Sex on Your Period

Are you curious about trying period sex, but perhaps have some questions on what it might be like? How does it work, or is it safe? Can I get pregnant if I have sex on my period?

In this article, we’ll be exploring such questions, touching on potential benefits and side effects, as well as practical tips to help you navigate this part of intimacy for optimal comfort, security, and confidence.

There’s no reason why you can’t have sex while on your period if you want to give it a try. 

Period sex is perfectly safe and may even offer some benefits! However, it can seem quite daunting, particularly if you’re anxious about potential mess or discomfort.

Can You Have Sex on Your Period?

Period sex covers any sexual activity that takes place when one or more participants are on their period, including oral sex and masturbation.

While many women may choose to abstain from sex during their period, studies have shown that anywhere between 3-30% of sexually active women continue to have sex when they’re on their period. You may even come on your period during sex! Ultimately, your period is completely natural, and if you and your partner are both comfortable with period sex and find it enjoyable, there’s no reason why not!

Is It Safe to Have Sex While on Period?

While the simple answer is yes, it’s generally safe to have sex during your period, but there still remains a continued risk of contracting an STI or even getting pregnant. But don’t worry, we’ll be touching on both of these points later.

The taboo surrounding sex while menstruating mainly stems from cultural beliefs and stigma that continue to relate to women’s reproductive and sexual health in general. 

Menstrual blood is not typically harmful to either partner during sex. However, taking extra care can still be helpful in certain situations, such as when it’s your first time being intimate together, to reduce the risk of infection or discomfort.

Is Sex on Period Good or Bad?

Having sex while on your period isn’t inherently good or bad, it’s really a question of each woman's comfort, preferences, and how your body feels at different times in your cycle. 

Hormonal shifts can increase pelvic blood flow and change the position of the cervix, which means you may feel more sensitive and even experience heightened pleasure, while other women may notice cramping or discomfort instead. For some, the natural lubrication and intimacy are an added bonus to their sex life, while others may consider the messiness or increased sensitivity a downside. 

Is it bad to have sex on your period? It’s ultimately a personal decision shaped by your body’s signals, your boundaries, and what feels right for you and your partner.

Period Sex Benefits

While everyone’s experience can be different, some women find particular benefits to period sex. For example, you may notice increased natural lubrication due to menstruation, or even relief from your period cramps or migraines due to endorphins released from sex, which can act as a sort of hormonal pain relief. 

You may also find that period sex offers a feeling of increased intimacy and connection between you and your partner, or that your libido is higher during menstruation, making period sex a natural and fulfilling part of your sex life.

Does Having Sex on Your Period Help?

Sometimes, sex during your period can ease cramps, as the female orgasm triggers the release of endorphins and uterine contractions, which help relieve tension. It can also offer stress relief, relaxation, and a welcome distraction from discomfort.

Side Effects of Sex During Periods

Sex during your period is often safe to enjoy, but it can bring some risks that may not be as prevalent during other times of your cycle. Let’s touch on some of the most common side effects of period sex, and how we can best manage them.

Mess, Discomfort and Practical Downsides

The main disadvantage of period sex for many is the mess it may involve. While completely normal and easily rectified, many women and couples may choose to avoid sex in periods as they do not find the mess enjoyable. 

Try to remember to do what feels best for you, especially if the idea makes you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable; there is ultimately no right or wrong decision.

STI Risk During Menstruation

Another important point to consider if you’re exploring period sex is that there may be a slightly higher risk of STI transmission.

This is largely due to the lack of a cervical mucus plug during menstruation, which may provide some barrier protection at other times of the cycle. Hormonal changes during your period, such as decreased estrogen and progesterone levels, can also make women more prone to yeast infections.

Therefore, using barrier forms of protection (such as condoms, female condoms, and dental dams) remain an important part of practicing sex safely, to ensure that you’re protected from not only unwanted pregnancy, but also STIs.

Does Period Sex Make You More Attached?

Not necessarily. While period sex doesn’t automatically make someone more attached, it can feel more emotionally intimate for some people. This is often because sex releases oxytocin, a hormone linked with closeness and bonding, and that effect can feel stronger during a time when someone may already be more sensitive or vulnerable.

However, the research on this topic remains mixed, with some people reporting feeling closer after period sex, while others noticing no emotional shift at all. Ultimately, what matters most is focusing on open communication, comfort, and consent, rather than assuming period sex will create a particular kind of bond.

Sex During Period: Can I Get Pregnant?

There’s a common misconception that period sex can be a natural way to avoid unwanted pregnancy. While the chances of getting pregnant while on your period are reduced, pregnancy is still possible, especially if your cycle is short or if you ovulate early.

Whether you’re trying to conceive or trying to avoid pregnancy, understanding your cycle and when you’re at your most fertile is key to a better approach and prioritizing your goals. Let’s unpack some of the science.

