Having sex on your period is still a questionable decision for most women. They often wonder- is it safe? Is it messy? Does it get uncomfortable?
This article will help you get answers to most of the frequently asked questions around period sex.
Can We Do Sex During Periods?
YES, it is absolutely okay to have sex on your periods, and it is not “dirty” either. You may feel a little squeamish, but that’s completely alright. However, it can get messy or uncomfortable at times. But, the plus point is menstrual blood acts as a natural lube or lubricant, making sex an even more pleasurable experience. Furthermore, having period sex has a few benefits, such as relief from period cramps, increased sex drive, shorter periods, and relieving headaches. However, do ensure that you use condoms while indulging in period sex with your partner to avoid sexually transmitted infections like hepatitis, HIV.
Is It Safe to Have Sex During Period?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to have sex during periods. Period blood can cause no harm to a man or his penis. So, there's nothing to worry about. Furthermore, orgasms during period sex help relieve menstrual cramps. However, consider always using protection, even if you have sex during menses.
Is It Good to Have Sex During Periods?
Yes, it feels good to have sex during periods unless you are uncomfortable or it makes you feel squeamish. Otherwise, there's nothing wrong or shameful to have sex during menstruation. Furthermore, it has certain advantages, including easing your menstrual cramps and increasing your sex drive. Go for period sex if both you and your partner are comfortable trying it out. Period sex is absolutely safe!
Also Read: 16 Everyday Foods to Induce Periods
Sex During Periods Can Cause Pregnancy - True or False?
Yes, sex during periods may cause pregnancy, even though it's less likely to happen. This may happen when you are bleeding from ovulation (when the egg is released) and not period. Also, remember you can even get pregnant from unprotected period sex because sperm can survive in your reproductive system for up to 5 days. So, even if you have unprotected sex during menses, the sperm from ejaculation may remain inside your reproductive system and may fertilize the egg if ovulation occurs.
In a nutshell, yes, it is true that sex during periods can cause pregnancy, even though the chances are relatively lesser. Ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from ovaries) happens a few days before or just after the bleeding stops. Depending on your ovulation, active sperm may get you pregnant. If you and your partner have no plans of having a child, it is advisable to use contraception.
Benefits of Period Sex
1. Cramp Relief
As per a study, 84.1 percent of women reported menstrual pain and cramps and 43.1 percent of those women reported cramps and menstrual pain during every period. Sex during period may help relieve menstrual cramps.
Orgasming during period sex releases endorphins, hormones that reduce the sensations of pain and cramps. Sex during the period is a great stress buster and helps you feel lubricated.
2. Reduction in Period Duration
Period sex may shorten the duration of your periods. A period is a natural process of emptying the contents of the uterine lining through uterine contractions. Having sex during periods increases the contraction process of the uterus, emptying its contents faster and thus shortening the menstruation period.
3. Sex Drive Booster
As per research, the sexual desires of women increases during ovulation and periods due to increased secretion of ovarian steroids. It was found that sexual desires in postmenopausal women diminish due to decreased levels of steroidal hormones secreted during periods.
4. Elevates Your Mood
Oxytocin is a hormone secreted during sex. As per research, oxytocin regulates stress levels in your body and is beneficial in maintaining social bonds. It is a potential natural medicine produced during sex that helps prevent psychiatric conditions. Therefore, having sex during period is a natural way of elevating your mood.
5. Relief from Headaches
As per a study, about half of women with migraine headaches acquire them during their periods. One of the benefits of sex during periods is relief from migraine headaches. As per another study, out of all women suffering from migraine headaches, 70 per cent showed an overall improvement.
Best Period Sex Positions To Try
1. Standing Up in the Shower
If you're on your period, shower sex is a no-brainer. Try a standing position in which you face each other (like propping your leg up against the edge of the tub or the shower) to make it easier to figure out how to do it (and not slip). This is probably the easiest option if you're being digitally stimulated or having penetrative sex with someone with a penis.
Pro tip: When you're getting sudsy and sexy at the same time, you'll need a non-slip bath mat. These mats adhere to the bottom of your tub or shower and can be pulled up for cleaning when you're finished with them.
