Being on your period doesn’t mean you need to put a pause on having sex. Sure, it may be messier, but with a bit of communication and planning, it can be a pleasurable experience for both you and your partner.
A survey conducted by INTIMINA found that out of 500 women aged between 18 and 50, a whopping 82% of them have sex during their period. And yet, for so many others, this remains taboo. In talking to 2000 people, this survey found that almost half of the adults would never even consider getting it on during menstruation.
No matter where you stand on this topic, we’re here to help break the myths surrounding period sex and talk about the benefits it can offer.
Is It Safe to Have Sex on Your Period?
Yes, medically speaking, it is safe to have sex on your period if both partners want to. Even though period blood might get in the way if you fool around when your flow is heavy, there likely isn’t going to be blood everywhere. Moreover, engaging in sexual activity when your period is waning might mean that you won’t have to deal with much blood at all.
If you want to enjoy having your partner go down on you, that’s completely okay and safe, too. To avoid dealing with any blood, you can leave your tampon or menstrual cup inside. It’s worth noting that you shouldn’t leave any period products inside when having vaginal sex, as they can get pushed deeper inside, causing discomfort. In some cases, they may even get stuck.
Period blood also isn’t unhygienic, won’t harm you or your partner, and won’t trigger a heavier flow or more painful cramps. But, period sex does make it slightly easier to get sexually transmitted infections (STIs) since they’re carried through bodily fluids, including blood (yes, even menstrual blood). When you’re on your period, your cervix also opens slightly, making it easier for viruses and bacteria to travel through. So, you should always use barrier contraceptives against STIs during period sex.
Another big myth is that you can't get pregnant during period sex. While it’s less likely, you can get pregnant even when you’re menstruating, especially if you have shorter cycles, since sperm can stay alive in your body for 7 days. Unless you’re actively trying to get pregnant, that’s another reason to use protection during period sex.
It's totally understandable if some of the less desirable side effects of menstruation, such as cramps, bloating and PMS, to name a few, make you feel like passing on sex. But period sex might actually help alleviate some of these very symptoms. Sex while menstruating can lead to a number of positive benefits.
Benefits of Period Sex
Here are the upsides of knocking boots during your period.
Helps alleviate cramps and improves mood
If you suffer from period cramps, having sex, or more specifically, having an orgasm, can help with that. When you orgasm, your body releases endorphins like dopamine and oxytocin. These hormones and chemicals not only feel amazing, they can actually help alleviate pain caused by cramps. These feel-good chemicals can also help enhance your mood and keep your mind away from any discomfort or feelings of sadness caused by your period.
Heightens your libido
You might find yourself actually wanting sex more during your period. The shifting hormone levels that accompany your period may lead to an increased sex drive, making sex feel more pleasurable than usual. Period blood also acts as a natural lubricant, reducing any friction and making sex feel oh-so-good.
During your period, there’s also an uptick in blood flow to your pelvic area. This can heighten your sensitivity, leading you to enjoy sex more. However, if the increase in sensitivity causes you discomfort during period sex, it’s important to listen to your body and stop doing anything that doesn’t feel good.
Shortens your period
Yes, you read that correctly. When you orgasm, your uterus contracts and releases, which may actually help speed up the shedding of your uterine lining.
Promotes better sleep
When you have an orgasm, your body releases hormones such as prolactin, oxytocin, and endorphins, which can make you feel drowsy and improve your sleep. It’s also normal to feel relaxed and spent after sex (since it’s technically a type of workout), which might contribute to increasing your sleep quality.
Enhances intimacy with partner
Period sex requires a great deal of honest and open communication with your partner, which can bring you closer together. But, beyond that, feeling desired and loved during a time when you’re not feeling your best can really amp up the emotional intimacy levels between you and your partner.
Benefits aside, period sex can be amazing, and there's no reason you should hold yourself back if you're in the mood. We've gathered some tips to help you have great sex during your period.
Period Sex Tips for a Better Experience
Talk it out
First things first, give your partner a heads up before the foreplay begins so there are no unwelcome surprises. Your partner might not mind period sex (it might even turn them on), but if they do, it could help to talk about specifically what bothers them. Getting it out in the open can destigmatize period sex and help you plan around what is and isn't ok with both of you during that time of the month.
Particularly if your partner is male, it may help to explain how much blood will actually be involved. The average woman only loses 6 to 8 teaspoons of blood during her entire period. If your partner is envisioning a tidal wave of red in the bedroom, giving them the facts may ease their anxieties.
Place a towel on the bed
Or invest in a set of dark sheets if you like to move around a lot during sex. You can even go a step further and buy a waterproof mattress cover. Whatever makes you feel most comfortable and carefree in the moment. If you do happen to stain anything, don't fret: chances are, you can remove the spot.
