Periods and sex are two topics that we choose to discuss less often, whether it’s speaking of them independently or both together. This might be due to the fact that in some cultures, women are viewed as “not clean” during this time of the month, or even worse is when they are told that it’s a shameful time of the month for them. Some might view period sex as a taboo, while others might think it’s dangerous. It is high time that we bust these myths and be vocal about period sex, which by the way, is completely normal and safe.
Well, first things first. You start menstruating when your body wants to release the extra tissue that it does not need. The lining of the uterus gets thicker as it prepares to nurture a fertilised egg. If it receives the egg, it settles in the lining of your uterus. In the absence of fertilised eggs, the thick lining of the uterus breaks down, shedding along some blood through the vagina.
Now the question arises, what if you’re menstruating and you have the urge to have a sexual experience? The answer is simple: evaluate the pros and cons
One of the few things that you might want to consider before having sex during your period , is the mess it makes. If you do choose to have intercourse, make sure that you’re ready to clean up the mess on your resting surface. The anxiety of cleaning up is sometimes off-putting.
However, there are plus points to it as well. It is said that orgasms relieve menstrual cramps because the uterus muscle contracts and then relaxes, easing the muscle tension during periods. Moreover, sex makes our body release feel good endorphins that take our mind away from the pain and discomfort. Studies show that intercourse relieves headaches too. Menstrual flow also acts as a natural lubricant, which makes having sex more comfortable. Orgasms push uterine contents faster. So your period is likely to become shorter.
However, there are a couple of things you might want to take care about. If you’re a tampon wearer, first would be to remove your tampon. Make sure you don’t forget to remove your tampon otherwise it can easily be pushed up your vagina during intercourse following which you might have to visit the doctor if you have difficulty removing it. It is better to take precautions beforehand than face issues afterwards, right? Next would be to use protection. Even if the chance of getting pregnant while you’re on your period is less, it is not impossible. It would also protect you against STIs which can be a consequence of unprotected sex, at any time.
To sum it all up, being intimate and having sex with your partner is absolutely normal. If you and your partner(s) are comfortable and you are protecting yourselves from a possible sexually transmitted infection and/or a pregnancy, then go for it! Happy Periods!
Written By, Dhruvi Gandhi
Dhruvi is a student currently in the first year of her undergraduate studies and a part of the Blog Team at The Period Society @periodsociety. She is studying at NMIMS, Bombay. She is an avid reader and a math buff. She believes that it is important to spread awareness about menstrual hygiene. She wants to open the conversation surrounding these issues via her writing and hopes that one day no menstruator is ashamed to talk about menstruation.
Reviewed by Dr. Reena Bhalala
Dr. Bhalala is a General OB/GYN working as an OB Hospitalist at the North Central Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. She has been handling obstetric and gynaec emergencies since the past 15 years.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-women-have-periods#stopping-my-period
https://www.verywellhealth.com/sex-during-your-period-2721991
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321667#is-it-safe
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/sex-during-periods#tips