Home » Pole Dancing Tips » Pole Dancing during your Period: Yes or No?

Pole Dancing during your Period: Yes or No?

Pole dancing during your period

Last Updated on December 11, 2022

This article may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I may earn a commission if you use one of these links to make a purchase. Read the full disclosure.

Many women are concerned about pole dancing while on their period, or they feel uncomfortable about it. It is perfectly OK to perform pole dancing during your period, so let’s set the record straight on that before going any further! 

Women have legitimate concerns about doing an activity like pole dancing during their periods, such as ‘backward’ bleeding (retrograde bleeding), cramps, bloating and the physical effects of wearing sanitary products. Let’s address these concerns and provide some facts about pole dancing, and working out in general during your period.

This article discusses women’s periods. If that makes you uncomfortable in any way – then read no further! Also, this article is not medical advice. Consult a medical professional if you have specific concerns about pole dancing during your period.

We will explain the reasons behind why women feel this way about Pole dancing during their ‘time of the month’ and bust several myths surrounding exercise while on your period.

You will learn:

  1. Common misconceptions about exercising during your period
  2. How to make working out or pole dancing during your period more comfortable
  3. What strippers do at work while their on their period
  4. Which sanitary products are suitable for use with pole dancing
  5. Information about inversions (going upside down) during your period

First Of All – Periods Are NOT Dirty or Unhygeinic

Let’s preface this entire article with the fact that menstrual blood is not dirty, gross or unhygienic.

Menstruation is a natural and healthy process that occurs in the reproductive system of women and people with menstrual cycles. It is not dirty or unhygienic, and does not pose any health risks or concerns.

During menstruation, the body sheds the lining of the uterus, which is a normal and necessary process to prepare for potential pregnancy.

This shedding of the uterine lining is typically accompanied by bleeding, which again is completely normal and healthy.

Menstrual blood is a natural and healthy bodily fluid, and does not pose any health risks or concerns. It is not dirty or unhygienic, and does not require any special treatment or cleaning.

Is it safe to be Pole Dancing during your Period?

Absolutely. It is completely safe to pole dance during your period. You may not feel like working out if you’re feeling bloated and suffering from cramps, but it’s perfectly safe to do so.

All women experience menstrual symptoms in a different way and no one knows your own body better than you do.

Going Upside Down or Inverting During Your Period

There is a widespread myth that performing inversions while on your period causes your blood to ‘go backward’. This isn’t strictly true, it’s the same as being asleep, you will still bleed normally.

So many yoga teachers perpetuate this myth, making thousands of women want to avoid exercise all together while on their period. It’s perfectly healthy to perform inversions, but it’s entirely up to you.

No doubt it was a man who started the myth about going upside down while on your period anyway!

See also: The physics behind pole dancing

Want to become an amazing pole dancer?

Access to more than 450 high-quality video lessons with the lifetime access option
Excellent value for money when compared to the price of local pole dancing classes
Suitable for beginner, intermediate, advanced & expert pole dancers

***GET 10% OFF OPEN DANCE ACADEMY***

Use the code polefitfreedom to get 10% off Pole Dancing Lessons with Open Dance Academy. This is an exclusive offer for readers of this blog!

Pole Dancing While Wearing A Tampon

If you choose to wear a tampon when pole dancing, it is important to make sure that it is properly inserted and securely in place before you start spinning and climbing.

This will help to prevent any leaks or accidents, and allow you to focus on your dancing without worrying about your tampon.

It is also important to choose a high-quality, absorbent tampon that is suitable for your flow and activity level. This will ensure that you stay comfortable and protected throughout your pole dancing session, and allow you to perform at your best.

Overall, whether or not to wear a tampon when pole dancing is a personal decision that depends on your comfort and preferences. If you choose to wear a tampon, make sure it is properly inserted and choose a high-quality, absorbent product that is suitable for your flow and activity level.

Pole Dancing While Wearing A Menstrual Pad

It’s perfectly hygienic to wear a menstrual pad when pole dancing on your period. However, many people are still embarrassed about the potential for leaking and/or the wings of the pad being on display.

Many pole dancers avoid wearing pads for this reason. They’re also quite bulky and highly visible through your teeny-tiny pole shorts!

Pole Dancing & Wearing A Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups have become very popular in recent years. The thing is about Pole dancing with a Menstrual Cup such as a Moon Cup or Diva Cup is the movement of spinning, climbing and inversions may make the cup move.

Wearing a menstrual cup does take some getting used to if you live an active life.

Lena Menstrual Cup | Reusable Menstrual Cup | Tampons, Feminine

If you use a Menstrual Cup and you’re used to it, then you may be comfortable dancing and spinning around the pole with the cup in place.

Pole Dancing & Period Panties

Period panties are relatively new form of period product. They’re actually more like bikini bottoms or swimwear than regular panties.

These new period panties have a very tight fit around your inner thigh (this is to prevent leaks) which actually makes them perfect for wearing to pole dance class.

Hanes Women's Fresh & Dry Light and Moderate Period 3-Pack

Pole fitness clothing usually involves very tight shorts (that are almost panties anyway) so it’s natural that many pole dancers choose period panties as their go-to period product for pole dancing.

What do Strippers Do During Their Periods?

Not many strippers can afford to take a whole week off during their period, so they have to think of something to make it possible to still work, without clients knowing any different!

From a recent thread on Reddit about this very subject, many strippers admitted to cutting tampon strings short or tucking the string up inside, making customers in the club oblivious to their menstruation!

Some strippers choose to wear a moon cup or diva cup, but these are fairly restrictive for performing pole dancing tricks as explained above.

