According to Tencent Sports, on August 2nd, Beijing time, Zhao Jing won gold in the women's 50m backstroke at the 2013 World Swimming Championships with a time of 27.29 seconds. At the time of the competition, Zhao Jing was menstruating and experiencing discomfort; her victory under these circumstances still garnered much praise. However, swimming during menstruation is a special case for athletes like Zhao Jing, and for most women, it is best to avoid swimming or taking a bath during menstruation.
Swimming during menstruation has many disadvantages.
From a physiological perspective, women's reproductive organs are quite unique. The internal reproductive organs are exposed to the outside world through the vagina, making them more susceptible to pathogens. During menstruation, the uterine lining sheds, creating wounds, and the cervix is open, making it easily susceptible to bacterial infection. When swimming, bacteria enter the vagina with the water. Pool water can even accumulate in the vaginal fornix, providing ideal conditions for reproduction and increasing the risk of infection for women. If the bacterial infection ascends to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and abdominal cavity, it can easily cause inflammation.

Furthermore, the low water temperature in swimming pools is not conducive to menstrual health. During menstruation, a woman's resistance is already lowered, making her more susceptible to colds. At the same time, the stimulation of cold water on the skin, especially the abdominal skin, can cause the constriction of small blood vessels in the abdominal organs, particularly the pelvic organs, reducing menstrual flow. If menstrual blood cannot be discharged smoothly, it can cause dysmenorrhea or other gynecological diseases.
The 50-meter backstroke for women is a short-distance, strenuous activity, which is even more detrimental to the body. Clinically, it has been found that strenuous exercise during menstruation can potentially cause endometriosis, and doctors often advise against strenuous exercise during menstruation.
Swimming during Zhao Jing's menstrual period is a special case. The sports medicine community, both domestically and internationally, has conducted extensive research on swimmers' training during menstruation. Many believe that by using a special device inserted into the vaginal opening to isolate the vagina from the outside world, athletes can participate in swimming training and competitions during their menstrual period. However, for the average person, it is not recommended to attempt this lightly. Swimming or taking a bath during menstruation is best avoided. If menstruation coincides with other activities, it is advisable to consult a doctor for medication to delay menstruation.
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