A woman is at her most fertile around ovulation, roughly the second week of her cycle (with the first day of your period being day 1), but this timing can vary significantly for each woman, and even each cycle. 

Here’s a breakdown of the main stages of a woman’s cycle, and the shifting fertility levels she may experience:

* Timing may vary by individual

The risk of pregnancy is lowest during menstruation and the early follicular phase, and increases as ovulation approaches. It’s also important to remember that sperm can live inside your uterus for up to five days, meaning that if you ovulate early, having sex several days before may still result in pregnancy. 

Learning the different stages of your cycle can help you better navigate the chance of pregnancy. Try tracking your hormones daily with our Wands and Hormone Monitor. Your results will sync automatically to the Mira App, giving more accurate insights and awareness into whether period sex may lead to conception.

Note: Please consider that these tools are designed to support fertility awareness and are not a form of birth control.

Does Having Sex on Period Make You Bleed More?

Having sex on your period doesn’t cause heavier bleeding in a harmful way, but it can make your flow seem a bit stronger for a short time. That’s because arousal and orgasm trigger uterine contractions, which can help the uterus shed uterine lining a little faster. 

This kind of temporary increase is completely normal, but if you notice:

• Bleeding that happens outside your period

• Bleeding that’s unusually heavy for you

• Pain that feels sharp or concerning

We recommend checking in with a doctor or other medical professional, who can provide the best and most appropriate care if necessary.

How to Have Sex on Your Period

If you’ve decided that you want to give period sex a try, it can help to prepare yourself and your partner. If you both consent and are comfortable in exploring this part of your sex life, we’ve compiled some practical tips and advice to hopefully help you have as comfortable and enjoyable an experience as possible.

Communicate With Your Partner

Before actually trying period sex at all, we suggest talking to your partner about it first. While it may seem a bit awkward or uncomfortable to discuss in this way, your sexual partner should be someone you can be truly honest and vulnerable with. Be open with them, and explain your wishes calmly and confidently so they can best understand your needs and desires.

Having a mutual respect and understanding for each other’s boundaries and comfort levels is essential for a positive and enjoyable sexual experience. And remember, you are always allowed to change your mind at any point during intimacy.

Prepare for Blood Without Shame

Minimizing the mess is a big priority for many couples. To prepare for this, try having sex on dark sheets on the bed and having towels on hand for quick and easy cleanup. You could even try shower sex, where the mess should be greatly reduced.

Remove or Choose the Right Menstrual Product

Be sure to remove any internal sanitary protection (such as a tampon or menstrual cup) beforehand, particularly if you’re about to have penetrative sex. Wearing these menstrual products during sex can not only be uncomfortable, but may also lead to health complications or infection.

However, a menstrual disc can be a safe option if you still want to wear some form of period protection during penetrative sex. Sitting high in your vaginal canal close to the cervix, when inserted correctly, these discs can minimize mess during period sex while feeling discreet and comfortable to wear.

Try Different Positions for Comfort

There are also some sex positions you could consider trying to ease discomfort, as many women are more sensitive during their period. For some women, deep penetration can be a common cause of discomfort during period sex. 

Work out what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you both. Some positions can affect the angle or depth of penetration, while others can offer you more control, so you can take the lead on what feels most comfortable for you. Here are some examples:

• Missionary position, with elevated pelvis

• Get on top

• Sideways/spooning

Use Protection Every Time

As there’s always a possibility of pregnancy when having sex, be sure to use protection if this is something you want to avoid. Barrier protection (e.g., condoms) is a good option as they also provide STI protection, which you may be more at risk of during your period.

Lubrication can also help keep things comfortable, particularly if you’re having sex in water or the shower. Although you may notice extra natural lubrication due to your period, try to have some on hand should you need it.

Key Takeaway on Period Sex

To wrap up, having sex on your period is generally harmless. Despite social stigma and misconceptions, it can be a healthy and pleasurable part of your sex life if both partners feel comfortable. 

While it can also be a way to enjoy sex while minimizing your chances of pregnancy, barrier protection is still recommended, both as a form of birth control and as a form of STI protection. 

The decision is yours. Whether you decide to continue having sex during menstruation or choose to wait until you have finished menstruation, the choice you make ultimately depends on what you are comfortable with, both physically and emotionally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do girls crave for sex while having their periods?

Many people experience a stronger desire during their period because of hormonal changes, namely estrogen and progesterone fluctuations, which can heighten sensitivity, arousal, and overall libido.

What could happen if you have sex on your period?

You might notice slightly heavier bleeding and even some cramp relief due to uterine contractions. Ultimately, the key things to consider are your comfort, using protection against pregnancy and STIs, and consulting a doctor if you have any concerns.