Being intimate during period: Benefits, Side Effects, Pregnancy Risk, and Tips

29.07.202324.06.2023 by alexxlab

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Benefits, Side Effects, Pregnancy Risk, and Tips

Sex During Periods: Benefits, Side Effects, Pregnancy Risk, and Tips

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Medically reviewed by Stacy A. Henigsman, DO — By Stephanie Watson — Updated on March 31, 2023

Unless it troubles you, there’s no need to avoid sexual activity during your period. Though period sex can be a bit messy, it is safe. It can even have some benefits.

You’ll get a menstrual period about once a month during your reproductive years. Having sex when you’re menstruating can actually offer a few advantages, including relief from menstrual cramps.

Read on to learn more about sex during your period.

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 and then release. 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 people say their sex drive increases during ovulation, which is about 2 weeks before your period, others report feeling more turned on during their period.

4. Natural lubrication

You can put away the K-Y during your period. Blood acts as a natural lubricant.

5. It might relieve migraine attacks

According to one 2017 study, about half of women living with migraine get migraine attacks during their periods.

Although most people with menstrual migraine avoid sex during their attacks, a 2013 study found that many of those who do have sex say it partially or completely relieves their attacks.

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 transmitting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), like hepatitis. This virus lives in blood and may be transmitted through contact with infected menstrual blood.

Using condoms every time you have sex can reduce your risk of transmitting and contracting STIs.

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 visit a doctor to have it removed.

If you’re not actively trying to conceive, using a barrier method, like a condom, is a good idea, no matter what part of your menstrual cycle you’re in.

Your odds of conceiving are lower during your period, but it’s still possible to become pregnant at this time.

You’re most likely to get pregnant during ovulation, which happens about 2 weeks before your period starts. Yet every person’s cycle length is different. Your cycle length can even change monthly.

If you have a short menstrual cycle, your chances of getting pregnant during your period is higher. Also consider that sperm can stay alive in your body for up to 7 days.

So, if you have a 22-day cycle, for example, and you ovulate soon after getting your period, there’s a chance you’ll be releasing an egg while sperm are still in your reproductive tract.

Using barrier methods, like condoms, help protect you against STIs. Not only can you contract an STI during your period, but you can also more easily transmit one to your partner. Some viruses, like hepatitis, live in menstrual blood.

Have your partner wear a latex condom every time you have sex to reduce your odds of getting pregnant and contracting an STI.

If you or your partner are allergic to latex, there are other forms of protection you can use. You can also ask your pharmacist or doctor for recommendations.

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 too. 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 can prevent 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.

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 5 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.

Read this article in Spanish.

Last medically reviewed on March 31, 2023

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Can I get pregnant just after my period has finished? (2021).
nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/can-i-get-pregnant-just-after-my-period-has-finished/
Hambach A, et al. (2013). The impact of sexual activity on idiopathic headaches: An observational study.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0333102413476374
Is it weird to feel hornier than usual during my period? (2015).
goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/it-weird-feel-hornier-usual-during-my-period/
Viral hepatitis. (2021).
womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/viral-hepatitis
Witteveen H, et al. (2017). Treatment of menstrual migraine; multidisciplinary or mono-disciplinary approach.
thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-017-0752-z

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Mar 31, 2023

Written By

Stephanie Watson

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John Bassham

Medically Reviewed By

Stacy A. Henigsman, DO

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Sara Giusti

Mar 12, 2021

Written By

Stephanie Watson

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Medically reviewed by Stacy A. Henigsman, DO — By Stephanie Watson — Updated on March 31, 2023

Guide to Sex During Your Period
– Casco Cup

Ask anyone with a cycle: period sex – or not knowing how to have it – can be stressful if you’re not prepared. Can sex during a period get messy? Yup. Can it be an amazing and trust-building experience for you and your partner? Absolutely.

Before you run off and stain your new white sheets, here are a few things you should know about sex on your period. Let’s start with #1: Have fun, and always check in with your partner.

Disclaimer: This article is not medical advice. It was written for informational purposes. The views expressed in it are not necessarily those of Casco Cup.

First Thing’s First: Can You Have Sex on your Period?

Yes, you most certainly can. Thanks to a lot of hard work over the past few decades, fewer and fewer people think that an “ew periods” mentality is OK.

Many more people enjoy period sex than you realize. Though it’s 100% safe, it’s always a matter of what you are your partner are comfortable with. For some women, it’s even more fun thanks to the natural lubrication provided by menstrual fluid and a potential increase in sex drive.

How to Have Sex on Your Period

So you know it’s OK but you aren’t sure where to begin? We were once there, too. Remember: there is no wrong way as long as you’re being safe, which means using prevention for STIs and birth control, and in a consenting situation. There are, however, a few ways to make period sex easier and less stressful. Worrying is a great way to ruin a romantic evening.

