Whether you decide to have sex during your period depends on several factors. First and foremost, it's a matter of how you perceive menstrual blood and what emotions it arouses in you. Additionally, there's the fear of your partner's reaction to any stains or blood clots on your body or bedding. The stress associated with spotting often takes away not only the pleasure of sex, but also the desire for any meetings or activities.
As they say, “it takes two to tango,” so the second important element of this puzzle is the partner and his/her approach. Communication is the most important: fear often comes from ignorance, many people refuse to have sex during their period because they are worried about their partner’s health or assume that their libido is close to zero during these days.
So how do we break this impasse? How about... (warning, crazy idea!) starting with a conversation? :) What needs to be clearly established is: SEX DURING MENSTRUATION CAN BE PLEASURABLE, as long as you are ready for it. It requires trust, safety and certainty in the area of your intimacy. It's about both physical and mental comfort. If you don't know how to start a dialogue with your partner about sex, take a look at our article full of tips and support!
Psst! If you're also wondering whether you shouldn't masturbate during your period, I refer you to our article on solo sex during your period . Spoiler: no contraindications were found ;) Also check out the article on female masturbation .
Period Sex – The Benefits
Just because you're on your period doesn't mean your sex life should stop! While period sex can be a little messy, it's safe (as long as you follow our tips!). And it can be especially enjoyable!
The easy way to orgasm
Some sexually active people believe that the best orgasms can be experienced during menstruation. How is this possible? During bleeding, various changes occur in the hormonal system, and the congestion of the genitals increases, which leads to increased arousal and greater sensitivity to touch. The sensations during intercourse are more intense thanks to this. Another advantage of intercourse during menstruation is greater moisture, which also affects the power of experience. Blood acts as a natural lubricant, so during this time you can enjoy each other without additional support.
Sexmission: New Position
Sex during menstruation can provide slightly different sensations than normal. The cervix is slightly tilted towards the birth canal during these days. Some say this is an ideal opportunity to try out new positions. Remember to be careful though – sometimes this condition can have the opposite effect: pain and discomfort in configurations that were previously optimal for you.
More relaxed and fun!
Another benefit of period sex is that orgasms can help ease menstrual cramps! When you climax, your vaginal muscles first contract and then relax, which can help relieve period pain . It’s also worth knowing that sex releases your body’s natural painkillers—endorphins, oxytocin, and dopamine.
The genitals are more congested during menstruation, which again affects the intensity of sensations. Hormones are released that help to relax, vaginal dryness decreases , and libido increases. What does this madness lead to? For example, to orgasm !
A shorter way to freedom
And that's not all! Did you know that sex can theoretically shorten your period? Muscle contractions during orgasm can speed up the expulsion of the uterine contents, which means that the exfoliated endometrium will be expelled in a shorter time. We can't assure you that this will be the case for you, because it's rather an individual matter, but it doesn't hurt to try and see!
Menstruation is a good time to look for other ways of giving yourself pleasure, not necessarily involving penetration.
Oral sex during your period
This form of caressing during menstruation is also completely safe. The main concern for most people considering such an activity is of course hygiene, but fortunately there are a few solutions that can help you stay as clean as possible during such play. You can read more about this in our article: Hygiene during your period - how to take care of your intimate areas? .
How to stay clean during oral sex?
A good choice would be a menstrual cup , which collects menstrual blood in a container, so that it does not leak out of the vulva, and at the same time, nothing sticks out of it (as is the case with a tampon string). 
An alternative is a menstrual disc (ring) , which works on a similar principle to a cup, guaranteeing up to 12 hours without "leaks". Additionally, such a menstrual disc can be worn during penetrative sex. Flexible rings are inserted into the vagina in a similar way to a tampon - with the difference that the ring should be placed higher, at the vaginal vault . Unfortunately, this solution is not very popular in Poland at the moment.