2. Missionary With Legs Straight Up
Another variation of the classic missionary pose involves placing your hands in a position similar to "legs up the wall", except the wall is your partner. Keep your legs together and place them on their chest or ask them to hold them up for you. As a result, your partner will be able to get deep while still accessing your clitoris to give you all that extra stimulation you've been asking for.
Pro tip: As sex progresses, keep eye contact, and do not look away. Looking in each other's eyes as an orgasm occurs is remarkably intense. Be ready to experience a profound emotional response.
3. Lying on Your Side
It is always more fun to have sex when lying down than when you're sitting, so if you like being a pillow princess, then this is the position for you. It involves you lying on your side and your partner reaching for you through a pillow.
4. Missionary With Butterfly Legs
You can't go wrong with the missionary position; it's a classic for a reason. You can also try it with your legs in a butterfly yoga pose during your period for even more comfort. It will open up your hips a little bit and feel so lovely. Your partner can also be on top of you while playing with a vibrator or any other toy you enjoy.
Pro tip: A pillow placed underneath your hips will increase the likelihood that your internal hot spots will get targeted during Missionary which may be helpful in managing your mensural cramps.
5. Doggy Style
This position is a favourite amongst many for a reason. From lying on your stomach with your butt up to putting a pillow under your knees to lift you up a bit, there are so many ways to try it out. During your period, if you choose, this is a good time to try anal sex if you haven't done so yet.
Pro tip: You can arch your back (but not to the point of pain) as if you are moving into the cow pose of cat-cow in yoga. Not only will you improve the angle of penetration, helping your partner better hit your G-spot, but you'll also give them a better view.
6. Spooning
Is there anything better than lying down during your period and not doing anything? If you want to make this position a little more fun, lift the leg closest to the ceiling, so your legs are in a "T" position. It's a little easier for your partner to enter at that angle, and you'll have a nice view too!
Pro tip: It's a good idea to use lube in any sex position, but the spooning sex position makes it hard for the big spoon to penetrate. Although period blood may itself act as a natural lubricant, to make everything easier, use plenty of lube.
7. The Lotus
If you want to really feel close to your partner, stand on a couch or lie on the bed with your legs out in front of you and straddle them from the top, wrapping your legs around their waist. The fact that you're facing each other makes it easy to connect. You can also grind on your partner easily in this position, especially if your partner also has a vagina.
Pro tip: Different variations of the lotus sex position can create different sensations, such as grinding versus bouncing, leaning back or forward, fully embracing while rocking, straightening your legs or propping yourself up with them, or introducing sex toys. Get creative with it!
8. Cowgirl
If your hormones make you a little horny, you might decide to do the exact opposite of all those things and strut your stuff. In that case, go for cowgirl. The position gives you full control, and your partner can use their fingers or a vibrator on your clit simultaneously.
Pro tip: It can be hard on the knees of the receiver to ride on top. This would be the last thing you want during your periods. Therefore, use pillows if your knees start to hurt.
Also Read: How To Get Periods Immediately In One Hour - Is it Possible?
Pro Tips on How to Do Period Sex
Here are a few tips for more comfortable and less messy sex during period:
1. Be Honest with Your Partner
Both you and your partner should be comfortable with sex during periods. Consent of both parties matters. If you are not comfortable having sex during periods, be open and talk to your partner about your concerns.
2. Remove the tampon
You must remove the tampon before having sex during periods
3. Dark-Coloured Towel
Spread a dark-coloured towel on the bed to avoid bloodstains.
4. Have Sex in the Shower
Sex during period must be mess-free. Try having shower sex to keep away from any messy experience.
5. Cleaning After Sex
It is essential to know that cleanliness prevents infection. Wet wipes will help in cleaning after sex during periods.
6. Latex Condom
It will protect against pregnancy (even if you are on period) and STIs. Unprotected sex is the most common reason for unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Ask your partner to wear a latex condom to ensure the prevention of STIs and pregnancy.
7. Be Comfortable
Choose the position with which you are most comfortable and pain-free.
Do You Need to Use Condom While Having Sex During Period?
Yes, you need to use condom while having period sex. It is crucial to ensure that your partner wears a latex condom while having sex during period. As per a study, sexual intercourse during menstruation is normal but is associated with an unplanned pregnancy and the transmission of infection-causing viruses.