1. Talk to Your Partner

Ask them how they feel and share your own thoughts and concerns. As with everything relationship-related, communication is key. Make sure that you’re both on the same page before initiating anything.

2. Remove Your Feminine Product Before Period Sex

Whether you’re wearing a menstrual cup or a tampon, make sure to remove it. It’s best to remove your feminine product before starting anything so you don’t risk forgetting.

If you’re wearing a menstrual disc, you can wear it while having sex during your period. But make sure to empty it immediately before intercourse. If you don’t, you risk creating an even bigger mess than if you weren’t wearing anything at all. Not great.

3. Get a Towel

Using a dark color towel is an easy way to prevent a mess on your sheets. Just make sure you have one on hand before you start anything. Then, throw it in the washing machine or hamper and enjoy not having to spot clean your sheets.

4. Use Birth Control

Odds of conception during menstruation are technically lower. But this does not mean that it’s impossible — or that you shouldn’t use birth control. Unless you are trying to get pregnant, always use birth control and remember that a menstrual cup or disc will not prevent pregnancy. Keep in mind that Plan B is not designed to be used as regular birth control.

Why do some people think that you can’t get pregnant during period sex? There are a few reasons why it’s less likely but never impossible.

Your cycle length and the timing of each phase varies between women. On top of that, having an irregular menstrual cycle can affect up to 35% of women, according to research. In other words, it may be tough to know exactly which stage of the menstrual cycle someone is in.
Spotting can occur between cycles. This means that menstrual fluid does not always indicate that you’re having sex on your period.
Sperm can live for a long time – up to five days to be exact. It’s possible to conceive days after period sex.

5. Protect Against STIs During Period Sex

It is always possible to catch or transmit an STI, meaning sexually transmitted infection. Menstruation has nothing to do with STI prevention. In fact, it may be easier to transmit a virus such as HIV through menstrual blood. In other words, protection is crucial during period sex, just like at any other time.

5 Reasons to Like Period Sex

You’ve heard the antiquated argument why not to like it – ew, it’s gross – but you may not know that there are so many amazing reasons to enjoy it. Here are a few common reasons.

1. It’s All About Lubrication

There is a reason why many people, especially the older you get, enjoy a little lube in the bedroom. Period sex can provide this without the extra cost or potential chemicals. Keep in mind that there’s a lot more in menstrual fluid than just blood: There are the cells that line the endometrium, which make a great all-natural lubricant.

2. Having Sex During a Period May Reduce Cramps

Yup, you heard right. Having sex on a period may actually help with pain reduction. This may mean lessening cramps. One of the most common PMS symptoms, cramps are the result of uterine muscle contraction. Orgasms may help manage this cramping sensation and pain and also produce endorphins, which make you happy.

3. Increased Sex Drive

On the first day of your cycle, you may want to watch The Office and eat ice cream. But a couple of days later, things may be entirely different. As your hormone shift, you may experience a heightening sex drive while menstruating, or maybe right before.

Having period sex may just mean having fun with your partner at the exact moment that you want to most. For some people who enjoy intercourse during menstruation, they get more aroused because they know how great it can be.

4. Period Sex Is a New Form of Intimacy

Being comfortable enough with your body – and getting that same feeling from your partner – can be a magical thing. You may also find that a lot of people don’t mind it, and may actually enjoy it for the same reasons that you do.

Though we’ve made amazing progress in the past decade, period shame is still real for a lot of people. For some people, the road to acceptance and self-love is being comfortable with using a menstrual cup and engaging in period sex with a great partner.

5. Oral Sex Is Okay, Too

There is no reason not to enjoy receiving oral while menstruating. If your partner is into it, there’s no reason to be uncomfortable or afraid. Also, the clit is the main focal point of female pleasure and is a less “bloody” location.

Keep in mind that a menstrual cycle is not a reason for a person to be giving oral sex without experiencing what they want to experience.

Period Sex: 5 Takeaways for Beginners

Remember to use birth control and STI prevention
Take out your menstrual cup or tampon before
Communicate with your partner
Get a towel
Enjoy the process

Centuries of shaming women shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your relationship and your body when you want to. With communication and preparation, period sex can even be better than your normal routine.

Sex during menstruation – is it possible to make love during menstruation | Is sex dangerous on critical days

What are the advantages of sex on critical days?

Pain reduction. If sex during menstruation is accompanied by an orgasm, the uterus contracts and expels fluid ² . In this case, the swelling decreases, and with it the discomfort in the lower abdomen disappears.
Possible reduction in the duration of menstruation. After sexual contact, rejection of endometrial cells ² is more intensive, so the selection may end a little faster than usual.

Risk of pregnancy during intercourse during menstruation

There is a myth that it is impossible to get pregnant during menstruation, so it is acceptable to have sex during critical days without using contraceptives. However, it is not. A woman can conceive a child on any day of the cycle, although during menstruation this possibility is really small.

