YES, WHY NOT?
Couples often wonder whether it is safe to have intercourse during periods. Can sex during periods lead to pregnancy? In this article, Dr. Renuka Dangare answers these questions while explaining the risks and benefits of period sex.
You do you! It’s largely a personal choice whether we want to have sex during periods.
The up-sides of having sex during periods
Let’s just say this out loud. There is nothing impure or immoral about sex during periods!
Menstruation is a natural part of being a woman and there is no reason to be ashamed of it. If you have good personal hygiene it’s not impossible to have mess-free period sex.
There are quite a few upsides of having sex during periods. Some women report a higher sex drive when they’re menstruating.
- Bonding with your partner: Period sex has often been found to increase and strengthen the bond with the partner.
- Reducing menstrual cramps: Hormones released during period sex also reduce the chances of menstrual cramps. Engaging in sexual intercourse can improve the body’s ability to handle stress as well as improve memory recall.
- Making the period shorter: Having sex during periods can also make your periods shorter in duration. Muscle contractions during an orgasm can help push out uterine contents faster and result in shorter periods.
- Reducing other pain: It has also been seen that women that having period sex offers relief to menstrual migraines.
- Plenty of Lubrication: Period blood offers natural lubrication and definitely eases any friction in the sexual experience
Downsides of having sex during periods
Chances of a pregnancy
There is a misconception that one can’t get pregnant during sex. Though the chances of getting pregnant are very very slim, it is possible to get pregnant during sex. Sperm can live inside your body for up to 5 days. Depending on your cycle length and at what point you’re having sex there is this slim chance that you could get pregnant. Use condoms or make sure you’re covered with birth control.
The risk of sexually transmitted infections:
The period can slightly increase the likelihood of getting a sexually transmitted disease. So, it’s a must to use some form of protection during period sex. It’s important to keep in mind that menstrual blood can alter the pH balance of your vagina increasing the likelihood of contracting an STI from a partner.
Tips for having safe sex during period
Here are some handy tips to have a safe penis in vagina sex during your period.
Tip 1: For Less Mess: If you’re someone who detests mess, opt for dark-colored bedsheets to avoid bloodstains. Pick the lighter days to have sex.
Tip 2: Vary your positions: The woman in a lying down position results in lesser blood coming out of the vagina and can help those having back pain on the first days. It also helps with the mess. Menstruation can also be a great time to have shower sex
Tip 3: Make sure your partner wears a condom to reduce the chances of getting pregnant a contracting an STI, latex or non-latex is your choice ( Lambskin condoms don’t offer STI protection)
Tip 4: Remove your tampon or menstrual cup beforehand if you’re planning to have sex during your period. A forgotten tampon can be pushed far up into the vagina resulting in an unavoidable medical emergency
Tip 5: In case you’re curious about your ovulation patterns consider tracking your cycle using a period tracker and an ovulation calendar.
Tip 6: Make sure to clean up after sex. Keep wet wipes handy. Don’t have sex if you are recovering from a vaginal infection. You could end up giving it to your partner if you’re not fully treated.
Oral & Anal sex on your period:
Our TLDR verdict: Yes you can do it!
We’re talking about the menstruating partner receiving oral sex here. In the longer version - It may not be everybody’s cup of tea but it is definitely safe and you do you!
A few things that may work/ help are -
- Clitoral stimulation can be done with a tampon or menstrual cup inside to avoid a mess. Remove it as soon as you’re done
- This is also a great time for using dental dams
- A few women tend to orgasm harder on their period so this is a bonus for them.
- If it's something you want to start trying, try it towards the end of your period
- Anal sex can be enjoyed with your cup or tampon in place.
Don’t let period sex stop you from having a sex life. With the right precautions in place, sex can be as enjoyable during period days as for the rest of the month.
Disclaimer: This information is educational and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any dietary changes or adding supplements.
Proactive For Her is a digital clinic for women, offering accessible, personalised, and confidential healthcare solutions. We offer out-patient care, diagnostic services and programs for various health concerns of Indian women, across their lifetime - from puberty to pregnancy to menopause.