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During your childbearing years, you will have a period about once a month. Unless you are particularly disgusted, it is not necessary to avoid all sexual activity during your period. Although period sex can be a bit complicated, it is safe. And, having sex during your period can actually offer a few benefits, including relief from period cramps.
Read on to learn more about sex during your period.
There are a few advantages to having sex during your period:
1. Cramp relief
Orgasms can relieve menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps are the result of your uterus contracting to release its lining. When you have an orgasm, the muscles in your uterus also contract. Then they release. This release should provide some relief from menstrual cramps.
Sex also triggers the release of chemicals called endorphins, which make you feel good. Plus, engaging in sexual activity occupies your mind, which can help ease your period discomfort.
2. Shorter periods
Having sex can shorten your period. Muscle contractions during an orgasm expel uterine contents more quickly. This could result in shorter periods.
3. Increased libido
Your libido changes throughout your menstrual cycle, thanks to hormonal fluctuations. While many women report that their libido increases during ovulation, which is about two weeks before your period, others report feeling more aroused during their period.
4. Natural lubrication
You can put the KY away during your period. The blood acts as a natural lubricant.
5. It might relieve your headache
About half of women with migraines get them during their period. Although most women with menstrual migraines avoid sex during their attacks, many who have sex say it partially or completely relieves their headaches.
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. In addition to making the bed dirty, bleeding can make you feel uncomfortable. The anxiety of making a mess can take some or all of the pleasure of sex.
Another problem with having sex during your period is the risk of spreading a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like HIV or hepatitis. These viruses live in the blood and can be spread through contact with infected menstrual blood. Using condoms every time you have sex can lower your risk of spreading or catching an STI.
If you are planning to have sex during your period and you are wearing a tampon, you should remove it first. A forgotten tampon can be pushed so far into your vagina during sex that you will need to see a doctor to have it removed.
If you are not actively trying to conceive, using protection is a good idea no matter what part of your menstrual cycle you are in. Your chances of conceiving are lower during your period, but it is still possible to get pregnant during this time. .
You are more likely to get pregnant during ovulation, which occurs about 14 days before your period starts. Yet every woman's cycle length is different, and your cycle length may change each month. If you have a short menstrual cycle, your risk of getting pregnant during your period is higher.
Also consider that semen can stay alive in your body for up to seven days. So if you have a 22 day cycle and you ovulate shortly after your period, there is a chance that you will release an egg while the sperm is still in your reproductive system.
Using protection will also protect you against STIs. Not only can you get an STI during your period, you can also pass an STI more easily to your partner because viruses like HIV live in your menstrual blood.
Ask your partner to wear a latex condom every time you have sex to reduce your chances of getting pregnant and catching an STI. If you or your partner is allergic to latex, there are other forms of protection you can use. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for recommendations.
Here are some tips to make period sex a more comfortable and less messy experience:
- Be open and honest with your partner. Let them know how you feel about having sex during your period and ask them what they think. If either of you is hesitant, discuss the reasons for the discomfort.
- If you have a tampon, take it off before you have fun.
- Spread a dark-colored towel on the bed to catch any blood leaks. Or, have sex in the shower or in the bath to avoid the mess altogether.
- Keep a damp washcloth or wet wipes near the bed to clean up afterwards.
- Have your partner wear a latex condom. It will protect against pregnancy and STIs.
- If your usual sex position is uncomfortable, try something different. For example, you can try lying on your side with your partner behind you.
Don't let your period interrupt your sex life. If you do a little prep work, sex can be just as enjoyable during those five or more days as the rest of the month. You might be surprised to find that sex is even more exciting during your period.
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