The risk of pregnancy during intimacy on “such” days is higher if your cycle is shorter than usual, for example, it has only 20 days. In this case, ovulation occurs on the 6th-8th day of the cycle ², that is, at a time when menstrual flow has not yet ended.

It must also be taken into account that spermatozoa that have entered the vagina remain viable for 5 days after sexual contact ² . Even those who have a stable 28-day menstrual cycle ² need protection.

Every woman sometimes has two ovulations in one cycle or a sudden shortening of the cycle, which is not known until the next menstrual bleeding. Therefore, sex on critical days involves the mandatory use of contraceptives.

When should you stop having sex during your period?

Making love during your period is not worth it if you have heavy discharge or pain in the lower abdomen. Usually, discomfort disappears on the second or third day after the onset of menstrual bleeding. Having sex during your period can stimulate uterine contractions, helping to shed secretions.

Most doctors believe that you can have sex during your period in any position that is comfortable for you and your partner. Take the most comfortable position and focus on your feelings. In any case, how intimacy will take place is solely your personal choice.

During menstruation, it is important to pay special attention to personal hygiene before sexual intercourse, because secretions are a breeding ground for a variety of bacteria. If you usually use contraceptives during intimacy, continue to use them on critical days. Although the chance of conception during your period is low, it is possible to get pregnant during sex during your period. Condoms also provide additional protection against the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Talk to your gynecologist or therapist if you want to know more about this. If during the act of love or later you feel pain or discomfort, also consult a doctor. After intimacy and hygiene procedures, simply use a new tampon.

Literature

T.G. Zakharov. Contraception as the main method of family planning in the work of a family doctor / magazine “Zemsky Vrach” No. 3 (27), 2015, p. 5-11.
V.I. Duda. Obstetrics / studies. – Minsk: RIPO, 2013, p. 44-62, 70-80.
M.S. Selikhov. On the issue of women’s intimate health // M.S. Selikhova, N.D. Angular / BC. Mother and Child, T. 2, No. 1, 2019, p. 40-43.

Sex during menstruation – is it possible to have it: pros and cons

Many couples refuse intimacy on critical days because of the uncertainty about whether it is possible to have sex during menstruation and how safe it is. In women, the reason for refusal is often psychological discomfort and fear that the partner will be disgusted with menstrual flow. Men, on the contrary, during this period are afraid of the risk of causing pain and discomfort to a woman. In fact, there is nothing shameful about sex during menstruation and there are no special reasons for abstinence. The main thing is that both partners were not opposed and observed some restrictions.

Basic Rules

Couples who have sex during their period should follow a few rules:

avoid sexual intercourse in the first couple of days after the onset of menstruation, when the flow is too heavy;
use barrier contraceptives to avoid infection in the uterine cavity;
keep the body clean and do not forget about personal hygiene before and after intimacy;
interrupt sexual intercourse if the partner experiences pain.

It is also better for a couple to give up hard sex and positions with deep penetration of the penis. These days it is better to choose traditional sex positions in which a woman will feel more comfortable.

Hygiene

Menstrual flow is a favorable environment for the reproduction of pathogens, so during menstruation it is worth paying special attention to personal hygiene. Before and after sex, partners need to take a shower. Intimacy is also possible during water procedures, so the couple will diversify sexual relations and will not stain the linen. For washing during menstruation, it is better to use special products with an antibacterial effect, herbal decoctions based on chamomile or calendula.

Pros and cons

The following arguments can be made in favor of sex during menstruation:

More vivid sensations intensifies orgasm.
Elimination of pain syndrome – getting an orgasm during menstruation is accompanied by intense contraction of the uterus and expulsion of fluid from its cavity into the vagina. This helps to relieve swelling and reduce pain.
Reducing the duration of menstruation – orgasm also accelerates the rejection of endometrial cells, thereby shortening the critical days.

Why is it better to postpone sex during menstruation? Consider the most common causes:

Risk of infection in the genital tract – menstrual blood is a breeding ground for bacteria, and a slightly open cervix increases the likelihood of infection. In men, unprotected intercourse during this period can lead to blood entering the urethra, which will provoke urethritis.
Psychological or physical discomfort – sex on critical days is associated with a number of restrictions, which is why many couples cannot fully relax and enjoy.
Need to use barrier contraceptives – some partners are against the use of condoms due to decreased sensitivity during intimacy.
Chances of getting pregnant – unprotected intercourse in the last days of menstruation increases the chances of pregnancy in women with a short menstrual cycle.
Religious and other beliefs .

In addition to the above cases, sexual activity on critical days should also be limited for medical reasons. If you doubt whether sex is possible during menstruation, consult your gynecologist for advice.

In what cases is it better to refuse intimacy during menstruation?

Excessive discharge or severe pain in the lower abdomen are considered the main reason why you should not have sex during your period.

Being intimate during period: Benefits, Side Effects, Pregnancy Risk, and Tips