Period sex can be more fun than your regular routine. Yes, you heard right: Once you know how to have sex on your period, your time of the month won’t stop you from enjoying the best of life. But what makes sex during your period different from regular intercourse (besides, of course, blood)? And what’s the best way to embrace -- and even enjoy -- your time of the month in the bedroom? Here’s what you guys had to say about this once-taboo topic.
Disclaimer: The following information is not medical advice. It was written for informational purposes only.
Can You Have Sex on Your Period?
The short answer is YES.
Having penetrative and non-penetrative intercourse while menstruating is totally fine, as long as you’re comfortable and in the mood. For centuries, women have struggled with shame surrounding both their sensuality and menstruation.
There is no biological reason to feel bad about either of these things together or separately. In fact, there are many mental and physical health benefits to engaging in period sex if you and your partner are comfortable with it.
The biggest deterrent has long been the mess and embarrassment. There are, however, many ways to deal with menstrual blood -- and many reasons for you and your partner to embrace it.
What Are the Benefits of Period Sex?
You heard right. There are real benefits to having intercourse while you’re menstruating. The biggest one, of course, is pleasure and #bodypositivity. If you’re in the mood and not afraid of the mess, here’s what you should consider.
Sex During Your Period Means Extra Lubrication
The biggest benefit may be that penetrative intercourse is actually easier for both parties. Many people cite menstrual fluid as a great -- and all-natural -- replacement for traditional lubricant. Don’t be Victorian about it: Menstrual fluid is organic and the perfect consistency to get it on with your partner.
Having Sex on Your Period May Relieve Cramps
Cramps are one of the worst PMS symptoms that we ladies have to deal with. Luckily, period sex can help with that. It’s scientifically proven that vaginal stimulation affects the neurons in the brain to elevate a woman’s pain threshold, according to research put forth in The Atlantic.
This extends to period cramps: Penetrative or oral stimulation can reduce menstrual pain, much more fun than popping a few Midol. And yes, this also means that intercourse can help you get rid of that headache.
It Can Be the Most Fun
The main reason we make love is that it feels good. What if we told you that sex during your period can actually be more fun? That’s not just a matter of opinion: Thanks to the hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, your sex drive can be higher during certain times of the month than others. This can happen while you’re spotting or on your period.
Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period?
One of the common misconceptions is that you cannot get pregnant while menstruating. This is not true, so remember to use birth control no matter when you have sex. The chances of a woman becoming pregnant are lower during menstruation and higher during ovulation.
However, bleeding can occur during ovulation, too. This can make it look like a woman is on her period when she’s at her most fertile. Whether or not you are trying to conceive, please speak with a gynecologist about birth control and your cycle. Additionally, you can download a period tracker app if you want to track your menstrual cycle more closely.
5 Period Sex Tips for Beginners
Wondering how to have sex on your period and not sure where to start? In addition to talking to your partner to decide what’s comfortable for everyone, here are a few tips and tricks.
Use a Towel
No one likes to stain their sheets. Luckily, that’s easily solved with a towel. Simply lay a towel down on your bed before you get started and throw them in the washing machine afterward. We would recommend choosing a dark-colored or red towel.
Try Period Sex the Shower
Not interested in any mess at all? Try period sex in the shower. Unlike regular period sex, during which the vagina’s natural lubrication can wash away, menstrual blood will provide just the right amount of lubricant. Since you’re in the shower, the blood will be a lot less visible, no clean up necessary.
Use Birth Control and Practice Safe Sex
Just because you’re menstruating does not mean that you cannot get pregnant. Though the chances of pregnancy are lower than at other phases in your menstrual cycle, over 30% of women have irregular cycles. This means that you may not know exactly when you are menstruating and when you are ovulating. Please speak with a gynecologist to find the right birth control for you.
Keep in mind that not all birth control methods prevent STI transmission. Again, check with a licensed medical professional on how to practice safe relations -- whether or not it’s period sex.
Have Fun and Be Creative During Period Sex
Penetration is only one of many ways to make love. Oral stimulation can be just as fun, whether or not the person receiving oral is on her period. Many people have no problem with oral sex during a period; in fact, they find the messiness part of the fun.
Do I Have to Take Out my Menstrual Cup?
If you are having penetrative relations with your partner, please take out your menstrual cup. EverCup is not a form of birth control and should not be worn during penetration. If you are practicing oral period sex, there is no need to remove your menstrual cup. Do whatever feels most comfortable for you.
Period Sex Is More Popular Than Ever
Bodies are messy and it's time we embrace it.
Couples everywhere are finding creative and body-positive ways to show their love -- whether or not their partner is menstruating. Menstrual cups can make having sex during your period all that much easier.
Though you cannot have penetrative intercourse with a cup in, simply take your cup out before and put it back in afterward. Or you can wear your EverCup if penetration isn’t involved.