Is it safe to have sex during periods?

While some people feel gross when they hear the words “sex during periods,” others think of pleasure. There are a lot of taboos around sexual activity during menstruation but there is nothing dirty about it. In fact, it can be healthy to have sex during periods, and even be more pleasurable due to the heightened sensitivity. Period during sex is also believed to ease period symptoms such as cramps. While it is more pleasurable and reduces cramps, is it safe to have sex during periods? Here’s everything you need to know.

What are the benefits of period sex?

Here are the health benefits of having sex during periods:

1. Relief from menstrual cramps

If you are wondering Your uterus contracts during menstruation to release its lining, which leads to menstrual cramps. The muscles in your uterus contract and then relax during an orgasm. This release brings some relief from period cramps.

2. Increases libido

Your hormones fluctuate throughout your periods, which causes some changes in your sex drive. Some women may also feel more turned on during periods.

3. Natural lubricant

Lubrication is important to make sex more pleasurable and comfortable. Menstrual blood acts as a natural lubricant, making sexual intercourse easier.

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4. Relieves headaches

Women living with migraine may get migraine attacks during periods, according toperi a 2017 study published in the Journal of Headache and Pain. Another study published in the Sage Journals found women who had sex during menstruation experienced partial or complete relief from headaches.

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5. Reduces stress

Did you know sex is a great stress reliever? It helps you relax, and take your mind off worries and anxieties. Sex during periods helps release endorphins and oxytocin, which are feel-good hormones that help you relax and stave off stress.

Are there any side effects of period sex?

While period sex is generally considered safe, here are some side effects of having sex during periods:

• One of the biggest side effects of having sex is the mess. The anxiety of creating a mess can suck all the fun out of the sex.
• Another risk is the spreading of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as the virus lives in the blood and may be transmitted through contact with infected menstrual blood. However, using a condom during sex can reduce the risk of STIs.

Also Read: Vaginal bumps during periods: Dos and don’ts you should know

Can you get pregnant after having sex during periods?

While the chance of getting pregnant during periods is negligible, there is a chance you could get pregnant. This is especially true for those with irregular or shorter menstrual cycles. Sperm has the potential to survive in the female reproductive tract for several days and pregnancy is possible if ovulation happens soon after the end of the menstrual cycle, says the Dr Archana Dhawan.

Safety measures if you plan to have sex during periods

The safety measures one should take into account, according to the expert, if one plans to have sex during periods include:

• Using condoms to reduce your risk of getting STIs.
• Keeping a towel to manage messiness or having sex in the shower.
• Be open and honest with your partner about your comfort and preferences.
• Menstrual blood might alter natural lubrication, use additional lubrication as necessary.
• Try out several positions to see which one is most pleasurable and comfortable.
• Wash your genitals both before and after engaging in sexual activity to prioritize cleanliness.
• Use menstruation cups or soft tampons if you want internal protection throughout intercourse.

Also Read: Can having period sex really raise your chances of developing endometriosis?

Frequently asked questions

Can sex make your period come early?

Yes, it is possible that sex will kickstart your period. However, it may only happen if you orgasm during it or near your period date. This happens because orgasm forces some blood to come out by causing uterine contractions. However, this does not necessarily mean that you will have your period right after having sex.

Can you have sex the day after your period ends?

Yes, you can have sex the next day of your period. The risk of getting pregnant right after your period is generally lower because it is less likely that you are ovulating at that time. However, every woman’s body works differently, and some women may ovulate earlier in their cycle. Also, sperm can survive inside a female reproductive tract for several days. So, if a woman has sex shortly after her period ends and then ovulates earlier than expected, there is a possibility of getting pregnant.

Can having sex delay your period?

This is a myth! Sex doesn’t cause a significant shift in your hormones and it will disrupt her menstrual cycle. Sex will only delay your period if you get pregnant because you don’t get your period when you are expecting.

Also Read: Are your periods extremely uncomfortable? 10 important things you should avoid during periods

Can sex induce a period?

Sexual intercourse does not cause a direct change in one’s menstrual cycle so having sex will not induce your periods.

Keep this in mind!

Period sex is normal to engage in and can be made safer in simple ways, but just because it’s okay to do, it doesn’t mean you have to do it. It is important to know that sex can mean different things for different people. It can be solo sex (masturbation), penetrative sex, oral sex, etc. Any/all kinds of sex are possible during periods. Some forms may not even include contact with the vagina. Depending on the kind of sex that the menstruator decides to engage in, it can be made safer by following simple steps.