Therefore, make sure your partner uses a latex condom or any other contraceptive measure as per their comfort. Condoms prevent the exchange and contact of vaginal and penile fluids and the period blood. Disposal of used condoms is as important as using them. Use appropriate measures to dispose of the used condom safely.
Side Effects of Sex During Periods
1. A Little Messy Experience
Sex during period may get a little messy with blood all over you, your partner, and the bedsheets. It may make you more self-conscious and anxious. The anxiety of uncleanliness can take all the fun out of your sexual experience.
2. Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
As per a study, sexual intercourse during menstruation is normal but is associated with unplanned pregnancies and the transmission of infection-causing viruses like HIV and hepatitis.
3. Endometriosis
It is a condition in which the uterus shifts from its normal position to a new one. As per study findings, women having vaginal sex during periods have a five times higher risk of developing endometriosis.
Also Read: 12 signs Your Period is Coming Tomorrow
Is It Okay to Have Oral Sex During Periods?
If you and your partner consent to it, oral sex during your period is okay to have. Be careful with minor cuts in and around the mouth as oral sex may transmit infections through them.
As per research, oral sex is a low-risk practice, but precautions must be taken to keep yourself and your partner safe from oral and respiratory infections.
The Spiritual Effect of Having Sex during Menstruation
Some religions consider intercourse during periods as impure and a social taboo. Numerous studies analyzing the Christian or Biblical approach have regarded it inadvisable for menstruating women to indulge in sexual intercourse with men. If at all such a practice was to occur, it was considered unclean, profane, and dirty by the Christian faith.
However, such beliefs have long been rubbished. Moreover, numerous claims have emerged, stating that various Hindu sects may have encouraged sexual intercourse during menstruation. In fact, in many Hindu cultures, menstrual blood was considered pure, sacred and of immense spiritual value. One also used it in Tantric rituals. During these times, one worships and prays to both the female form and the vagina. The famous goddess called Kamakhya is known as the menstruating goddess, and lakhs of pilgrims celebrate her menstrual cycle annually in Guwahati, India.
Summing Up on Sex During Period
Do not let your period put a stop to your sex life. With a bit of preparation and by taking certain precautions, sex can be as much fun as it is on other days. You might be astonished to find that sex during a period can be a more fun experience!
FAQs
1. Is Sex During Menstruation Good or Bad?
Many women have this question about whether sex during periods is good or bad. The answer is, sex during menstruation is good. Many renowned obstetricians and gynaecologists worldwide, such as Mary Jane Minkin, Professor at Yale Medical School, and Lauren Streicher, Professor of Northwestern University, have accepted this truth. Menstruation sex has certain benefits as well, such as:
- Orgasms help in relieving menstrual cramps.
- Can reduce the length of the periods.
- Increased sexual desire.
- The blood acts as a natural lubricant.
However, potential risks of blood-borne diseases, such as STDs, HIV, and hepatitis, are high; hence, you should always use a condom while having period sex.
2. Is Sex Safe During Periods?
Yes, sex during periods is as safe as any other day. However, there is still the risk of getting pregnant or infected by sexually transmitted diseases, if you have period sex without a condom. The possibility of yeast infection is also slightly higher during periods because of the hormonal changes in a woman's body. It might lead to inflammation of the penis head, also known as Balanitis. One highly recommends the use of condoms.
3. Can a Man Get an Infection from Period Blood?
Many people are under the misconception that menstrual blood is impure and can infect a man's penis. There is no scientific study or proof to support this claim. Period blood is a combination of the uterus' outer lining tissues that the body no longer requires and healthy blood. It doesn't have any pathogens that could infect a man's penis. So, no, a man cannot get infection from period blood. But it's always advisable to use a condom while have sex.
4. What About Intercourse After Period Ends?
Menstruation is a 22 - 28 days cycle. Ovulation usually happens around the 10th to 14th day. This is when a woman is most fertile. If the ovary doesn't fuse with sperm around this time, hormonal changes incur to shed the uterus' lining, specially formed to support the zygote, also known as the endometrium. This leads to 4-6 days of periods. Thus, having sex right after periods ends won't likely result in pregnancy.
