Sex During Your Period

Have you found that your sex drive increases during your period? You’re not alone. Many find that their fluctuating hormones during menstruation make their sex drives stronger, leaving you wanting more sex during that time of the month. But with so many social taboos surrounding period sex, what can you do?

There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about sex on your period. You may find yourself left with a range of questions and concerns. Is having sex while menstruating clean? Is it safe? Can you still get pregnant? If you’re looking to learn the nitty-gritty about sex during your period, you’ve come to the right place.

We’re here to dispel myths and arm you with the correct information about period sex. Read on for our guide to sex during your period, where we’ll answer all your questions and more. Or, use the links below to jump ahead to a section of your choosing.

Can You Have Sex During Your Period?

First thing’s first: you can absolutely have sex during your period. Not only is it safe, but it may offer a range of benefits. Just as sex is good for your health, period sex may be good for your health, too.

The Basics: Is It Safe?

If you’ve considered if it is bad or unsafe to have sex on your period, you’re not alone. One study conducted by the Kinsey Institute Condom Use Research Team reported that only 15% of participants had sex as usual during their period. Among those who reported not engaging in period sex, 49% said they avoided all sexual activity and 41% only stimulated their partner during their menstrual cycle.¹

Despite its lower frequency, sex on your period is just as safe as any other time of the month. Turns out, it can be uniquely beneficial, too. These are just a few of the benefits of intercourse during your menstrual cycle.

It can help with cramps: Many find that orgasm minimizes menstrual cramps. When orgasms occur, the uterine muscles contract and release, relieving tension from cramping.
It can reduce pain: Sex releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. This can reduce pain associated with period cramps, headaches, muscle aches, and more.
It can make sex feel better: Menstrual blood offers increased lubrication, reducing friction during sex and increasing pleasure. Even if you’re a regular lube user, you may find that you simply don’t need it during your period.
It can shorten your period: Contractions caused by orgasms help shed uterine lining and may result in a shorter period.

It’s clear: having sex while menstruating may not just result in better sex, but in better periods, too. More people might benefit from being open to the idea of having sex during their period.

Can You Get Pregnant When Having Sex on Your Period?

Your period is a pretty good sign that you’re not pregnant, so it’s easy to assume that as long as you’re menstruating, you can’t get pregnant. In reality, this isn’t the case. Though it does lower the likelihood of pregnancy, you can absolutely get pregnant while having sex on your period.

Wondering why? There are a few potential reasons. For one, not all periods are the same. Ovulation is the point at which you release an egg and are most likely to get pregnant. For many, this occurs about 2 weeks before their period. However, that isn’t always the case. Some release eggs at different times throughout their cycle.³

Depending on when your egg is released, you may become pregnant despite being on your period. Sperm can leave inside your body for several days. If you have sex towards the end of your period and release an egg within the next few days, you may become pregnant.⁴

Unless you’re looking to become pregnant, you should always use a condom—even on your period. Not only can condoms significantly reduce your chances of getting pregnant, but they can also protect you from STIs that are transferred via fluids, like HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and more.

Common Concerns and Myths About Period Sex

Have you heard common myths about pregnancy sex? They may leave you feeling trepidation about period sex. It’s time to dispel those and learn the truth about having sex on your period.

Bleeding While Intercourse: What to Expect

Ready to explore sex on your period? Here are a few things to expect:

You may have increased sensitivity: The pain and swelling associated with periods can increase your sensitivity. You may find that you’re more sensitive during your period and need to go more slowly or be more gentle.
You may need to try a different position: Your cervix sits slightly lower during sex, so positions that may typically feel good may not. Change it up and find what works best.⁵
If you’ve just finished your period, you may start spotting again: If you have sex at the very end of your cycle, you may find that you begin spotting again after sex. Experts suggest that this may be the release of a little remaining blood in your uterus that has been jostled loose by sex.⁴

Intercourse During Menstruation: Is It Different?

Some things may be a little different when having sex on your period. It’s important to be prepared for whatever is to come. Consider the following before having period sex:

You may need less lubrication: As we’ve mentioned above, menstrual blood provides natural lubrication. Even if you regularly use lube during sex, you may find that it's not necessary during your period.
You may need more lubrication: Alternatively, if you’re a tampon user, you may need to up the amount of lubricant during sex. Tampons may absorb your natural lubrication and, when removed just before sex, can result in vaginal dryness.
You may be more vulnerable to STIs: Changes during your menstrual cycle may leave you more vulnerable to STIs during your period, so it’s important to always use a condom and practice safe sex.⁶
You may be more likely to pass on STIs: STIs that are transferred through blood, like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, are easier to pass on during period sex because of the greater prevalence of blood.⁶ Again, safe sex is imperative, no matter the time of month.

Tips for Comfortable Period Sex

One thing’s certain: period sex can get messy. Here are our best tips to stay comfortable.

How to Prepare

Of course, good period sex begins with proper communication. The first step is consent from both partners. You may want to have a conversation with your partner about what to expect during period sex and talk about any concerns that come up. Both periods and sex can be emotionally charged topics, and the two combined even moreso.

This is another benefit of period sex: it’s a great foray into open and honest communication. You may find that conversations surrounding period sex leave you feeling closer than ever before.

Managing Messiness

Once you’ve prepared emotionally, it’s time to prepare physically. Ready your space for the potential of blood. You’ll likely want to cover your bedding with a towel or blanket that you don't mind getting blood on.

If you find that you like period sex and want to have more, you may want to designate a specific towel or blanket for period sex. You can also keep tissues, wipes, or a washcloth nearby to wipe off and reduce the spread of menstrual blood from your hands to any other surfaces.

Some find that the better solution to period sex is to forgo the bedroom altogether and cut to the chase with shower sex. You’ll clean as you go, resulting in lesser likelihood of messy stains. Different positions can also help manage messiness during sex. Many find that missionary reduces the amount of menstrual blood released during sex.

Now that you know the truth about period sex, it’s time to give it a go! Talk to your partner about whether period sex may be right for your sex life.