You might believe that cancelling arrangements would be a good bet. After all, what’s the point in going to the beach if you’re not going to go into the sea?
You are not the first person to wonder about this subject, and you most surely won’t be the last.
The conventional wisdom holds that swimming in the ocean while on your period will draw sharks. Sharks are drawn to blood after all, right?
They might be drawn to period blood as well. Could sharks be attracted to our monthly cycle in the same way that bears are?
In this article, we will look into the rumor of sharks being attracted to periods, and whether it really is safe to swim in the ocean if you are menstruating.
So, let’s get into it.
Can A Person Swim In The Ocean While On Their Period?
Most people believe that sharks become tremendously hungry and unable to control themselves as soon as they detect even the slightest hint of blood.
They then proceed to devour any wildlife that comes into their path.
You might be relieved to learn that sharks typically prefer the blood of marine animals.
Not that they wouldn’t be interested in human blood, but generally speaking, they are not actively looking for it.
Additionally, period blood will only leave a tiny amount of residue if it gets into the water.
There won’t be as much blood as if someone had cut their finger and placed it underwater.
What Is Period Blood Made Up Of?
The majority of us are mistaken when we say that our period flow is only blood.
Blood, vaginal fluid, and cells that have been lost from the wall of the uterus are the three primary fluids that make up your period every month.
Since only around 50% of your period flow is blood, sharks would be unlikely to be attracted to you even if they were attracted to the smell of a period.
There isn’t a lot of blood in a period.
Furthermore, your period flow is far less often than you realize! Every time, a person will typically shed three teaspoons of menstrual blood.
Typically, even a heavy period only yields approximately four tablespoons.
Is Swimming On Your Period Worth The Risk?
Overall, your period will not likely attract a shark.
It is so unlikely that a shark will be attracted to you because you are on your period.
As we said, since only a small, small amount of blood is in your menstruation, a shark probably wouldn’t even be able to detect it.
Even if it did, it wouldn’t be enough blood to make the attack worthwhile.
So, yes, we would say that swimming on your period is perfectly safe.
Or, at least, just as safe as it would be if you were to swim in the ocean when you weren’t on your period!
Male Vs. Female: Statistics Of Shark Bites
Some people might find it shocking that, actually, more males than women get bitten by sharks.
Eight men are bitten for every two women who get bit. Amazingly, this indicates that men account for a stunning 80% of people who have ever had a shark bite.
This does not, however, imply that sharks prefer to bite men. Since guys are more likely to be with sharks in general, more men have been bitten by them.
This is why the statistics look this way, and there is a higher percentage of males who get bitten.
However, it seems like these days, more and more ladies are getting bit. This is probably because more women are participating in water sports today.
Furthermore, the number of attacks has not increased recently.
How To Reduce The Risk Of Being Bitten By A Shark?
Everybody is equally at danger of getting bit by a shark, including menstruating ladies.
Many women, as well as everyone else, can safely swim when they’re menstruation. The likelihood of being bitten by a shark is extremely unlikely—1 in 3,748,067.
However, the likelihood of a shark attack is never zero percent if you are swimming very far out into the ocean.
You can reduce your chance of getting bitten by a shark in a few different ways. Of course, the best method is to remain on land or in the shallower portions of the ocean.
If a shark attack does occur while you are already in the ocean, here are some defense strategies for you to remember:
Only swim while it is light out! Avoid swimming in the ocean during the night, or even later in the evenings, or early in the morning.
Don’t wear jewelry; not only could you lose it in the ocean, but sharks have been known to be attracted to shiny objects.
Avoid swimming alone. Always swim in a group, as there is safety in numbers.
Try not to splash too much, as splashing may attract a shark, or another predator.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it is completely safe for someone to swim in the ocean while they are on their period.
The actual blood content of a period is very small, so a shark would be unlikely to be attracted to it.
So, don’t let your shedding uterus stop you from living your best life. Go swim in that ocean, and be carefree! We hope you found this article helpful.
If you’ve never dived with sharks before, then we urge you to try it. My name is Mikayla Adams and I have swum with sharks six times so far.
The beauty of sharks up close and personal is too precious to put into words - there’s nothing like it that I’ve ever experienced. Not only that, but to be in close proximity to one of the ocean’s most ferocious predators is such a thrill!