However, ovulation might also happen earlier. Also, sperm can fertilize the ovary anytime within three days of ejaculation. It is technically never safe to have sex without some form of protection, like a condom, contraceptive pills, etc., if you are looking to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
So, in a nutshell, yes, you can have sex after your periods. But always consider to use contraception even when you aren't in your most fertile phase to avoid the risk of pregnancy.
5. Is It OK to Have Sex During Periods?
Yes, it is perfectly OK to be having sex during periods. Apart from the mess that one could create because of the blood and a slightly high risk of few infections, intercourse during periods doesn't have any significant side effects. It won't affect your sexual experience or orgasms. Remember to use condoms for protection and towels to protect your bed sheets from becoming bloody.
6. Can I have Intercourse Before My Period?
Yes, you can have intercourse right before periods. Chances of pregnancy are lowest around this time, so you can focus on pleasure alone. But it's always advisable to use protection while having sex. This is because sperms can live inside your body for about 5-7 days.
7. What Happens if We Have Sex during Periods?
Nothing adverse happens if you and your partner have period sex. Sex during periods doesn't cause any health-related issues. It also won't impact your orgasms. The woman can still get pregnant if one does not use protection. Furthermore, it can help relieve your stomach cramps.
8. What are the Best Sex Positions during Periods?
Missionary, doggy style, spooning, and butterfly are some of the best sex positions you can try during periods. They are also helpful in relieving cramps.
9. What are the Benefits of Sex during Periods?
Does sex affect periods? Sex affects periods by shortening the bleeding time and relieving cramps. It also reduces menstrual migraines.
9. Does an Orgasm Help Period Cramps?
Yes, an orgasm helps period cramps. The uterus contracts during periods and causes cramps. However, the muscles of the uterus contract and release during orgasm. This helps in relieving period cramps.
10. Does Having Sex on Your Period Make you Bleed More?
Yes, having sex on your period can make you bleed more. But it's nothing to be worried about. Simultaneous uterus contraction and relaxation might lead to pushing out of uterine content faster. You may bleed more for a short duration, but it will ultimately reduce your entire period length.
11. Does Sex Reduce Menstrual Pain?
Yes. Sex releases endorphins. This chemical is responsible for making you feel good. Also, orgasms reduce period cramps, which is an additional benefit of intercourse during menstruation.
12. What Different Things can I do Sexually While on My Period?
Some tips that one can follow to enhance menstruation sex experiences are:
- Use a menstrual cup after intercourse to reduce vaginal blood.
- Put some towels on bed sheets or mattresses to avoid blood staining.
- Try sexual positions that are more comfortable and less messy.
- Try having sex in the shower to reduce the mess.
It is preferable to have sex on days when blood flow is light, e.g., having sex on the first day of the period is less messy than the third or fourth day. However, this theory also depends on unique flow patterns that play out differently for all women!
13. Do Guys Like Having Sex While on Your Period?
Yes, as per studies, close to 60% like having sex during periods. Studies have also suggested that men find women's look and smell more appealing and attractive during the fertile period of their menstrual cycle. However, many men might not prefer having period sex because seeing blood can be disturbing for them, and they may even feel that you might get hurt.
14. Can Period Blood Harm A Man?
No, period blood cannot harm a man. Menstrual blood consists of healthy and unwanted blood, dead tissues and cells; therefore, it is safe and healthy. It does not harm the penis, even if it’s on the penis. It can easily be washed away with water if there’s any period blood on the penis.
15. Does Having More Sex Have An Impact On Periods?
YES, having more sex does have an impact on periods. Having sex often can result in fewer period cramps and release hormones that make you feel relaxed.
References
- Elias E. MAZOKOPAKIS, September 2018; Is Vaginal Sexual Intercourse Permitted during Menstruation? A Biblical (Christian) and Medical Approach - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6290188/
- Sanaz Mollazadeh, Behnaz Sadeghzadeh Oskouei, July 2019; Association between Sexual Activity during Menstruation and Endometriosis: A Case-Control Study - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6642425
- Giovanni Grandi, Serena Ferrari, June 2012; Prevalence of menstrual pain in young women: what is dysmenorrhea? - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3392715/
