Mainers Wonder: Does Swimming on Your Period Attract Sharks?

Yes, this is a question that most of us ladies have asked a time or two (or seven) in our lives.

Currently, we are seeing a crazy increase of shark sightings getting a little too close for comfort on the coast of Maine.

These sharks are getting as close as Crescent Beach, as per WGME. It's definitely nerve-wracking.

As a result, many of us beachgoers are changing or altering our swimming activities this summer, based on the sharks.

None of us want a Jaws reenactment to ensue, so we're making sure we have all of the facts.

For us Maine women, we wonder about when we are surfing the crimson wave. When we're on our periods, can we swim safely, or should we avoid the ocean altogether?

For ages, there's been a myth that if we swim while bleeding, a shark will come and eat us.

Does being on our period attract sharks in Maine waters?

According to the Florida Museum,

Menstrual blood in the water could be detected by a shark, just like any urine or other bodily fluids. However, there is no positive evidence that menstruation is a factor in shark bites.

Did you know that 80% of people who are bitten by a shark, are men, according to the article?

However, there is no proof that being on your period would pull in a shark.

It seems like any type of fluid released by your body would attract sharks, as they can detect even the slightest scent. So yeah, that's a big 'yes' to me, because your menstrual blood is a fluid and could be smelt by the shark.

In my opinion, I would be a lot more comfortable propped up on the beach if I had my period, just to be safe!