Period sex: Can you have sex on your period?

Period sex can be a fairly taboo topic, but we're here to change that. Can you have sex on your period? Is it safe? Yes, having sex on your period is possible and safe, and many people actually enjoy it. So before you make your mind up about it, here’s our guide to period sex.

Why isn’t period sex more common?

It’s fair enough. You’re bleeding all day, you’re doubled over in pain and you want to shout at everyone in sight, a.k.a, menstrual cycles and menstrual cramps. The last thing you need is anyone near your nether regions. Especially if you have a heavy flow going. That’s totally ok. You do you.

But sometimes it isn’t about feeling crappy. Some religious people don’t believe in having sex on your period as menstruating women are seen as ‘unclean’. If you’re part of any of religion/culture that follows this line of thinking and are wondering is it okay to have sex on your period, or even is it bad to have sex on your period – logistically speaking, the answer it yes, it’s totally okay and no it isn’t bad.

As long as you’re safe (more on that later on), you’re perfectly entitled to have sex on any day of the year. But we can’t make that decision for you. Ultimately, it’s totally dependent on what you’re comfortable with.

How period sex can be a good thing

Can you have sex on your period? Yes. Should you have sex on your period? If you feel up to it, there are lots of reasons why it might be a brilliant idea. 

You see, all the hormonal activity that ramps up during your period often results in you being a lot more horny. So, having sex, both oral sex and penetrative sex, can be great and even better than when red Niagara Falls isn’t in your pants. Naturally, there’s a lot more moisture going on during your period too, which means natural lube. Defo comes in handy.

Having sex on your period can also relieve cramps due to the hormones oxytocin, dopamine and endorphins being released during orgasm, which are natural painkillers. Think of how much money you could save on Ibuprofen.

Orgasms also cause the uterus to contract, which dislodges the lining that makes its beautiful appearance during your period. This means that having sex can shorten the length of your period, as it sheds the lining faster.

Risks of having period sex

Despite having sex on your period being fine, frisky, and full of pain relieving goodness, there are some risks involved. Here’s a couple of things you should be aware of: 

• Increased risk of infections: Blood-borne diseases, like HIV, are naturally more susceptible to transmission due to a period because you’re bleeding. The blood flow is also a nifty carrier for viruses, so it’s probably a good idea to wear a condom.  You can find out more about that by reading this article. That way you’ll be safe from sexually transmitted infections as well as any other viruses.
• Pregnancy: Although the chance is small, the myth that you can’t get pregnant when on your period is just plain false. The only 100% effective contraceptive is ditching shagging completely. So whenever you have sex, regardless of times of the month, there’s always a risk. This is because sperm can live in the body for up to seven days after sex, and that could cause the slight issue of a small human being formed, especially if you ovulate early. 

Worried  about any of these risks? Have a chat with your GP and get some professional medical advice. They’ll be able to ease some of your anxieties, or refer you to someone who can.

How to have sex on your period

If you fancy having a bloody good shag, here are some tips for how to have sex on your period:

• If you have a penis, wear a condom. First and foremost, as we’ve said before, cover it up. As well as saving you from any infections or tiny children, it may also stop your penis looking like it’s been involved in a homicide.
• Put a towel down. To save any washing of sheets, get an old towel out and spread it underneath you.
• Prepare the wet wipes and tissues. Before you get down and (hopefully not) dirty, have some wet wipes and tissues to hand so you can use them to clean up afterwards.
• Shower sex. If you’re still worried about the mess, being on your period is a perfect time for sex in the shower. No mess, extra lube, and you smell a lot nicer afterwards. Just make sure both partners are comfortable beforehand, to avoid any slipping or nasty accidents.

Having sex on your period, or their period, can be more awkward and a bit of a faff. But remember that if you want to shag someone but then get repulsed by the idea as soon as they tell you they’re on their period – you probably aren’t getting any for a while, or maybe ever.

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