The Pleasures of Period Sex

Believe it or not, you can absolutely have sex while on your period! Shoot, we spend a third of our lives menstruating, which doesn't mean we need to spend a third of our lives avoiding sex either. I recently had a conversation with a friend, and she said, "Wait, people are having period sex!?" And yes, they sure are! According to a survey done by INTIMA,  82% of women have sex on their period (Forbes Healthcare, 2020), and here is why -  as a menstruating individual, there are many benefits to period sex.

The Benefits of Period Sex

One benefit of period sex you might notice is decreased cramps. Orgasms cause contractions of the uterine cavity that are then released, which can help bring some relief. For this same reason, the prostaglandins in sperm potentially reduce menstrual cramps. Sex also causes a release of endorphins which can help further reduce cramps.

There are limited studies that also suggest that with period sex, the contractions of the uterine cavity during orgasm can potentially decrease the length of the menses by increasing the amount of menstrual flood expelled from the body.

An additional potential benefit of period sex is increased endorphins which can help improve sleep, decrease stress,  improve mood and decrease headaches. Sleep is also improved by releasing a hormone called prolactin during orgasm.

Period sex can also mean MORE PLEASURE for some women. There is increased blood flow to the pelvis during menstruation. Still, also, the way the uterus is positioned during menses can increase the g-spot stimulation,  leading to more pleasure, potentially easier orgasms or even different types of sensations experienced.

Around menses, one might notice an increase in desire. The hormones fluctuate throughout a 28-day cycle, which means the amount of desire also fluctuates throughout the month. For some, this means that during menses, they desire more sex. For others, it tanks when the hormones are the lowest.

You can still benefit from period sex with solo period sex and masturbation, meaning you do not need a partner to take advantage of these benefits!

The Do's & Don'ts of Period Sex

There are a couple of things to be aware of that will help you have a better experience of period sex.

The first is to reduce the mess by using a menstrual disc or dark-colored towels. A menstrual disc is placed into the vaginal canal and collects your menstrual flow. It is small enough to still allow for penetration. From my experience, some positions work better than others with a menstrual disc. However, the mess is significantly reduced compared to without it. My personal favorite is Cora's reusable menstrual disc. Another way to reduce the mess is by putting a colored towel down. If you use a dark-colored towel, the mess will be less visible and easier clean up. If you have a mess on your sheets, it is best to remove the stains quickly. Try soaking them in cold saltwater before washing.

When attempting period sex, many people think that there is increased natural lubrication from the menstrual flow, but actually, it is very drying. Think about a bleeding cut on your arm, and the blood is dry and sticky. This is the same for your menstrual flow. Use your favorite lubricant to improve the experience.

If you use tampons, make sure to take the tampon out before penetration. Although sometimes we forget, it happens more often than you think. I recommend double-checking. If you do accidentally have penetration with the tampon in and cannot get it out, go to your doctor, who will be able to remove it.

If you use condoms for STI transmission and pregnancy prevention, you should continue to use them even during menstruation. You are not at an increased risk of STI transmission during menses, but there is the same risk as any other time. When it comes to pregnancy, it is still possible to get pregnant during your menses, especially if you have a shorter menstrual cycle and ovulate on the earlier side.

If you would like to discuss having period sex with your partner, I recommend opening up communication, asking them how they feel about it, and sharing your own thoughts and concerns. I commonly get asked questions about "What if my partner isn't into it?" and the only way to find out is to ask. I have found that the menstruating person is often more concerned about period sex than the partner.

At the end of the day, period sex is a personal choice. It isn't for everyone. But if you are curious about it or looking to improve your experience, hopefully, these tips helped.

There are some fantastic benefits to engaging in sexual activity during your menstrual cycle. Menstruation is a natural reproductive function and shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying sex throughout your lifetime. A significant part of Lala's Bedtime Tales mission is to provide a safe space and judgment-free zone to educate yourself on sexual health & wellness. The Sexual Health & Wellness corner will have monthly articles dedicated to continuous education on living a positive and sexually healthy lifestyle. Subscribe to Lala's Bedtime Tales Newsletter and follow @LalasBedtimeTales on social media to never miss any sexual education to help you live the healthiest life possible. Also, check out the Lala's Bedtime Tales Podcast and Lala's Oh So Exclusive Patreon account for even more content! If you’re browsing for sexy pleasure products or cute giftable items, then check out Lala’s Pleasure Shop.

Lala's Bedtime Tales Disclaimer

The content displayed on this website is the intellectual property of Lala's Bedtime Tales "The Creator." You may not reuse, republish, or reprint such content without our written consent.

The subject matter on Lala's Bedtime Tales is provided by licensed medical providers and from reputable sources but is meant for educational and informative purposes only. It is not meant to be used for self-diagnosing or self-treatment of any health-related conditions. While the information has been peer-reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider for accuracy, we cannot guarantee any inaccuracies as healthcare is rapidly evolving. This information should not be used to substitute in-person professional medical advice.  The Creator is not responsible or liable for any damages, loss, injury, or any negative outcomes suffered due to personal reliance on the information contained on this website. The Creator also makes no guaranteed positive outcomes. Information is also subject to change as needed without notice, and "The Creator" reserves the right to do so.

Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions and ask about guidance for specific health conditions. Please do not disregard the advice of your healthcare provider or delay seeking care for health care conditions.