Among sexual problems, menstrual problems have attracted attention. Sex while menstruating can be a little uncomfortable. For many, it's a love-hate situation, and many will find it disgusting. However, perceptions of menstruating sex are far from reality. You'll be surprised how little cleanup is required and it can even help reduce cramps and improve your mood!
We'll dive into why having sex during your period is a good thing, as well as some top tips on how to have the best period sex possible so you can get the most out of your period.
Can you have sex during your period?
There are many myths that menstrual sex is rough, dirty, or unsafe. But this is simply not true! Most people aren't worried about running a red light and think having sex during their period is nothing to worry about.
Forbes teamed up with women's health brand INTIMINA to study people's perceptions of menstrual sex. They found that among 500 men between the ages of 18 and 50, 82 percent of women had had sex during their period. 58% liked it, only 10% were uncomfortable with it.
The truth is, having sex on your period can be a wonderful experience for both you and your partner. Most importantly, both of you are open to each other about what you are comfortable with and don't put pressure on anything.
Is period sex good for you?
Not only is it possible to have sex during your period, but actually being intimate at that time of the month has many benefits:
● increased libido
Hormones fluctuate around ovulation, which can cause your sex drive to increase before or during your period.
● natural lubricant
Blood is a natural lubricant that can make sex smoother and may enhance your and your partner's feelings.
● relief the pain
Reaching a big O during your period can help relieve dysmenorrhea and headaches.
● mood lift
Orgasms and the release of endorphins (pleasure chemicals) can relieve tension and improve your overall mood.
● shorter period
Sometimes having sex during your periods can actually make them shorter. This is due to orgasmic muscle contractions that shed the contents of the uterus more quickly. Pretty neat, right?
Is it bad to have sex on your period?
Despite the benefits of homeopathy, menstrual sex isn't always sunshine and rainbows.
One of the biggest downsides is confusion. Blood can go anywhere, especially if your flow is heavy. It can also cause people to feel self-conscious and possibly make them less enjoyable about sex.
Try a flat menstrual cup, an easy way to limit your flow without getting in the way of the heat of the moment.
Is it safe to have sex during your period?
There are some risks associated with having sex during your period, especially the risk of contracting or transmitting sexually transmitted infections. The presence of menstrual blood increases the likelihood of transmission of blood-borne STIs. If you're not sure about your partner's sexual history, it's best to use condoms in these situations.
Another possible risk—though less common—is forgetting to remove the tampon before foreplay or sex. This can cause the tampon to get stuck high in the vagina, making it difficult to remove and possibly requiring a trip to the doctor's office to resolve.
Can you get pregnant if you have sex during your period?
Many people believe that it is okay to have sex during your period without considering birth control. However, you can actually get pregnant during your period. If you don't want to get pregnant, you should use protection at all stages of your cycle, regardless of your fertility forecast.
Women are most likely to become pregnant 14 days before their period (ovulation). However, everyone's cycle is different and yours may fluctuate from month to month. If you have a shorter cycle, your chances of getting pregnant increase.
If you are concerned about pregnancy, continue to use your preferred method of birth control while having sex with your partner - around your period. Using condoms can actually be fun, especially when they're ribbed or flavored. Check out our guide to choosing a condom to learn how to make safe sex exciting.
At the end of the day, when you're having sex during your period, it's important to be safe and only do what you're comfortable with. This way, you can relax and enjoy yourself without worrying.
How to have great sex during your period
It's normal to be a little self-conscious about period sex, but with a few simple techniques, you can relax and have fun. Here are some of our tips on how to have sex during your period:
● 1. Start with the toys themselves
Using an unobtrusive sex toy, such as a bullet vibrator, will help you feel comfortable with your body at that time of the month.
● 2. Combine with massage.
There's nothing like an intimate massage from your partner to ease those cramps and make you feel sexy too. Bonus points if you work in luxury massage oils.
● 3. Stimulate the erogenous zone.
When you're on your period, your erogenous zones may experience increased sensitivity, making this a great opportunity to play with your nipples.
● 4. Try it in the shower.
That way, you can be sure you won't mess up the sheets, and you can clean yourself up right after. Why not try turning off the main light and using candles so you don't have to worry about the consequences of your shower floor looking like Psycho!
● 5. If you want to have sex in bed, put down the towel or old sheets first so you don't have to worry about stains.
Remember - cold water is the best option for removing bloodstains.
● 6. Try missionary positions.
This is a great location for period sex as it reduces your traffic.
Remember that there are other sex acts during your period that do not involve penetration. If you feel more comfortable, you can put on a tampon or menstrual disc for mess-free foreplay and oral sex