Period Sex

If you’ve been curious about period sex and are looking for a safe space to learn more, you’re in the right place.

Period sex, by definition, implies any kind of sexual activity that takes place when one or more participants are on their period, not only including penetrative sex, but oral sex and masturbation too.

There’s no reason why you can’t have sex while on your period if you want to give it a try. While many women may choose to abstain from sex during their period, it is truly down to personal preference and comfort. If you and your partner are both comfortable with period sex and find it enjoyable, there’s no reason why not.

Period sex is perfectly safe and may even offer some benefits! However, it can have some drawbacks at times, particularly regarding mess and potential discomfort. Let’s discuss.

Is It Safe to Have Sex During Your Period?

Your first initial concern about period sex may be whether it is medically safe to do so. The simple answer to this question is yes, it is generally safe to have sex during your period. The hesitancy surrounding sex while menstruating mainly stems from religious beliefs and myths.

In many faiths and cultures, a menstruating woman is considered “unclean,” as is any man who has sex with her. These beliefs remain a leading cause of the taboo and misconceptions surrounding period sex today, with many religious women still adhering to these teachings due to their own beliefs and faith.

However, these myths are now deeply entrenched in modern society, and continue to affect women who align with no faith. With this in mind, try to remember that you can make your own personal decision regarding your period and sex and do what feels right for you and your partner.

Pros and Cons of Period Sex

Potential Benefits

Having sex while on your period may offer some potential benefits to your sex life, offering natural lubrication due to menstruation, as well potential relief from cramps due to endorphins released from sex, lessening the pain. Period sex may also offer a feeling of increased intimacy and connection between you and your partner. 

Before attempting it for the first time, ensure you are both comfortable and aware of what to expect, including any potential drawbacks.

Possible Drawbacks

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

For others, it may not be comfortable due to cramps, bloating, or other menstruation symptoms that cause discomfort.

Some women, and potentially their partners too, may struggle with the emotional discomfort or stigma that can come with period sex. Try to remember to do what feels best for you; there is no right or wrong decision.

Can You Get Pregnant from Period Sex?

Some women may decide on period sex because they see it as a natural way to avoid unwanted pregnancy. While the chances of getting pregnant while on your period are reduced, medical professionals do not consider period sex to be a reliable means of birth control.

If you do wish to minimize your chances of conception when having sex, understanding your fertility cycle, and the risk levels of pregnancy depending on your cycle phase is key. 

You are at your most fertile around ovulation, roughly the second week of your cycle (with the first day of your period being Day 1 and this is when you are most likely to conceive. This timing can vary significantly for each woman. 

Fertility Risk by Menstrual Phase

* 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 timing of each phase in your cycle can help you both plan and prevent pregnancy. If you wish to gain an in-depth understanding of your cycle’s phases, try tracking your hormones daily with the BBT method, alongside our Mira App and Hormone Monitor. Your BBT shifts help confirm ovulation timing, giving more accurate insights into whether period sex may lead to conception.

Reducing the Mess: Tips for a Better Experience

Practical Tips

Let’s go over some tips on how to make the experience of period sex as smooth and enjoyable as possible both for you and for your partner.

Minimizing the mess is a big priority for many couples. Try preparing for this by having sex with period on dark sheets on the bed and having towels on hand for quick and easy clean up. You could even try shower sex, where the mess should be greatly reduced.

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

This is where some trial and error may come in handy for you and your partner, as you 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

Period Products

Wearing a period product such as a tampon or menstrual cup during sex is not recommended, so be sure to remove any internal sanitary protection beforehand, particularly if engaging in penetrative sex. Wearing a tampon or cup during sex can not only be uncomfortable, but may also lead to health complications, such as infection.

However, a menstrual disc can be a safe option for those who wish to wear some form of sanitary protection. Sitting high in your vaginal canal under your cervix, when inserted correctly, can minimize mess during period sex while feeling discreet and comfortable to wear.

Talking to Your Partner About Period Sex

If you are curious about trying period sex, we suggest talking to your partner about it first. While it may seem a bit daunting, 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 experience when engaging in period sex.

Period Sex and STIs: What You Should Know

While period sex is generally considered medically safe for both partners despite many misconceptions, it has been associated with a potentially increased risk of STIs, although this risk can exist with many types of sexual activity.

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, a dilated cervical opening, as well as menstrual hormonal changes, such as decreased estrogen and progesterone levels.

Due to these hormonal changes during menstruation, women may also be at more risk of yeast infections. Using barrier protection (e.g. condoms) therefore remains an important part of practicing safe sex during all stages of the cycle, helping to ensure that you are protected from not only unwanted pregnancy, but also STIs.

When to Avoid Period Sex

There may be times when avoiding period sex is recommended. While generally harmless, we recommend abstaining if you experience any unusual pain, signs of potential infection, or certain medical conditions. 

It is also not recommended if you are experiencing any unusual bleeding. If this is the case, explain to your partner that you wish to discontinue, and talk to your doctor, who can help identify any potential problems you may need to be aware of.

If you have irregular bleeding, extremely heavy flow, or mid-cycle spotting, you could try using the Mira Hormone Monitor and App to monitor hormonal fluctuations and discuss your results with a professional. These symptoms may indicate deeper issues like PCOS or other health conditions like uterine polyps or fibroids, endometriosis.

If you wish to identify further key factors that may affect your ovulation and menstrual cycle, our Panorama Lab Test can help you do so with just one hormone test. After receiving your results, you will also gain actionable steps to address any fertility concerns and support you along your journey.

Always remember that you are entitled to stop sex and choose to no longer practice period sex if you are not emotionally or physically comfortable with it. 

Conclusion

To wrap up, having sex on period is generally harmless, and despite any social stigma and popular misconceptions, it can be a healthy and pleasurable part of your sex life if both you and your partner are comfortable with it.

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 sex during period, or choose to abstain and wait until you have finished menstruation, the choice you make ultimately depends on what you are comfortable with, both physically and emotionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ovulate during your period?

No. Generally speaking, you do not ovulate when menstruating. However, you must consider sperm lifespan, as well as the risk of early ovulation, which may cause you to get pregnant during your period.