more comfortable to wear.
What makes it special compared to tampons: The removable retrieval cord of the HERA sponge is made of medical silicone. Silicone is water-repellent – meaning it doesn't soak up the water you're swimming in. Whether it's chlorinated pool water, saltwater at the sea, or lake water – the cord remains water-repellent.
With tampons, it's different: The retrieval string is usually made of absorbent polyester and can come into contact with water while swimming or urine when using the toilet, and absorb it. Many women know the unpleasant feeling of a damp tampon string, especially on long beach or swimming days. This can lead to unpleasant odors, feeling less fresh, and wanting to change the tampon more frequently.
The retrieval tab of the HERA sponge prevents exactly this problem. It remains discreetly in the body, is practically invisible under a bikini and underwear, and is securely fastened by its own clasp. At the same time, it allows for easy and comfortable removal of the sponge. If desired, the tab can also be completely removed.
Additionally, significantly less single-use waste is generated: Instead of taking several tampons for a long beach day and disposing of them, the menstrual sponge can be cleaned and reused – practical, discreet, and sustainable.
With tampons, it's different: The polyester retrieval string absorbs water. The absorbed chlorine or saltwater can irritate the intimate area and, in the worst case, promote infections or bladder infections.
Furthermore: The HERA sponge's string is significantly shorter and more discreet than a tampon string. It comes in the form of a retrieval tab, which makes it easy to remove the sponge. The retrieval tab remains discreetly in the body, is practically invisible under a bikini and underwear, and is securely fastened by its own clasp. If necessary, the tab can also be completely removed.
How do I plan a swimming trip with the menstrual sponge and use it correctly while swimming?
With the menstrual sponge, you can fully enjoy your day at the beach, lake, or public pool. It's best to insert a fresh sponge before you leave – regardless of whether you're going swimming right away or just relaxing on your towel, going for a walk, or wanting to eat something.
The sponge sits softly and discreetly in the body, adapts to your anatomy, and is barely noticeable when worn. Thanks to the integrated, discreet retrieval tab made of medical silicone, everything remains discreet even under a bikini or swimsuit.
For longer outings, it's recommended to take the HERA To-Go Case with you. In it, you can hygienically transport a spare sponge and be flexible on heavier days.
If there are closed showers or private changing rooms on site, you can easily change your sponge if needed. Particularly practical: The Travel Case not only holds the sponge and To-Go Case but also the HERA 2in1 Intimate & Sponge Soap. This way, you can quickly clean the sponge on the go and feel fresh at any time – ideal after swimming, sunbathing, or a long day at the beach.
You choose the appropriate sponge size depending on the heaviness of your period. HERA Organics offers sizes S, M, and L, based on common tampon sizes. This way, you'll find the size that suits your body and your flow.
Once inserted, the menstrual sponge can be worn for several hours, depending on the blood flow, and reliably accompanies you through beach days, pool visits, or relaxed hours at the lake.
How to clean your sponge and intimate area after swimming
During menstruation, the natural pH balance in the intimate area changes. The vaginal pH value is normally around 3.8 to 4.5, making it slightly acidic. Menstrual blood, on the other hand, has a significantly higher pH value of about 7.3 to 7.4, making it almost neutral. When blood comes into contact with the intimate area, the natural balance can temporarily change.
Especially on warm summer days, when sweat, moisture, bathwater, and long beach days are added, unpleasant odors can develop more quickly. Some women also notice an increased sensitivity to irritation during this time or simply want to maintain a particularly fresh feeling.
Our 2in1 Intimate & Sponge Soap was developed precisely for these situations. It is suitable for both gentle cleaning of the intimate area and for uncomplicated interim cleaning of your menstrual sponge.
Application is very simple: Moisten the sponge, rub it over the soap two to three times, rinse thoroughly – done. This allows the sponge to be cleaned and refreshed in a few seconds.
For on the go, the HERA To-Go Case is the ideal companion. In it, you can hygienically store a used sponge until you are back home. Important: The To-Go Case is for safe transport, not for long-term storage. As soon as you are home, you should remove the sponge, rinse it thoroughly, and let it air dry completely. This is the only way the natural material can dry optimally and be used hygienically for a long time.
For the best sponge care, we recommend always using two sponges alternately: While you wear a fresh sponge, the other can dry completely after cleaning. This way, you are always ready for the next beach day, the next pool visit, or a spontaneous jump into the water.
Why do we recommend the 2in1 Intimate & Sponge Soap after swimming?
Because it performs two tasks: it cleans your menstrual sponge and simultaneously cares for your intimate area. This is particularly practical after a day at the swimming pool, by the sea, or at the lake. Sweat, chlorine water, saltwater, and long hours in damp swimwear can additionally stress the intimate area and promote irritation, discomfort, and even bladder infections. Gentle cleaning afterwards ensures a pleasant feeling of freshness and helps remove residues of chlorine, salt, and sweat.
The HERA 2in1 Intimate & Sponge Soap contains nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile extract, and panthenol. They not only clean gently but also support a comfortable skin feeling and help prevent dryness and irritation.
