Let’s get straight to it: being on your period sucks. You’re bloated, irritable, and bleeding like no one’s business. But let’s be honest, sometimes, despite all that uterine chaos, you’re also horny as hell. (Thanks, hormones, for being so deeply unhelpful.)
And then comes the internal debate: Should I have sex right now?
But what about the blankets?! Am I totally f**king deranged for even considering this? The clots! What if he pulls out, and there’s just a big red blobfish sadly sliding down my thigh?! Or worse still, sliding down his balls.
If you’re here, Googling this question, congratulations, you’re officially curious. So, let’s roll up our (metaphorical) sleeves and figure out whether period sex is on the cards for you. Spoiler: it just might be.
Can You Have Sex On Your Periods?
Short answer: Hell yes.
Long answer: It’s all about comfort, communication, and a touch of preparation. Periods are a natural part of life, and the stigma around period sex can march right out of the door. It’s messy, sure, but life is messy. Have you ever tried eating a taco in the car? Same energy.
It ultimately comes down to your preferences. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to this. Some people love it, some people hate it, and both are fine!
But if you’re curious, keep reading for the perks, precautions, and pro tips from the people who know a thing or two about it…
The Benefits Of Period Sex
There’s no universal rulebook saying, “Thou shalt not bone during Aunt Flo’s visit.” It’s entirely up to you. And frankly, there are some perks:
- Built-in lube. Nature is out here doing you a solid. If you’re a couple who usually reaches for the lube, you might be able to skip it.
- Cramps, begone. Orgasms release hormones that can ease period pain. It’s science, baby.1
- Shorter periods. Sex can help your uterus speed up the “house cleaning.” You’re welcome. (If only it worked on cleaning the actual house – the dream)
- Higher Sex Drive. Many women experience a surge in their libido and sexual pleasure during the crimson tide. This could be due to the fluctuation in hormones or the reduced stress of pregnancy risk. Either way, we’re not complaining.2
- Natural Headache Relief. If headaches are one of the delightful symptoms you suffer from during that time of the month, sex might be the cure. And there are studies to prove it!3 4
But What About the Side Effects?
Let’s keep it real: period sex isn’t all roses and rainbows. It’s more like… roses and red wine stains. Let’s address the crimson elephant in the room:
- The mess. First, let’s talk about the elephant’s slightly awkward cousin – the mess. Yes, there will be blood. But it’s nothing a towel can’t handle. If you’re a heavy-flow kinda gal, maybe wait until your lighter days if you’re not into the murder scene chic look.
At the end of the day, a bit of menstrual blood is nothing to be feared… It’s just your uterus shedding its monthly wallpaper. Yes, your uterus is an interior design queen. - STI risks. Blood makes it easier for infections to spread, so condoms are a must unless you’re both squeaky clean and monogamous.
- Long Lost Tampon. If using a tampon is your thing, make sure you don’t forget to remove it to avoid any embarrassing retrieval missions. Sounds impossible, right? But it happens more often than you’d think.
- Vaginal Dryness. Now we know you’re thinking ‘but you just listed natural lube as a benefit?!’ – but this whole vaginal dryness shtick only applies if you remove your tampon right before doing the deed.
While you’ve been riding the cotton pony, it has been soaking up your blood and also soaking up your natural lubrication.
Can You Get Pregnant?
Yup, it’s still possible to get pregnant during your period. Sperm can be annoyingly persistent and stick around for up to five days.5 While the chances of conceiving are lower during your period, it is definitely still possible.
If you’re a lady with a short cycle, the chance of you conceiving during your period is higher.
‘Why?’ you ask… In short, because you ovulate soon after your period. This means you might release an egg while that pesky little sperm is still all up in your business, and by business, we mean reproductive tract.
So, wrap it up if babies aren’t on the menu.
The Great Debate – Yes or No to Masturbate?
Ain’t a damn thing wrong with a solo session while you’re on your period, and it’s proven to make you feel better.6 While the idea of mixing menstruation with “me time” might seem messy (literally), it’s worth considering the benefits.
Your period hormones are doing the tango, which can actually make your body more sensitive and your orgasms more intense.
Benefits of Masturbating During Your Period:
- Relieves cramps: Orgasms cause your uterus to contract and then relax, which can help soothe those pesky cramps.
- Boosts mood: Hello, endorphins! Masturbation releases good hormones that help combat mood swings.
- Improves sleep: That post-orgasm relaxation can knock you out faster than a boring Zoom meeting.
- Reduces stress: A solo session can calm your mind and make you forget about the bloating (for a bit, at least).
- Increases blood flow: It might even help shorten your period by promoting better circulation.
Is Period Sex Gross?
Listen, it’s only gross if you think it is. Some people see blood and run for the hills. Others shrug, grab a towel, and get to business. It’s all about personal preference.
If your partner is squeamish, skip the Carrie reenactment and try period-safe options like the shower. Or, if they’re down to get messy, great! You’ve got yourself a keeper.
Can Period Blood Affect a Man During Sex?
Unless your partner is a vampire with dietary restrictions, they’ll survive. Period blood isn’t harmful; it’s just blood.
That said, if you or your partner have an STI, period blood can up the chances of transmission. So, protect yourselves. Condoms exist for a reason, and this is one of them.
Can You Have Sex During Your Period in Christianity?
