Period sex: How and why to have it

The ins and outs of period sex (yes, even mess-free)

Sex is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but for some reason, many of us forego it during our periods. But the truth is, it may make your menstrual period end faster.   

To put it into perspective, menstruators, on average, will bleed approximately 450 times (around 2,280 days). That’s SIX years of great sex you might have been missing out on.

This guide will share hard science on why to love period sex and tips to improve it.

First things first: Can you get pregnant on your period?

Yes. You can get pregnant on the days of your menstruation – and, although it’s relatively rare, you should continue to use your preferred form of birth control during menstruation (unless of course, a pregnancy is something you’d welcome).  

If you’re wondering how the heck sperm can fertilize an egg if the lining of your uterus is actively being shed, well, we had the same question. It has to do with the following facts:

I. Sperm can live for up to five days in the reproductive tract.¹

II. Most individuals with uteruses have a fertile window of about six days: the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation.² Ovulation typically occurs a little more than halfway through the menstrual cycle. 

III. Some individuals have irregular menstrual cycles – and if your cycle is on the shorter end of the spectrum (i.e. 25 days or less), your menstruation, plus the five days sperm survive, could overlap with your fertile window.

Bottom line: don’t chance it—use contraception during period sex if you don’t want to get pregnant and always practice safe sex (oral or penetrative). Unprotected sex can also lead to the spread of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) which can be transferred through bleeding and fluids. Using contraception, such as barrier method can help prevent the spread.

Other ways to reduce your risk of STIs 

What’s so great about having sex while on your period?

Wondering if it’s bad to have sex on your period? The answer is NO. While period sex is still culturally stigmatized by some as “bad” or “dirty,” nothing could be further from the truth.  

Having intercourse during menstruation is no different from regular, non-period sex in terms of its health benefits. And it may make some of the unpleasant period symptoms less noticeable – i.e. reducing menstrual cramps, pain, and fatigue.((Juang, C., Yen, M., Horng, H., Cheng, C., Yuan, C., & Chang, C. (2006). Natural progression of menstrual pain in nulliparous women at reproductive age: An observational study. Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, 69(10), 484-488. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1726-4901(09)70313-2))³

Plus, you may find yourself “in the mood” more during your menstruation – while there’s no hard evidence as to why this happens, some scientists speculate that the natural increase in testosterone you experience during menstruation may boost your sex drive.((Basson R. (2010). Testosterone therapy for reduced libido in women. Therapeutic advances in endocrinology and metabolism, 1(4), 155–164. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042018810379588))

If you usually rely on lube to make sex more enjoyable, well… period sex may just be your new BFF. Your menstrual blood and fluids serve as natural lubrication, which may make intercourse even more enjoyable.  

Some other health benefits of sexual activity include a stronger immune system, improved sleep, reduced emotional stress, and lower blood pressure.((The Benefits of a Healthy Sex Life. (2021, May 1). OSHU Center for Women’s Health. Retrieved from ohsu.edu/womens-health/benefits-healthy-sex-life)) It also triggers the release of endorphins, reducing pain, such as headaches and migraines.

Oh, it might make your mensesAnother term for menstrual flow (commonly known as your period). end sooner, too.((Fratangelo, N. (2018, January 22). The one thing you can do to make your period shorter is actually so satisfying. Revelist. Retrieved from revelist.com/dating/shorten-period-orgasm/11302))

How to have period sex

Get down to get dirty. Period sex can be messy, but there are ways to make it cleaner (if you want).

Let’s talk tools:Consider laying a dark-colored towel on the bed beneath you or investing in patterned sheets that can hide any stains that may occur.

If you want to avoid the mess altogether, try Flex Disc™. Unlike menstrual cups that sit in the vaginal canal, menstrual discs sit above the canal (in the vaginal fornix) and allows for mess-free period sex™. Always use clean hands and insert a new disc (or a freshly washed Reusable Disc before you get down. Remember to wear a condom as menstrual discs aren’t contraceptives and do not protect against STDs.

P.S.: Sexual intercourse can make your vaginal canal double in length. Wait about thirty minutes to an hour after having sex before removing a menstrual disc.

Position is key:

During your menstruation, your body may feel different in the standard sex positions you know and love. There’s no shame in switching up positions. So, we’ve curated a list of the best sex positions for all phases of your cycle.

If you’re equipped with a Flex Disc but still worried about staining the sheets, we suggest sticking to missionary position or doggy style— they’re the least likely to lead to leakage. 

Get wetter together

Sex in the shower is on the table any time of the month, but it can be especially helpful during your period. It’s also a great way to introduce a slightly blood-shy partner to period sex. 

Embrace foreplay

Don’t sleep on foreplay, natural lubricant, massage oil, or your favorite sex toy. These will add pleasure to your experience, so you can go deep and fully enjoy the wonders of period sex.  

Accidental spillage? NBD – here’s how to remove period stains from your sheets

If you’re learning how to use a Flex Disc or trying period sex au naturel and happen to stain sheets or your favorite underwear, here are some natural remedies for stain removal:

• Do not wash the sheets before using stain removal. This will only cement the stain in the sheets. Use a spot removal technique first, then throw ‘em in the wash.
• Place the stained sheets over ice and dab with a towel until the stain comes out.
• Dr. Bronner’s soap: Use a tiny drop with a bit of cold water over the stain, dab until the stain comes out.
• Baking soda & vinegar: Pour baking soda over the stain, spray with white vinegar, leave for 30 minutes, then dab with a wet towel to remove.

Is it safe to have sex during your period?

Yes, it is safe to have sex during your period. In fact, some people find that period sex can actually provide relief from period cramps and increase sexual pleasure due to increased blood flow. It’s important to communicate with your partner and use protection.

Now that you have the tools, there’s pretty much no excuse for avoiding period sex, unless you have severe menstrual pain or discomfort (you’re not alone—talk to your doctor asap). 

Remember, the best period sex, is safe sex. So next time your mensesAnother term for menstrual flow (commonly known as your period). come around, show your vagina some love and give period sex a try!

This article is informational only and is not offered as medical advice, nor does it substitute for a consultation with your physician. If you have any gynecological/medical concerns or conditions, please consult your physician. 

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