Bonus! In addition, to enjoy sex during your period (including penetrative sex) and not worry about leaks, you can try menstrual sponges . They are applied in the same way astampons , and the sponge itself adapts to the body and is unnoticeable. It effectively absorbs menstrual blood, so it is also suitable for other activities (such as swimming pools or saunas). Note: in drugstores you can find natural, unbleached sponges that are marked with the slogan "reusable". Well, we have no doubts about the menstrual cup and in fact, with friendly relations and proper care, you can use it for up to 2 years. As for sponges - we do not trust them that much and recommend their single use. After all, you cannot fully clean such a sponge!
How to have sex during your period?
The biggest downside and worry about period sex is… the mess. Blood can appear on the sheets and your bodies, especially if you have heavy bleeding or are just starting your period. How can you avoid this and minimize the “losses”?
- Spread a towel on the bed . This way you will protect the sheet from possible dirt. You can also prepare special bedding that you will only use on "those days". In addition, you can buy special absorbent sanitary pads in the pharmacy, which will also work great! The good and not very groundbreaking news is that blood is easy to wash off or wash off in the event of a disaster. ;) We recommend quickly soaking the stained fabrics with cold water, spraying with a stain remover or pouring hydrogen peroxide and washing.
- Have sex in the shower or bathtub. This form of intercourse will completely eliminate the problem of possible dirt, and can also provide new sensations. This is a great solution for people who want to try sex during their period but are afraid of its bloody consequences.
- Use condoms. Sex during menstruation is safe for both partners in terms of health, butcontraception cannot be omitted , because pregnancy can occur during menstruation .Ovulation can begin while bleeding is still occurring, and sperm can survive in a woman's body for up to 5 days . In addition, there is a greater risk of infection with sexually transmitted diseases, because the mucous membrane is loosened, the cervix is open, and blood is coming out of the vagina. Have you ever heard of female condoms? You can read about them here .
- Have a wet cloth nearby. Keep a wet cloth or tissues near your bed or the place of intercourse. After intercourse, you will quickly wipe away any blood and avoid stains from setting. You can wipe your intimate areas with wet tissues - you will also find them in our offer.
- Take a shower before sex. Although “sloppy” sex can be some of the hottest, it’s worth taking care of your intimate hygiene and washing off any blood that may be on the outside of your vagina. Additionally, a cleansing shower helps to relax and is great foreplay. However, remember not to clean the inside of your vagina, e.g. by directing the shower head or douching! This can lead to serious infections. The vagina cleans itself, you don’t need to help it.
- Trust gravity. If you are afraid of a large flow of blood, you can use, for example, the missionary position - in this case, gravity will take care of the cleanliness of your bedding ;) There is also usually less blood towards the end of the period, when its flow is already weaker.
The basis of sex (not just during your period) is of course safety, so let's return to the issue of condoms for a moment. A major concern about having sex during your period is the risk of spreading a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as HIV or viral hepatitis. These viruses live in the blood and can be spread through contact with menstrual blood. Although it is different from the "regular" blood that flows through veins and arteries, this does not affect the possibility of transmission. You already know that the genitals are much more engorged during menstruation, which increases the sensations, but also the likelihood of infection and their susceptibility to possible damage. So use condoms every time you have sex during your period! Using them significantly reduces the risk of spreading or catching an STI.
Using protection also plays a key role if you are not planning to get pregnant. No matter where you are in your menstrual cycle , you can get pregnant at any time! Your period is no exception. Fertile and infertile days are conventionally accepted time frames, most often calculated for a typical 28-day cycle. However, there is never 100% certainty. Your chances of conception are lower, but there is still a risk of getting pregnant during this time. You can read more about this here .
From the important issues, it is worth mentioning something obvious, which if forgotten a little can end really badly. If you plan to have sex during your period and you wear a tampon, remember to take it out beforehand. Also note that although the level of moisture during menstruation is generally higher than during the rest of the month, a tampon taken out just before intercourse can absorb some of the natural lubricant. In such cases, it is worth reaching for additional support - for example (mentioned earlier) our intimate gel !
Cross this off the list
Period sex certainly has its benefits, but it is only truly positive and fulfilling when all parties involved do it of their own free will. Don't insist on it if, after talking to your partner, she still has doubts. Maybe she'll change her mind after reading our article... ;)
Created at: 05/08/2022
Updated at: 13/06/2023