Hormonal Birth Control

There’s also the option of hormonal birth control, which can, in some cases, stop your periods altogether. However, hormonal birth control has many side effects that can affect people in different ways.

For example, the depo shot can stop some women’s periods totally, for others (like me) it has the opposite effect.

Some women also gain weight or have other issues when on hormonal birth control. Speak to your doctor if this is a concern for you.

Dealing with Menstrual Cramps

Cramps are the worst part of trying to workout on your period. Some people are able to power through it – if that’s you, then congratulations!

Cramps can be the ultimate workout killer.

As a pole dancer, try to alleviate your cramps to avoid losing momentum along your pole fitness journey. Here are some tips that may provide some form of relief for your cramps:

Apply heat to your abdomen

This can help to relax the muscles in your uterus and reduce cramping. You can use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or a warm compress.

Workout Often

Regular physical activity can help to reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or swimming, on most days of the week.

Avoid Triggers That Make Cramps Worse

Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. These substances can make menstrual cramps worse.

Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase blood flow to the uterus, causing painful cramps. Alcohol also increases blood flow to the uterus, making it more sensitive to pain.

Smoking makes the uterine muscle contract more forcefully and more often than normal.

Try Some Relaxation Techniques or Meditation

Deep breathing, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can help to reduce stress and ease menstrual cramps.

Meditation apps like Headspace can be helpful because they give specific instructions on how to practice meditation in a way that works best for you. You can also try guided imagery exercises or positive affirmations (saying things like “I am calm” out loud).

Painkillers or Medication

Try over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. These can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Always follow the directions on the packet to ensure you’re taking the correct dosage.

Take a Hot Bath

Taking a hot bath during your period can help to relieve period cramps. It’s also a great way to practise self-care during the week of your period.

Your bath time can double-up as time to meditate and reflect.

A hot bath helps to relax the muscles and relieve pain. It may also reduce bloating, which can cause discomfort and even more menstrual pain.

You can also add some bubbles to your bath for an extra relaxing experience! Make sure your water is not too hot. If it is too hot, you could burn yourself or even pass out from the heat.

Speak To Your Doctor

If your menstrual cramps are severe or persist despite trying these self-care measures, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend other treatments, such as prescription pain medications or hormonal birth control, to help manage your symptoms.

Better Understand Your Menstrual Cycle

I’ll be honest – I didn’t fully understand my own menstrual cycle until I have 31 years old. I read a book called Period Power by Maisie Hill that just unlocked a whole load of knowledge about hormones that I had NO idea about.

Period Power: Harness Your Hormones and Get Your Cycle Working

Reading this book cover-to-cover made me think about pole dancing and periods and hormones. It made me wonder how we can harness the power of our cycles to become better pole dancers.

Week 1: Winter (Your Period)

During menstruation, the body sheds the lining of the uterus, or womb.

The menstrual blood, which is made up of tissue and blood, flows out of the uterus and through the cervix and vagina. Some women may experience cramps, bloating, and other symptoms during this time.

If you suffer with cramps, you may need to apply heat, rest and drink extra water during week 1 of your cycle.

Week 2: Spring (The Follicular Phase)

During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, the body begins to prepare for ovulation. The follicular phase typically starts on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation.

During this time, the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone are low. The pituitary gland, which is located in the brain, releases a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

This is my favorite season in my cycle, as I feel so energetic and ready for anything. To make use of this, I increase my pole dancing workouts during the “Spring” season of my cycle.

Week 3: Summer (Ovulation)

During ovulation, the body releases an egg from one of the ovaries. This usually occurs about midway through the menstrual cycle, or about 14 days after the start of the last menstrual period.

Ovulation is triggered by a surge in the hormone luteinizing hormone (LH), which is produced by the pituitary gland.

This week is when your hormone levels are at their absolute highest, so as a pole dancer you can take advantage of that by safely pushing your body that little bit further.

Week 4: Fall (The Luteal Phase)

This is when your body is preparing for menstruation. This is the worst week of the cycle for me as the PMS symptoms start to show.

It’s common to feel down, tired, irritable and a bit like a couch potato during this time.

As a pole dancer, when you’re aware of this, you can start to plan your workouts accordingly and adjust your diet to give yourself more foods rich in iron, vitamins and minerals. You also need to find a way to ensure that you stay motivated to stay on top of your workout routines.

Ultimate Tips for Pole Dancing On Your Period

  1. Don’t be afraid of inversions and spins – remember that “backward bleeding” is a myth. You won’t affect the flow of blood by inverting during your period
  2. Wear two forms of period protection, e.g. a tampon and period panties to avoid the risk of leakage
  3. Take care of yourself, rest and maintain a healthy diet. Your body needs TLC during your period! Don’t neglect this!

Pole Dancing on Your Period: Conclusion

Pole dancing is a great way to stay active and boost your mood during a time when you might be feeling bloated and uncomfortable.

Plus, it can be a great way to connect with your body and celebrate your femininity. So don’t be afraid to give it a try – you might just find that it’s the perfect way to help you feel like your best self during your period.

Further Reading

If you enjoyed this post, then you’ll also enjoy these:


Pin this Post

Use this image to pin this post to your Pinterest Boards:

Pole dancing during your period
Pole dancing during your period


This post contains affiliate links. That means that, at no extra cost to you, we may receive a small commission if you buy a product using one of the links on this page. Read our full disclosure here.

1 thought on “Pole Dancing during your Period: Yes or No?”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pole Dance Silhouette

Get Pole Dancing Tips Sent to Your Inbox

Join our mailing list to be the first to know about the latest pole dancing news and products.

We only include the best content for subscribers (includes marketing related to pole fitness)

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Scroll to Top