"Swimming in polluted water can increase the risk of experiencing skin irritation and getting a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)," points out Dr O'Neill. "Wearing a wet bathing suit for a long time after you are done with your swim can also increase the likelihood of irritation and infection, however these risks are not exclusive to when you are on your period."
She adds: "It is always recommended to have a shower and change into clean, dry clothes after you have been swimming to prevent the above from happening."
The most common complaints from swimming in contaminated water often include skin infections and stomach illnesses (if you swallow the water).
In some cases, the chlorine in swimming pools can irritate the vulva and vagina, which can leave you at risk of developing a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis (BV).
If this happens, don’t panic, just have a shower immediately after swimming in chlorinated pools, and don’t sit around in your wet swimwear.
"If you have any unusual itching, burning or discharge that persists after your swim, consider speaking with your doctor," reminds Dr O'Neill.
Is it as much of a no-go as we've always assumed?
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