Of course, there is no problem at all for women that want to dive, but it is logical, due to their nature condition, that some questions arise.
There are two aspects of women physiology that could also affect their diving experiences or their bodies: menstruation and pregnancy.
A relevant aspect to be considered about it is pregnancy.
No doctor recommends diving while pregnant as the amount of nitrogen in the blood can affect the fetus (that will receive less supply of oxygen); however, we have to say that there are no proper studies in the area and no one really knows all the implications and consequences.
But to play in the safe side it is advisable not to dive further than the 4th week of pregnancy.
The other concern women are worried with is that diving during menstruation can be dangerous.
They address two questions here: is it safe to dive in waters populated by sharks? and how can a tampon affect the diving? About the first one, we have to say that the amount of blood that can be in the water will be really small and composed in its greater part by dead cells.
Sharks are attracted mainly to fresh blood so there's none or little change that a menstruating woman will have a problem about it.
Indeed, regarding sharks, shiny jewelry and fashionable suits with contrasting colors (something that most women love, including me) can be much more dangerous.
Such a things can be taken as fish scales by sharks and then they may attack a diver on its own or in a small group.
Anyway, if you are really worry about this, scuba dry suits can protect you from this as they keep you isolated from water.
Over the second concern, there is no evidence that tampons will cause any effects due to the increasing pressure while diving: as the vagina is not a closed space, it is not affected by Boyle's law.
Although, what it is important to take into consideration when diving during menstruation, is that there is a higher risk of dehydration which makes it necessary to drink bigger amounts of water to prevent it.
A heavy flow or anemia are circumstances that reduce already the circulation of Oxygen in the blood, so if you have a heavy flow and or anemia, you may want to wait till it's over for diving.
There are two aspects of women physiology that could also affect their diving experiences or their bodies: menstruation and pregnancy.
A relevant aspect to be considered about it is pregnancy.
No doctor recommends diving while pregnant as the amount of nitrogen in the blood can affect the fetus (that will receive less supply of oxygen); however, we have to say that there are no proper studies in the area and no one really knows all the implications and consequences.
But to play in the safe side it is advisable not to dive further than the 4th week of pregnancy.
The other concern women are worried with is that diving during menstruation can be dangerous.
They address two questions here: is it safe to dive in waters populated by sharks? and how can a tampon affect the diving? About the first one, we have to say that the amount of blood that can be in the water will be really small and composed in its greater part by dead cells.
Sharks are attracted mainly to fresh blood so there's none or little change that a menstruating woman will have a problem about it.
Indeed, regarding sharks, shiny jewelry and fashionable suits with contrasting colors (something that most women love, including me) can be much more dangerous.
Such a things can be taken as fish scales by sharks and then they may attack a diver on its own or in a small group.
Anyway, if you are really worry about this, scuba dry suits can protect you from this as they keep you isolated from water.
Over the second concern, there is no evidence that tampons will cause any effects due to the increasing pressure while diving: as the vagina is not a closed space, it is not affected by Boyle's law.
Although, what it is important to take into consideration when diving during menstruation, is that there is a higher risk of dehydration which makes it necessary to drink bigger amounts of water to prevent it.
A heavy flow or anemia are circumstances that reduce already the circulation of Oxygen in the blood, so if you have a heavy flow and or anemia, you may want to wait till it's over for diving.
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