One of the most common questions that people have often asked is whether or not they can have sex during periods. Sure, sex after periods is safe, but what about one during the period? You might consider having sex during periods, but it is necessary to take things slow. It will help you avoid the risk of pain during periods and also make the experience comfortable.[1]
Is it safe to have sex during periods?
While it is often considered to be safe to have sex during periods, sometimes it may lead to a risk of infection. Having unprotected sex, whether oral, anal, or vaginal, always leads to a higher risk of infection owing to skin-to-skin genital contact.
However, if you implement birth control measures, such as using a condom, there are lesser chances of contracting the infection.[2] Many also fear the possibility of pregnancy. To avoid any untoward possibility, it is necessary to use birth control measures while having sex during periods.
STIs during menstrual sex
Having sex during periods can lead to an increased risk of contracting two types of infections – STIs and normal infections that happen due to vaginal discharge.
Yeast infection is also a possibility.[3] Regular hormonal changes during periods are one of the leading causes of yeast infection.
While having sex during menstruation, there may be a high risk of the following sexually transmitted infections such as
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B
- Herpes
- Syphilis
- Scabies
- Pubic Life
- HIV
- Human Papillomavirus
- Genital warts
Use barriers such as condoms and dental dams to ensure complete protectiveness and safety against contracting an infection.
Benefits of having sex during periods
Having sex during periods may be considered to be unsafe if protective measures aren’t used, but it can surely offer several benefits. Some of the prominent ones include the following[4]
- Cramp relief
Period cramps are the worst. Since the uterus is shedding its lining, orgasm can play an important role during these times to relieve the menstrual cramp. The uterine muscles contract and release over time, leading to less muscle tension.[5] Also, sex leads to the release of endorphins, which helps ease pain and discomfort.
- Headache relief
Different studies have shown that being partially or entirely sexually active can help to ease the headache caused due to menstruation. It is usually considered that the release of endorphins helps to numb the problem.
- Shorter Period
Muscle contractions during orgasms are practical and efficient. Since the muscles contract, the uterine contents are pushed out quickly too.[6] As a result, if you are having sex during periods, they will be much shorter than the general.
- Better Lubrication
One of the most prominent benefits of having sex during the period is that it allows better lubrication. If your vagina is mostly dry while having sex, the menstrual flow can help to enhance the lubrication by acting as a natural lubricant. This contributes to safer and comfortable sex. You won’t even need to get any external lubrication products.
Tips to have sex during periods
The risk of getting pregnant by having sex during periods is low. However, some women have a short period cycle or suffer from menstrual irregularities. This eventually leads to the release of an egg from the ovary.[7] Also, sperm can stay alive in the respiratory tract for around five days.
As a result, in some cases, women have the chance to get pregnant. Therefore, it is a better idea to try conception if you have had sex during periods.
Some of the tips that you should follow while having sex during periods include
Remove the tampons
Before you have sex on your periods, it is essential to remove the tampons. Not eliminating the tampons can lead to it being pushed into the vagina that can increase the chances of getting a bacterial infection.[8] Also, if the tampon goes deep into the body, you might need to call a doctor to get it removed.
Plan ahead
Sex during periods can get extremely messy. You will surely want to avoid any such thing. However, if you really wish to have sex with your partner while on periods, you must plan slightly from the beginning to avoid the risk of it getting messy.
Stick to lighter days
By the third to the fifth day of the period, it naturally gets lighter. Rather than having sex on your heavier days, you might want to consider the lighter days. The first and second days of your period can, however, get pretty messy. But, if you and your partner are comfortable with it, you can surely opt for it.[9]
Lay down a towel and have tissues
Whether you are having sex on the first day or the last days of your periods, you must place a towel on the sheets. This will prevent your sheets from getting dirty. Also, it is always safe to maintain hygiene.[10] Apart from that, having tissues nearby can be helpful for you to wipe yourself off when you are done.
Go for shower sex
Not only is this very seducing, but it also helps to wash off the runny flow of your periods. The flow of running water from the shower can play an important role in washing off the menstrual flow. Thus, there won’t be any mess around.
Go for missionary sex
Lying on your back while on periods and having sex can help to reduce blood flow. However, deep penetration should be avoided because the cervix is extremely sensitive during this time.
As a result, there will be a higher risk of things to start hurting.[11] Take things slow and let your partner know about it. You may also want to take a look at using natural aphrodisiac like the Spanish Fly. It’s got no side effects and offers you natural vaginal lubrication. The product also increases your sexual appetite and improves your mood, ensuring you get better sex.
Period sex is
something not everyone likes or enjoys. So, if you are planning to have one,
discuss it with your partner about it. Being prepared will ensure you enjoy
it more.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6290188/
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[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6642425/
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[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19350441
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4633338/
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