A Safe Space for You and Your Vagina
Sex on your period?
Sex on your period is an issue that comes up for all menstruating women everywhere, so why don’t we talk about it more? Whether the thought of engaging in period sex makes you squeamish or doesn’t make you bat an eye, we’re taking the time today to delve into this vastly underrated topic. From answering the most frequently asked questions about period sex to understanding its benefits (did you know it can relieve cramps?), keep reading to discover the good, the bad, and the messy about sex on your period.
Women shouldn't assume their partner will be grossed out by their period. In fact, it's often the person who's menstruating who puts a stop to sex, not her other half. Every couple is different, and some people will be more open to it than others. If you're curious what your partner might think, ask them. Good communication can lead to great sex at any time during the month.
FAQs
Is it safe to have sex on your period?
Yes! It is 100 percent safe to have sex while on your period. In fact, not only is period sex safe, it can actually have some great benefits, like relieving cramps (more on that below!). So, if you and your partner are up for it, don’t let it get in the way of your normal sex routine.
Will period sex make me bleed more?
There is a common misconception that period sex will make you bleed even more. Although you might be inclined to believe this when examining your sheets post-sex, it’s actually false. Orgasming on your period can increase the speed with which menstrual blood is expelled from the body. However, it won’t make your period longer or heavier. In fact, quite the opposite. Some studies have found that if you orgasm during sex on your period, it can actually decrease the length of your period because you’re pushing out the uterine contents faster. In other words, period sex lets you have your cake and eat it too.
Why do I feel hornier when I’m on my period?
Do you ever feel a crazy urge to have sex while on your period? Luckily, this is perfectly normal. Some women find themselves with an increased sex drive during ovulation, while others may get turned on by anything and everything on their period. No matter where you fall on this spectrum, your increased libido is most likely the result of hormones, specifically estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, the levels of which vary based on which part of the menstrual cycle you’re in. Unfortunately, more scientific research is required for there to be a definitive answer to this question, but rest assured, it’s extremely common for women to feel hornier before or on their periods. In the meantime, if you are feeling aroused while on your period, we recommend taking full advantage!
My partner is male, can I still get pregnant if I have sex while on my period?
We’re going to write this in all caps because it’s so important: YES! Your period does not act as birth control, nor will it prevent you from getting an STI. Every woman’s cycle is different, and sometimes even the same woman’s cycle differs month to month. Women are most likely to get pregnant during the ovulation phase of their cycle, but sometimes this can overlap with menstruation. In addition, sperm can live in the body for up to five days, which means if your menstrual cycle is on the shorter side and you ovulate not too long after your period, there is a chance that you could release an egg while sperm are still in the reproductive tract. Thus, it’s still imperative that you use one or multiple forms of protection during sex. Men may prefer to wear a condom anyway, as this will help make things a bit less messy on their end, in addition to protecting you both against possible STIs and pregnancy.
Benefits
Relief from Menstrual Cramps: Research suggests that having an orgasm while on your period can actually relieve cramps (seriously, how did we not know this before???). Menstrual cramps occur because your uterus is contracting to release its lining during menstruation. Having an orgasm has a similar effect in terms of contracting the muscles of the uterus, but then it causes these muscles to release. It is this release that can provide relief from menstrual cramps, which every woman knows can be incredibly painful.
Shorter Periods: We already touched on this above, but we’re going to reiterate the point here because it’s such a great one: Orgasming during sex can decrease the overall length of your period. (We won’t blame you if you want to re-read that sentence a few times and really let it sync in.) This is because, when you orgasm your muscles contract, which causes your body to expel uterine contents at a faster rate. Pushing out your menstrual flow faster means that in some cases, your period will be over with sooner.
Built-in Lubrication: It’s fair to say that at WE GO THERE, we’re pretty pro lube, but in this particular instance, it may not be necessary. That’s because period blood acts as a natural lubricant. So, if you typically use lube to counteract dryness, you may not need to use as much or any at all during period sex.
Period Sex Tips
The takeaway: Don’t let your period put a stop to your sex life if you don’t want it to. Period sex is safe, healthy, and has some pretty great benefits, so if you and your partner are into it, embrace it and enjoy the ride - pun intended!
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