The combination of Lactobacillus and inulin is particularly innovative. These ingredients represent a modern, microbiome-oriented care concept. Instead of cleansing the skin as intensely as possible, we rely on a formulation that supports the natural skin balance.
What many don't know: Our soap is not a classic soap at all. Instead, it is a so-called soap-free cleansing bar with mild sugar surfactants and a pH value of 4.5, tailored to the intimate area.
Classic soaps are created through a process called saponification. In this process, fats or oils react with an alkali solution. The result is soap molecules, which are often alkaline and often have a pH value between 8 and 10. Since the skin surface and especially the intimate area are naturally slightly acidic, such soaps can degrease the skin barrier more strongly and leave sensitive skin feeling dry or tight.
With its pH value of 4.5, the HERA 2in1 Intimate & Sponge Soap is aligned with the natural environment of the intimate area and is therefore particularly gentle for daily use. Thus, it not only ensures cleanliness but combines gentle cleansing with nourishing ingredients – specially developed for the needs of this particularly sensitive area.
→ Click here for HERA 2in1 Intimate & Sponge Soap
What should not be missing from your beach bag
Pack a fresh sponge for changing and our 2in1 Intimate & Sponge Soap directly. The soap comes with a compact aluminum travel case with a drainage grid – it stays dry, doesn't get soft, and fits in any toiletry bag or beach bag. Together with the foldable HERA To-Go Cup for sponge changes on the go, you have everything you need for a relaxed swimming summer.
Tip: In the HERA Organics Starter Set, you receive three menstrual sponges in the size of your choice, a practical To-Go Cup, our 2in1 Intimate & Sponge Soap, and cleaning tablets for intensive cleaning.
The cleaning tablets are ideal for thorough cleaning of the sponges before and after your period. For quick interim cleaning in everyday life, on the go, after swimming, or on long beach days, the 2in1 Intimate & Sponge Soap is the perfect addition. This way, you have everything you need for the hygienic care and cleaning of your menstrual sponges and your intimate area.
The foldable To-Go Cup is your ideal companion for on the go. It fits in any handbag and allows you to discreetly and hygienically store a used menstrual sponge until you can thoroughly clean it at home and let it air dry.
-> Click here for the HERA Starter Set
Conclusion: Your summer, your period
Swimming despite your period? Absolutely. Your period doesn't have to stop you from enjoying summer.
With the menstrual sponge, you can swim, dive, sunbathe, and move freely without constantly thinking about your period. The sponge sits softly and discreetly in the body, while the integrated retrieval tab made of medical silicone remains invisible – no string peeking out of your bikini, no constant checking after swimming.
Especially on long beach or swimming days, many women appreciate the uncomplicated application. Instead of packing several tampons or pads, you simply have a spare sponge with you. No single-use waste, no overflowing smelly trash cans in public toilets, and no cumbersome wrapping and disposing of hygiene products on the go.
Many women also know the problem with tampons in summer: The retrieval string can come into contact with urine when using the toilet and feel damp. Also, after prolonged swimming or many hours in the water, many choose to change their tampon to feel fresh and comfortable again. With the menstrual sponge, this issue is eliminated, as there is no long cotton string hanging outside the body that can soak up urine or pool water.
The sponge is particularly absorbent, securely holds the blood, and thus offers reliable protection – even when swimming, diving, or moving in the water. So you don't have to worry about leaks and can enjoy your swimming day completely relaxed. At the same time, the soft natural sponge is perceived by many as significantly more comfortable to wear than conventional menstrual products.
And because warmth, chlorinated water, and sweating can additionally strain the intimate area in summer, proper care afterward is just as important as the right menstrual product. The HERA 2in1 Intimate & Sponge Soap gently cleans both the sponge and the intimate area in one step, supports your natural microbiome, and helps prevent irritation, odors, and bladder infections.
This way, you are ready for long swimming days, spontaneous jumps into the water, and a relaxed summer – completely without restrictions, even during your period.
→ Click here for the HERA Organics online shop
FAQs
Can I go swimming with the menstrual sponge?
Yes. It sits discreetly, has no long string, and is perfect for bikinis and swimsuits. It is also very absorbent and securely holds your blood.
When should I not go swimming during my period?
If you have a fever, severe pain, infections, or unusual discharge, it's better to avoid swimming. If in doubt, ask your gynecologist.
What is the difference between the medical silicone retrieval cord and a tampon string?
The HERA sponge's retrieval cord is made of medical silicone and is water-repellent – it doesn't soak up water. A cotton tampon string absorbs chlorinated or saltwater, which can irritate the intimate area and promote infections.
Should I clean the sponge after swimming?
Yes – due to sweating, warmth, and general hygiene. Rub it over the 2in1 soap twice, rinse briefly – done.
Can I also use the 2in1 soap for my intimate area?
Yes, that's exactly what it's made for. It's pH-neutral (3.8–4.5), with panthenol, chamomile, and lactobacillus – gentle, laboratory-tested, and recommended by a gynecologist.
Is water alone enough after swimming?
Sometimes, but especially when it's warm, you're sweating, or if you're prone to bladder infections, the soap is the better and safer choice.
