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Is It Safe to Have Sex During Your Period?

During your reproductive years, you’ll get a menstrual period about once a month. Unless you’re especially squeamish, there’s no need to avoid sexual activity during your period. Though period sex can be a bit messy, it is safe. And, having sex when you’re menstruating can actually offer a few advantages, including relief from menstrual cramps.

What are the benefits?

Having sex during your period has a few upsides:

1. Relief from cramps

Orgasms may relieve menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps are a result of your uterus contracting to release its lining. When you have an orgasm, the muscles of your uterus also contract. Then they release it. That release should bring some relief from period cramps.

Sex also triggers the release of chemicals called endorphins, which make you feel good. Plus, engaging in sexual activity occupies your mind, which may help take it off your menstrual discomfort.

2. Shorter periods

Having sex may make your periods shorter. Muscle contractions during an orgasm push out the uterine contents faster. That could result in shorter periods.

3. Increased sex drive

Your libido changes throughout your menstrual cycle, thanks to hormonal fluctuations. While many women say their sex drive increases during ovaulation, which is about two weeks before your period, others report feeling more turned on during their period.

4. Natural lubrication

You can put away the KY during your period. Blood acts as a natural lubricant.

5. It might relieve your headache

Although most women with menstrual migraines avoid sex during their attacks, many of those who do have sex say it partially or completely relieves their headaches.

Possible side effects of having sex during your period

The biggest downside to having sex during your period is the mess. Blood can get on you, your partner, and the sheets, especially if you have a heavy flow. Aside from dirtying the bed, bleeding may make you feel self-conscious. Anxiety over making a mess can take some or all of the fun out of sex.

Another worry about having sex during your period is the risk of passing on a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like HIV or Hepatitis.

If you plan to have sex during your period and you’re wearing a tampon, you need to remove it beforehand. A forgotten tampon can get pushed so far up into your vagina during sex that you’ll need to see a doctor to have it removed.

Tips on having sex during your period

Here are a few tips to make period sex a more comfortable and less messy experience:

• Be open and honest with your partner. Tell them how you feel about having sex during your period, and ask how they feel about it. If either of you is hesitant, talk about the reasons behind the discomfort.
• If you have a tampon in, remove it before you start fooling around.
• Spread a dark-colored towel on the bed to catch any blood leaks. Or, have sex in the shower or bath to avoid the mess entirely.
• Keep a wet washcloth or wet wipes by the bed to clean up afterward.
• Have your partner wear a latex condom. It will protect against pregnancy and STIs.
• If your usual sexual position is uncomfortable, try something different. For example, you may want to try lying on your side with your partner behind you.

Takeaway

Don’t let your period put a halt to your sex life. If you do a little prep work, sex can be just as enjoyable during those five or so days as it is the rest of the month. You might be surprised to find that sex is even more exciting during your period.

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