Is it safe to have sex during your period?
Yes! It is generally safe to have sex during menstruation. Penetrative sex will not disrupt your menstruation and can even make the shedding process more efficient by working the uterine muscles.
Still, it’s important to have protected sex using a condom to prevent the transmission of STIs or an unwanted pregnancy. There is an increased risk of the transmission of STIs when you’re on your period as the STIs can be transferred through blood. As long as you use protection, this risk will be reasonably mitigated.
Benefits of having sex during menstruation
Having sex and getting an orgasm can improve your mood by releasing a set of feel-good hormones including endorphins, oxytocin, and dopamine. These can help counteract any mood swings you may face during your periods.
Physiological factors aside, the vulnerability of having sex while bleeding can enhance feelings of trust and openness with your partner.
Having an orgasm can help relieve menstrual cramps. This is because your uterine muscles, which contract to shed the uterine lining, also contract and release during an orgasm.
Both the release of endorphins and the activity of the uterine muscles contribute to less pain. Additionally, sex can momentarily take your mind off of the discomforts you feel during your periods.
Also read - Does sex affect menstrual cycle?
Sexual activity causes your uterus to have more muscle contractions, and this can make it more effective in pushing out uterine contents and menstrual discharge.
So your periods may get shorter as your uterine lining is discarded faster.
Your sex drive is regulated by the hormonal changes that occur throughout your menstrual cycle. While most women report an increase in their sex drives during ovulation, it is possible to feel more turned on during menstruation.
This can occur because of the increased sensitivity of your genitalia during menstruation which can prompt feelings of sexual arousal.
Your menstrual blood acts as a natural lubricant for sex and can help reduce friction during penetrative sex. However, if you use tampons, your vagina may be drier than usual as tampons also soak your natural lubrication. You can still opt for a water-based lubricant to reduce friction during sex.
Potential downsides while having sex during periods
Having sex when on your period requires some planning and may not be as spontaneous as other sexual encounters. It’s likely that you’ll get blood on yourself, your partner and the bedsheets, especially if you have a heavy flow. You can use a dark-coloured towel on the sheets to absorb the blood and protect your sheets from stains.
If your bleeding or the thought of making a mess makes you feel insecure or anxious, you might not enjoy sex while on your period.
Also read - Can being sexually active make your period early?
If you’re infected with an STI, you could spread it to your partner through your menstrual blood. This is why it’s always recommended to use a condom. HIV, Hepatitis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Trichomoniasis are some common STIs that can be transmitted through contact with infected menstrual blood.
Changes in your vaginal flora during menstruation also make you more susceptible to developing yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
Hygiene during period sex
Using either a female or male condom during penetrative sex protects you from spreading an STI and prevents you from getting pregnant.
If you use a tampon or a menstrual cup, don’t forget to remove it before engaging in sex. If it gets pushed up higher into your vaginal canal, you’ll need to visit a doctor to get it removed.
You can either use a towel on the bed sheets or have sex in the shower to prevent messy situations.
Opt for comfortable positions that won’t strain your body. You can lie on your back or side or use the missionary position.
Communicating with your partner
It’s important to talk to your partner about the idea of having sex during your periods. Some people may opt to stay away from blood, some may be neutral and others may even have fetishes of period blood.
Open communication with your partner can help prevent any unwanted embarrassment. If both of you are open to the idea, you can plan on the protection you use and how you’ll clean up.
You can also be open about what you might like or dislike, especially when on your period. Some areas of your body may be more sensitive and some positions may not feel accessible. Your partner may also feel more confident knowing how to please you during this time.
Myths and misconceptions of having sex during periods
Myth: Sex during periods is unsafe
Truth: It is generally safe to have sex even when menstruating as penetration will not interfere with your blood flow or the breakdown of your uterine lining. It actually offers many benefits that can make your period more efficient.
Myth: Sex makes menstrual cramps worse
Truth: The uterine muscle contractions you experience from having an orgasm can help relieve menstrual cramps as it prompts the uterus to contract and relax.
Myth: You cannot get pregnant during menstruation
Truth: While rare, it is possible to get pregnant if you have sex on your period. This would depend on when along your period you have sex, and how long it takes you to ovulate after that. Keep in mind that sperm can live in your body for up to 7 days.
If you have sex on the later days of your period and you ovulate within that 7-day span, you can end up getting pregnant. The length of your periods is also subject to change due to lifestyle changes, so even if you have a longer menstrual cycle, there is a chance it could be reduced. Always use a condom no matter where you are in your cycle to prevent getting pregnant.
Also read - Can you get pregnant before your period?
Alternatives to penetrative sex during periods
Menstruating or not, having sex doesn’t have to be limited to penetration. If you feel like experimenting with some other ways of having sex during your periods, here are some ideas to consider:
- Making Out
- Partner Massages
- Anal Sex
- Mutual Masturbation
If satisfaction and reaching an orgasm are your priorities for sex, alternative ways of stimulation may help you and your partner get aroused without the risks of intercourse.
Conclusion
While it’s established that it is safe to have sex when on your period, it is completely your choice whether you want to turn the heat up or wind down in bed.
Your body needs the resources and rest it can get during menstruation. You may feel tired and not get easily turned on when on your period and that’s okay too. Our bodies follow their own natural cycles and the time for sex will come again. It’s important to prioritize what your body needs in this sensitive time, and sex may or may not be one of those needs.
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