Within our society, period sex is heavily stigmatized. For some, they think period sex is amazing whereas others get ill just at the thought of it. In this blog we are talking about all the benefits and risks of period sex as well as tips and tricks to have some mind blowing sex while menstruating!

But first, why do people have period sex?

Simply put, periods can make us horny. During menstruation there is an increase in hormonal changes, especially with the hormone testosterone. Testosterone increases during menstruation which can cause increased libido. 

The increased blood flow to the pelvic floor and genitalia also aids in added sexual arousal during menstruation. More blood circulation to these areas may make them more sensitive and more engorged. This added blood circulation leads to stimulation, triggering arousal.

What are the benefits of Period Sex?

Period sex can relieve cramping!

A large symptom that occurs during menstruation is cramping. Cramping during menstruation occurs because the uterus is contracting its muscles to shed the uterine lining.

A natural remedy to cramping is orgasms! During an orgasm, the muscles in your uterus also contract and release. This feeling of release associated with orgasms often brings relief from period cramps.

Secondly, as we discussed in the national orgasm blog, orgasms release the amazing, feel-good chemical called endorphins. Endorphins are the natural pain relievers produced by your body. This release of our bodies natural pain relievers can also relieve pain associated with menstrual cramping. 

Period sex may make your periods shorter!

As we discussed earlier, when you orgasm, the muscles in your uterus contract and release. This releasing motion can help discharge more uterine lining. These muscle contractions that occur during orgasms help clear the contents of your uterus which can lead to a lighter flow and potentially a shorter period. 

Period sex can be headache relief! 

In a study done with 800 migraine patients and 200 unselected cluster headache patients, researchers found that sex can help relieve headaches. The data suggests that sexual activity can lead to partial or complete headache relief. Though the researchers could not conclude why sex was proven helpful in relieving headaches, they speculate the rush of endorphins during sex acts as a natural pain reliever.

Period sex provides natural lubrication!

It is no secret that period blood can act as a natural lubricant for sex. The increased discharge associated with menstruation is our body's way of making lube! This additional lubricant also makes period sex more comfortable.

Period sex can be more pleasurable!

During menstruation, our hormones are in overdrive. The intense hormonal changes that occur during your period are what commonly cause mood swings or increased irritation.

However, these increased hormones, specifically estrogen and testosterone, can lead to intensified arousal and sensitivity. This added sensitivity can make period sex feel oh-so-good and increase the chance of orgasm! And after covering all the benefits of ograsming on your period, why not give it a shot if an orgasm is in closer reach?

Period sex helps with intimacy

This is statement is not upheld by science, but having period sex can be a deeply vulnerable activity for most people. The vulnerability expressed during period sex can lead to more intimacy. More intimacy oftentimes leads to a better, closer relationship.

Again, this statement is not foolproof, but having period sex and being vulnerable can positively impact a relationship. 

What are the risks of Period Sex?

Like any type of sexual activity, the two largest risks are pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

Wait, you can get pregnant while on your period? The short answer is, yes! 

The chance of getting pregnant during your period is low but it is not zero. Although it is uncommon to get pregnant during your period due to the lower chance of ovulation, some people may have shorter menstrual cycles or irregularities. If you have a short menstrual cycle, your risk of getting pregnant during your period is higher. 

Furthermore, sperm can stay alive in the reproductive tract for up to five days, according to the American Pregnancy Association. This means that the fertilization between an egg and sperm may occur well after period sex.

The best way to avoid pregnancy is to incorporate birth control methods like an IUD, the implant, oral contraceptives, and of course, the usage of condoms. 

Another worry about having sex during your period is the risk of passing on a sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some STIs, like HIV or hepatitis, live in blood, so they can spread through contact with infected menstrual blood. Other than these viruses, STIs are also transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluid.

Using condoms every time you have sex can reduce your risk of spreading or catching an STI.

Tips to have period sex?

Now that we know the benefits and risks of period sex, here are some of the best ways to have period sex to lessen the mess:

Put down a towel or sex blanket!
Putting down a towel will lead to less stains on your sheets! It also helps relieve the stress of making a mess, making the experience more enjoyable. If you have one on hand, putting down a sex blanket that creates a comfy, absorbent, waterproof layer above your sheets is another great way to avoid mess! 

Use a condom!
Using condoms during period sex is an amazing way to avoid pregnancy and STIs as well as an easy clean-up! The condom acts as a barrier from period sex on skin so a quick slip of it off creates quick clean up! 

Put on a latex glove!
Similar to a condom, wearing a latex glove during fingering can lead to easy, quick clean-up! All you have to do is slip it into the trash when you’re all done!

Try out a dental dam! 
If you are interested in trying out oral sex during period sex without the mess, try using a dental dam! A dental dam is a thin piece of latex that is put over the vulva during oral sex to reduce the risks of STIs. Using it for oral sex during menstruation, acts as a barrier between you or your partners mouth and potential blood as well as reduces the risk of STIs, a two-in-one woohoo! 

Keep a wet washcloth or wet wipes by the bed to clean up afterward!
All done? Great! Grab some wipes to clean up quickly and throw them away! 

Hope into the shower! 
Having sex in the shower or bath eliminates the mess of period sex immediately! The running water can help wash away menstrual flow as it appears. Taking a shower together after period sex is another great way to clean up and continue being intimate! 

Note: there is nothing wrong with having period sex just like you would any other time! Washers and dryers exist for a reason! These tips are just for those who want to lessen the mess for personal preference!

What about masturbating on your Period?

Masturbating during your period has the similar benefits to having partnered sex on your period! The benefits of orgasming on your period are effective during partnered and solo play. If you are interested in mess free period masturbation, try using sex toys, a towel, wet wipes, or exploring in a shower! 

Now go get bloody! (or don’t) it is up to you! 

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Emerson Karsh is a freelance sex and kink educator, writer, and content creator! Emerson loves to write about all thing sex and sexuality to help educate, destigmatize, and promote sex positivity. Her main dream is to become a certified sex educator with a focus on kink to help those experience healthier, safer, and more pleasurable sex lives. Emerson founded and runs the kink educational Instagram account, @thekinkeducator.