Hey Pandas, AITA For Ignoring My Swim Coach’s Advice On Tampons And Choosing What Works For Me?

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I (17 F) don’t wear tampons. I find them uncomfortable and unsafe, as my personal opinion

Image credits: Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition (not the actual photo)

I’m also on a high school swim team. I had a swim meet the other day, not a very important one, but still mandated to go to.

I have a swimsuit that was designed to be able to swim when you’re on your period, which I was

Hey Pandas, AITA For Ignoring My Swim Coach’s Advice On Tampons And Choosing What Works For Me?

Image credits: margot pandone (not the actual photo)

Unfortunately my coach (42 M) requires matching swimsuits for the girls on the team, and my special suit isn’t the right color

Hey Pandas, AITA For Ignoring My Swim Coach’s Advice On Tampons And Choosing What Works For Me?

Image credits: cottonbro studio (not the actual photo)

My coach proceeded to make me explain why I won’t change, and then told me that as I’m old enough I should be wearing tampons!?
He then didn’t let me participate in the meet and is considering removing me from the team for a month!? AITA?

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What do you think ?

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H Enry 5 months ago

This is a team sport and you're refusing to wear the uniform. I don't understand why you didn't make arrengements to have a team uniform that's made to be safe with pad wearers? The couch should have spoken to you with more care but you are in a team sport and are required to wear a uniform. You can't just show up in something different because you didn't plan ahead and hoped to get preferential treatment instead of planning ahead.

52points

Noel Bovae 5 months ago

Well said. If this was gym class (aka something that's forced,) I'd agree with the student 1,000,000%. But the student joined and continued to stay on the swim team knowing the requirements. Due to several medical issues, I only wear tampons for the last few days of my period, and only briefly when I have to leave the house. Knowing this, I would never purposely sign myself up for something that pretty much forced me to wear one for long stretches or for the first few days, even if that meant missing out on something I enjoy. Kid needs to understand that actions have consequences. Don't wear the uniform, don't get to be part of the team. 🤷‍♀️

26points

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Stephanie Did It 5 months ago

With all consideration of a woman's right to handle her cycle aside, I'm thinking that the most basic issue here is that the coach doesn't want the pool water contaminated with menstrual fluid. A garment that allows for a pad to be worn is fine, out of the water, but once it is submerged anything the pad has absorbed is released into the water. The issue here isn't matching uniforms; it is keeping the water clean and safe. If you're a woman on a swim team and you're serious about it, then you'll do what is necessary to participate even if that means wearing a tampon. It's a minor inconvenience and won't hurt you.

23points