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Problems associated with scuba diving are not evenly distributed across a menstrual cycle.
M St Leger Dowse1, A Gunby, D Phil
1Diving Diseases Research Centre (DDRC), Plymouth, UK. mstld@eurobell.co.uk
Summary
Female scuba divers may experience more problems during dives at certain points in their menstrual cycle. This prospective study observed 533 women, finding a significant correlation between dive issues and cycle phase.
Area of Science:
- Diving Medicine
- Women's Health
- Physiology
Background:
- Scuba diving incidents may be linked to physiological factors.
- Previous evidence suggests a potential connection between the menstrual cycle and decompression illness (DCI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between reported problems during diving (RPDD) and the menstrual cycle phase in female recreational scuba divers.
- To determine if dive-related issues are evenly distributed across the menstrual cycle.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving 533 female recreational scuba divers.
- Data collected via diaries over at least 6 months, recording 34,625 dives across 11,461 menstrual cycles.
- Logistic regression analysis used to assess the interaction between RPDD and menstrual cycle position.
Main Results:
- A significant non-linear relationship was found between the menstrual cycle phase and RPDD (p = 0.004).
- RPDD rates per 1,000 dives varied significantly across the cycle, with higher rates at the start and end compared to week 3.
- 65% of women reported at least one RPDD during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Field data suggest a possible correlation between the incidence of reported problems during diving and the position within the menstrual cycle.
- These findings highlight a potential physiological influence on scuba diving safety for women.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms behind this observed correlation.