Having sex during menstruation is a personal choice and can be healthy and beneficial. It is important to note that you can still get pregnant if you have sex on your period. How you approach sex during menstruation can vary for each individual or couple. Some cultures may consider sexual activity during menstruation as taboo, but this is often based on outdated ideas and there is nothing dirty or dangerous about menstrual blood.

Some women may even notice increased arousal during their period and can strengthen their connection with their partner. Orgasm can also release hormones that can help to reduce menstrual cramps. However, it's also important to note that it's completely fine if you don't feel like engaging in sexual activity during your period or ever. Masturbation during your period is always an option and can have similar benefits.

Period sex tips

Period sex is a personal choice and how it is approached can vary for each couple. Some couples might prefer to have shower sex during menstruation to make it less messy, while others might wear a tampon and use lubrication. Menstrual blood can also act as a lubricant. Some couples might prefer to lay a towel underneath them, while others might be comfortable with getting a bit messy. As long as all partners are comfortable with the situation, there's no reason to avoid having sex during menstruation.

Is oral sex during menstruation safe?

Oral sex during menstruation is a personal choice and can be done if both partners are comfortable with it. If there are concerns about leakage, a menstrual cup, contraceptive sponge, or tampon can be used. Focusing on the clitoris during oral sex can also reduce the likelihood of blood getting into the mouth. It is important to note that oral sex during menstruation is safe as long as both partners have been screened for STIs. Another option is to use a barrier method called a dental dam, which can prevent the transmission of STIs during oral-vaginal sex.

Can you get pregnant when you have sex during menstruation?

It is possible to get pregnant if you have sex on your period. Your fertile window, the time when you are most likely to become pregnant, can vary depending on various factors and can overlap with your period. People with predictable menstrual cycles are less likely to be in their fertile window during or after their period, while people with short or unpredictable cycles are more likely to be in their fertile window during menstruation. If you ovulate early in your cycle, which is more likely as you age, your fertile window can overlap with your period. If you have unprotected sex during this time, pregnancy can occur. It's also important to be aware of ovulation spotting and other causes of spotting, so you don't mistake it for a period while having unprotected sex. To prevent pregnancy, it's recommended to use a condom or other form of birth control every time you have sex.

Can you get STIs when you have sex during your period?

Menstrual blood can change the pH of the vagina, which increases the risk of contracting an STI from an infected partner. It's important to use barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams when having period sex with an untested or new partner to reduce the risk of STIs. When having period sex in the shower, the water can affect the effectiveness of a condom, so it's recommended to use lube to reduce the risk of the condom falling off. Anal play or anal sex during menstruation can also reduce exposure to menstrual blood, but it's important to remember that it has similar STI risks as oral or vaginal sex. If engaging in anal play, it's important to be aware that encountering feces is possible and to wash the penis or toy or change condoms before switching to oral or vaginal sex to avoid infections.

The truth about period sex

The belief that period sex is dirty or impure is a misconception. All types of sexual activities can involve different fluids and excretions such as arousal fluid, ejaculate, sweat, urine, and even fecal matter if you're exploring the anus. Therefore, menstrual blood should not be a reason to avoid intercourse unless it's a personal preference.