The Bible doesn’t specifically forbid sex during a period, but opinions vary among Christian denominations. Some interpret Leviticus 15 as a guideline for abstaining, while others see it as an Old Testament law no longer applicable.
When in doubt, it’s best to align with your personal beliefs and communicate openly with your partner.
Can You Have Sex During Your Period in Islam?
Now, this depends on your faith and beliefs. In Islamic teachings, vaginal sex during menstruation is generally a no-go. The Qur’an (2:222) specifically advises against it until your period is over.7
But that doesn’t mean all intimacy is off-limits. There are plenty of other ways to be close without breaking any rules. If this applies to you, it’s worth chatting with your partner about what works for you. And hey, it doesn’t say anything in the Qur’an about teasing. Think of it as your weeklong foreplay.
Tips and Tricks, Tried and Tested:
If you’re thinking, “Screw it, let’s do it,” here’s how to keep period sex stress free:
- Lay down a towel. Or two. Or a tarp. (Just kidding… mostly.)
- Go slow. Your body might be extra sensitive, so ease into it.
- Use protection. Condoms are your BFF here – pregnancy and STIs are still on the table, period or not.
- Pick the right location. Already being in the shower can make cleanup much easier. You don’t want to have to explain to the in-laws why there are ketchup stains all over the sofa.
- Standby wet wipes. If the thought of doing the old slip-and-slide in the shower already has you clutching your lower back, maybe skip the acrobatics and keep some wet wipes by the bed instead.
- Be open. Talk to your partner about what you’re comfortable with. Communication is sexy, people.
- Don’t force it. So you’ve tried it… and turns out it’s just not your thing. That’s totally fine. We all have our preferences, and this isn’t one of yours.
- Use a period sex blanket. Yes, these things actually exist.
Period Sex Blanket
Just in case you’re wondering WTAF a period sex blanket is, we’ll explain it all here. Well, not that there’s actually much to explain.
Basically, it is an absorbent period-proof blanket you put underneath you to prevent staining the bed sheets – or whatever surface you’re on – when doing the deed.
It’s kind of like a gigantic glorified dog pee pad… but made to look pretty. Imagine a sanitary pad the size of your duvet. Yeah, it’s a bit like that, but covered in material to look like a blanket. Oh, and you have to wash it after every use. Obviously. Since it is essentially a giant f**king portable pad.
The most popular one on the market is around £276 ($349) which might be worth it for you if you’re sick of making a mess on the sheets. Or, you could save yourself the pennies and throw down an old towel, or an actual pee pad.
What Men Have to Say:
We checked in with the guys over at AskMen on Reddit, and here’s what they had to say about the whole dilemma.
Never stopped me with previous girlfriends. Great way to relieve pain and hey Not Pregnant, lets celebrate with some sex! – vincentninja68
Never stopped me with previous girlfriends. Great way to relieve pain and hey Not Pregnant, lets celebrate with some sex! – vincentninja68
I’m gonna have it this weekend. As long as I get a quick shower to clean up, I’m a-okay. My girl is much more into sex when she’s on her period, so it makes it more fun almost. – lefti4life
Only when the tide is going out, when it’s still flowing in, I give it a rest.
The cleanup probably turns me off more than anything. There’s no guarantee that towel we use will ever come clean again. – pirateofthecaribbean
This is what dark towels are for. – raziphel
Heavy flow, I’ll wait. Spotty, no problem. – DaDingo
Pam’s Final Word
Period sex is like pineapple on pizza: divisive, messy, and totally fine if both parties are into it. Whether you’re down to give it a shot or firmly in the “hell no” camp, the choice is entirely yours.
If it works for you, go for it – there are perks to be had, and it’s definitely one way to multitask through cramps. If it’s not your jam, no big deal. There are plenty of other days in the month to get, ahem, creative.
If you’re curious, why not give it a whirl? After all, there’s only one way to find out if it’s bloody hell or bloody brilliant.
FAQ
What are the side effects of sex during periods?
Expect a bit of mess, some mild pregnancy risk, and a higher chance of STI transmission without protection. But the upside? The potential for fewer cramps and shorter periods.
Can period blood affect a man during sex?
Nope. Unless he’s got a medical condition or an irrational fear of blood, it’s all good. Just stay safe and use protection.
Is period sex acceptable?
Hell yes, as long as you and your partner are into it. If one of you isn’t, skip it. There are plenty of other ways to connect (or distract yourself with snacks).
Can we have sex during periods in Islam?
Vaginal intercourse during menstruation is generally prohibited in Islamic teachings. But intimacy doesn’t have to stop altogether, there are other ways to be close.
Does sex actually help with cramps?
For many people, yes! Orgasms release oxytocin and endorphins, which can help ease pain and improve your mood. While for some women, they’d rather remove their mascara with raw onions than have sex during their period.
But what if it’s just… gross?
Fair enough. Period sex isn’t for everyone. If the thought of it makes you cringe, skip it. Your period won’t last forever; there’s always next week to get your freak on.
Sources
- https://ejop.psychopen.eu/index.php/ejop/article/view/430/430.html#:~:text=The%20orgasm%20releases%20endorphins%2C%20which ↩︎
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30458185/ ↩︎
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0333102413476374 ↩︎
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5393978/ ↩︎
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/pregnancy/faq-20058504#:~:text=The%20life%20span%20of%20sperm,decades%20when%20semen%20is%20frozen ↩︎
- https://menstrubation.com/ ↩︎
- https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah/222 ↩︎