Be aware of any heightened sensitivity
Hormones and increased blood flow can make your breasts, nipples, genitals and vaginal canal feel more tender during your period. While this could be a good thing, it could also lead to discomfort. Be aware of how your body is feeling during sex, and communicate with your partner.
Your cervix also sits lower during menstruation, so if you're having penetrative sex, going as deep as you usually do may not feel good. Certain positions may not feel good either. One good position to try if you're feeling sensitive is spooning, which allows you to control the depth of penetration.
Take a shower
Sex in the shower, whether it's oral, penetrative, or otherwise, is hot any time of the month. But the added benefit of shower sex during your period means not having to worry about making a mess. Just be sure to have a bottle of water-based lube nearby since water can wash away your body's natural lubricant.
And don't feel like you have to stay in the shower! Foreplay in the shower before moving to the bed, all squeaky clean, is a great strategy during your period. If you or your partner are feeling unsure about period sex, or it's your first time trying it out, shower sex can be a great way to test the waters (pun intended).
Focus on external stimulation
You don't have to have penetrative sex to have a good time and get off. Your period can be the perfect time to focus on other erogenous zones, like the clitoris, labia and perineum. The options here are many: Have your partner use their fingers to stimulate you, or go down on your partner while using a toy on yourself. You can even wear a tampon to stop your flow during this kind of sex.
Have a cleanup plan in place
A little bit of postcoital prep can help you have fun, anxiety-free sex during your period. This means keeping some natural cleansing wipes handy, or hopping in the shower together immediately afterwards.
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You might experience increased blood flow immediately after you get out of bed, especially if you were lying on your back or side the whole time. This is totally normal, but you might want to have underwear with a fresh period pad ready so that you can put it on right away.
Consider protection
The most common myth about period sex is that it protects you against STIs and pregnancy. The truth is that pregnancy isn’t off the table even if you’re menstruating. And your period might actually make it a tad bit easier to contract STIs since pathogens are carried through bodily fluids, including blood. So, a barrier contraceptive is your best bet for protecting against both.
Best Period Sex Positions
Whether your goal is to reduce period cramps, feel more connected to your partner, or simply get it on for the fun of it, here are some period sex positions for you to add to the menu.
Spooning
Here's another reason why we like spooning during period sex. Any position where your hips are level with the surface you're lying on, or higher than the rest of the body, can help control the amount of blood that comes out during sex. It’s also cozy and intimate, while putting less pressure on your abdomen, so it’s a win-win!
To get into this position, lie on your side with your knees bent and have your partner spoon you from behind before they penetrate you. You can increase the intensity of the penetration if you want to by pushing your knees closer to your chest.
Missionary with modifications
This position is just the classic missionary, but with a slight change: a pillow placed under your hips. Lie down on your back and place a pillow under you. This tilts your abdomen and genitals upwards, allowing for consistent movement without rocking you too much. This position also relaxes your abdominal muscles, which can help alleviate period symptoms. Perfect for when you want to get frisky, but also want to enjoy a relaxed and lazy session.
Modified doggie style
When your breasts are feeling tender, doggie style, but with you lowered onto your elbows, might be a great position to get it on. You can also put a pillow under your breasts to let them rest. To get into this position, get on your knees and lower yourself down onto your elbows while keeping your hips in the air.
The lotus
Want to be on top? The lotus might be the position for you. Cozy, sweet, and allows you to control the level of stimulation you want to receive. That may mean more blood comes out. But hey, don't let that stop you.
For this position, have your partner sit with your legs crossed in front of them. Slowly, lower yourself onto their lap and wrap your legs around their back. You can now move up and down or simply gaze into their eyes lovingly while you grind. Whatever works for you!
Embrace the opportunity to try something new.
Your period can be a great chance to shake up your sex life. Try something new that takes the pressure off having vaginal sex. Now's the time to experiment with erotic massage, nipple play, or a new toy.
Always been curious about anal sex? Your period could be a good time to try it out. Have a fantasy about masturbating with a vibrator in front of your partner? Maybe now's the time to bring it to life.
At the end of the day, there's no reason why period sex has to be avoided or treated differently. With a bit of preparation and an open mind, you and your partner can have fantastic sex, any day of the month.
At the same time, if you feel disinterested in sex, or if the discomfort is too much for you to think about engaging in any sexual activity, that’s completely okay, too. There are alternative ways of staying intimate with your partner: massages, cuddling with a cozy movie, or a good old makeout session. The most important thing is for you to listen to your body and do what feels best—be it sex or otherwise.
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