At Rael, we think it’s time to normalize things that are, well, normal. One of those things is having sex when you’re on your period. Period sex isn't as taboo as it may have come across over the last decade. While this might not be the right option for everyone, many people are completely comfortable having sex during their time of the month.
When your menstrual cycle kicks up every month, it can be a guessing game when it comes to how your flow and bleeding will be.
The funny thing is women's sex drive increases during ovulation. On the day your period starts, estrogen, and testosterone are low and start to rise around day three of your cycle. As your hormones shift, you might be feeling a little more aroused than normal.
If you’ve considered doing the dead while on your period but are worried the mess will be catastrophic, we can help. It’s totally possible to have mess-free sex during your period with a little know-how and finesse.
Sex on Your Period — But Why?
If you’ve never thought about having sex on your period, you might wonder why you wouldn’t just wait until your period is over to get frisky. There are a few reasons why some people choose to have sex on their periods.
Period Sex Helps Cramps
You may have heard that sex on your period can help alleviate the pain you experience from cramps, and it’s actually true! Having sex (especially when you orgasm) releases endorphins into your system. Say bye-bye to period cramps if you decide to get it on.
Endorphins not only make you feel good, but they also help alleviate discomfort. While they won’t give you lasting pain relief, they can take away your cramps during a particularly intense day.
Period sex also helps alleviate cramps by causing your uterus to contract and release. The cramps you experience during your period are from uterine contractions, so having sex can help release you from cramps.
You Are Less Likely To Become Pregnant
Practicing the natural birth control method means only being sexually active when you’re the least likely to become pregnant. Because you ovulate about two weeks after your period, you’re less likely to get pregnant if you have sex during your period.
Although it’s less of a risk, you can still get pregnant when you’re on your period, so you should always use a method of protection if you aren’t trying to become pregnant. If a male partner wears a condom, you’ll also benefit from period sex that is a bit less messy.
Overall, you can reduce the risk of pregnancy by being mindful and safe when having some one-on-one action.
Natural Lubrication
Having trouble staying lubricated is a problem many of us have, and if it happens to you, you aren’t alone. Nearly a fifth of all women experience vaginal dryness at some point in their lives, making having sex extremely uncomfortable.
Having sex during your period can help alleviate vaginal dryness and create added lubrication that keeps you more comfortable and improves the experience.
You Want To!
Possibly the best reason to have sex on your period is that you just want to! Whether the timing is just perfect for you and your partner, or you have an increased libido, you may just want to have sex when you’re on your period.
Many people say they find their libidos to be higher when they’re on their periods. Why miss out on an opportunity to have sex when you’re entirely in the mood?
Other Added Bonuses
Some ways other ways period sex can help alleviate your body other than menstrual cramps include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Increased levels of dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins
- Help relieve overall period symptoms
What Are the Risks?
Having sex on your period isn’t necessarily more risky than having sex when you aren’t on your period. Sexually transmitted infections and diseases are still present, and you can still pass them on from one to another if you aren’t having protected sex. Some illnesses that transfer specifically through blood may be easier to spread when you are on your period.
If you don’t want to become pregnant, the only way to avoid pregnancy completely is to remain abstinent. That said, having sex on your period is less likely to cause a pregnancy, but there is still a chance.
There’s also a risk you could leave a period care product in place and forget about it. Using devices like menstrual cups allows you to forget about your period (which is great) essentially. Still, if you forget to remove your cup or tampon before sex, you could damage the product or end up in an embarrassing situation.
The real risks associated with period sex are mess-related. There are two concerns that most of us face when considering period sex: blood on the sheets and blood on our partners.
There is also the chance of catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or virus if you don't use barrier methods like condoms. If you want to learn more about safely having period sex during menstruation, reach out to your healthcare provider or ob-gyn to discuss prevention techniques and best practices.
Mess-Free Period Sex
It’s definitely possible to have mess-free period sex, but it really starts with setting some realistic expectations. During your period, there is blood. There’s no fail-proof way to have sex on your period without seeing blood.
That said, you don’t need to keep a bucket of cleaning supplies by your bedside just to have sex on your period. Here are # tips to having mess-free period sex that is seriously mind-blowing.
1. Consider Using Disposable Menstrual Cups
Some menstrual cups are specifically designed to be used once and then discarded. While these cups don’t offer you the same level of period protection as a traditional silicone period cup, they are an option for sexual intercourse.
Just remember that once you’ve had sex, you must remove and discard the cup. There no guarantee that a disposable cup will protect you completely from leaks while you’re having sex, but it will likely make it less messy.
Because these types of menstrual cups are meant for one-time use, they are designed to sit higher in your vaginal canal (just below the cervix). You may find they are slightly more difficult to remove.
For normal, everyday activity, Rael’s reusable menstrual cups are a better option. Our cups are sturdier, made to sit lower in the vaginal cavity, and reusable for up to ten years with proper care. You can leave your menstrual cup in place for up to twelve hours of continuous coverage without worrying about leaks or accidents. It’s the easiest way to deal with your period.
2. Do Some Extra Laundry
If you’re concerned about staining your bedding, laying down a towel or blanket can protect your bedding. When you’re done, toss it in the wash. If there are any stains, you can pretreat them with stain spray, but as long as you get the linens into the wash before the stains dry, they usually lift out easily.
Get Creative!
Imagination plays a huge role in keeping sex during your period mess-free. Switching positions, for instance, can help ensure that any menstrual flow that escapes your body during sex doesn’t hit the sheets.
Trying a different location can also help you have mess-free period sex.
Hot tip: If you're feeling brave enough, try out shower sex, so you don't have to worry about menstrual blood and other bodily fluids leaking anywhere.
What if It’s Not for Me… or Them?
So you tried it, and you didn’t like it. Or maybe you want to try it, but your partner doesn’t. No matter what, it’s okay and completely normal if one or both of you has reservations. If you’ve never had sex while on your period, it can be a different experience.
Relax. If it’s not for you, that’s okay. If you want to try it but feel like your partner is resistant, try talking to them about it. Most of the time, they don’t want to do it because they don’t understand what will happen or what it will be like. You can offer reassurance to them by answering questions.
If you have a mental block about it, consider talking to a therapist. Your period is a powerful way your body tells you that you’re healthy. There’s nothing shameful about your period, period protection, or menstrual flow. It’s healthy and amazing! A therapist can help you figure out what’s causing any hang-ups you might have about your period or having sex on your period.
How To Have the Best Period Ever
Have sex while you are on your period or don’t, but one thing is never optional: using the best, holistic period care products available. Rael is your go-to source for all the period products that keep you comfortable and protected during every phase of your monthly cycle (including the phases that don’t include your period).
No matter what kind of periods you usually have, Rael has a product that will work for you. From organic cotton tampons and pads that absorb without exposing your body to harsh chemicals to reusable products like period underwear and menstrual cups, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to have a great period.
Get Rael
If you want to have a seriously stress-free period, try Rael’s reusable menstrual cups. Designed to allow you to forget about your period for up to twelve hours at a time, you’ll love the freedom and the earth-friendly design.
Your period is empowering, and having sex on your period can be amazing. Trust your feelings and go with the flow (pun intended). Having period sex can be completely normal and a great option for some couples. If it’s not right for you, don’t stress. Let the excitement build and catch up with your partner when your period is done.
Sources:
Vaginal dryness | Womens Health Concern.org
Sexually Transmitted Infections: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment | Urology Health.org