Dive Health & Safety
Diving on your period, on the pill and while breastfeeding
Generally, diving while menstruating does not seem to be a problem, according to Divers Alert Network. A review of women divers with decompression illness found more than expected were menstruating, but that doesn't prove a link — DAN suggests women may choose to dive more conservatively then. There's no evidence the pill increases decompression risk, and breastfeeding is not a reason to avoid diving.
By 71 Guardians · Published 19 Oct 2026
Is it safe to dive on your period?
DAN says it generally doesn't seem to be a problem unless symptoms affect your health. In a retrospective review of 956 women divers with decompression illness, 38% were menstruating at the time — a correlation, not proof. Some women choose fewer, shorter, shallower dives and longer safety stops during their period.
Does the contraceptive pill increase risk?
DAN says no research has found evidence that oral contraceptives raise susceptibility to decompression sickness, and there's no data showing they're a reason not to dive.
Can I dive while breastfeeding?
DAN says there's no reason to avoid diving, provided there's no breast infection or inflammation.
What about pregnancy?
Diving medicine advises against diving while pregnant — see Can you scuba dive while pregnant?
Frequently asked questions
Do sharks smell period blood?
DAN's women's-health guidance doesn't address this; it isn't a reason given by DAN for avoiding diving.
Should I dive more conservatively on my period?
DAN suggests some women may want to — fewer, shorter, shallower dives and longer safety stops.
Questions before you dive with us?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we're divers in Hurghada and happy to help.
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- Women's Health and Diving — Divers Alert Network (DAN)