Although you might feel crampy and bloated during your period, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy sex. In fact, sex can actually help reduce your menstrual symptoms by releasing endorphins and relaxing tense muscles — but there are certain things you need to know about having sex when you’re on your period before diving into bed with your partner.
Here are some tips to help make it easier and safer for both of you!
Will it have any effect on periods?
Some people believe that having period sex will make you bleed more. Others say that having sex while on your period doesn't affect your cycle at all. But, a woman should use a tampon before and after intercourse to avoid any contact with the blood flow. Sex may also cause vaginal dryness or spotting, which is normal. Always use a condom if you're worried about pregnancy risks! If this is something you need help with, talk to your doctor.
Can you get pregnant?
Many women in relationships try and avoid sex altogether. This is called period sex fast. This has its benefits, as you can avoid negative side effects such as cramps, bloating, and mood swings. However, sex will not affect your chances of getting pregnant at all. As long as sperm cells are not entering your vagina, there is no chance of pregnancy occurring. Using protection like condoms or female condoms will help reduce the risk of STI transmission and make sex more enjoyable for both parties. Make sure that you follow period sex hygiene tips like using towels or pads to absorb menstrual flow if necessary. You should also change tampons regularly and use panty liners if necessary.
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Period sex myths, busted
Myth 1:
Period sex increases your risk of infection: Unless you and your partner are experiencing the same type of sexual activity, there is no conclusive evidence that period sex is riskier. However, sex during menstruation can be more uncomfortable for some people, so hygiene tips like using a new condom every time and covering up with a towel or blanket might help make things more comfortable.
Myth 2:
Period blood cannot pass STIs: If you experience unprotected sex during your menstrual cycle, always use protection. The only exception is if both partners have had their uteruses removed in surgery and do not produce any vaginal fluid (pre-op female-to-female couples).
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Myth 3:
Sex will "trigger" your period or somehow make it heavier: Sex won't cause bleeding as your uterus is not even near the reproductive organs when you're having sex.
Myth 4:
Period sex will make your menstrual cramps more painful: There is little to no correlation between sex and menstrual pain.
Benefits of having sex during periods.
#1. Relief from cramps:
Sex can also be a great form of relaxation, which can provide relief from menstrual cramps and other discomforts associated with menstruation. You might want to try using your own menstrual blood as lube! It's natural and free!
#2. Less period-related mood swings:
Getting laid during that time of the month can help regulate hormones and lessen period-related mood swings.
#3. Increased sex drive:
Sex is more pleasurable when there is increased blood flow to the genitals. For some women, this may mean an increased sex drive during their periods.
#4. Short-term pain relief:
Sex can be a great distraction from period pains and menstrual cramps. The increased pleasure can be just what you need to stop worrying about your period for a while.
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Planning tips
It is safe to have sex during your period. Just make sure you follow these hygiene tips for period sex: -
- Use a water-based lubricant,
- Change your tampon or menstrual cup before having sex, and make sure you're comfortable with any extra wetness that might happen.
- Sex can be messy, but if you use the right precautions then there's nothing to worry about! You can always wear protection like a condom to protect yourself from pregnancy risks and messy situations.
Precautions, safety considerations
Sex during menstruation is possible and can be a fun way to break up the monotony of your period. However, there are some precautions that you should take for sex to be safe and enjoyable. As with any time you are having sex, both parties must be clean and not bleeding from anywhere else on their body.
- If you're on your period, avoid penetration of the vagina with an object or penis as this could introduce bacteria into the vaginal canal.
- Both partners should wash their hands before touching each other or having sex and should use a condom if they have not recently showered together.
- Care should be taken to make sure one is not bleeding from elsewhere on their body and that sex does not involve insertion into the vagina.
- It's also important to remember to clean one's self before touching another person or engaging in sexual activity.
Conclusion
Despite how it might seem, sex during menstruation is actually one of the safest times to have sex. Both partners need to be aware of their own and each other's cycle to avoid pregnancy, but there are also period sex hygiene tips that will keep things clean and comfortable. Some people worry about menstrual blood getting into their partner's urethra (where urine comes out), or about vaginal fluids seeping onto sensitive areas like the penis or scrotum, but this isn't a concern at all. Sex during menstruation is totally safe!
