At that time of the month, it feels like a cocktail of hormones has taken the reins to control your body. One moment you may feel repulsed by physical intimacy and the next, you can’t wait to get between the sheets with your partner.
So, is Period Sex OK? Can pregnancy happen?
A woman of reproductive age group can become pregnant during a particular time period of the menstrual cycle. The chances of pregnancy are maximum during the fertile period of the menstrual cycle. A normal menstrual cycle is of 28 days and ideally, ovulation occurs on day 14 of the cycle. Now, it’s a known fact that sperm is alive for approximately 3 days and the mature egg is capable of fertilisation for 24 hours only, therefore maximum chances of pregnancy would be by vaginal intercourse before 48 hours of ovulation or after 48 hours of ovulation.
Now, does that mean that when a woman has her periods, there are no chances of conception? Well, technically and ideally speaking…Yes!
The chances of pregnancy are minimal during periods. However, some women have irregular cycles and there could be inter-menstrual or mid-cycle spotting which can be sometimes misunderstood as periods. Thus, vaginal intercourse at that time may very well result in pregnancy.
It is always better and wise to have safe sex even during periods, if one is not planning pregnancy. Barrier contraceptives are the best to prevent an unwanted pregnancy and also to protect from Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Advantages of having Period Sex
Should there be vaginal intercourse during periods? In our daily lives of extreme stress, sexual activity and closeness to your partner could be actually beneficial against stress and result in production of happy hormones in the body.
If a female is not very conservative and based on personal likes and dislikes, period sex can have certain upsides.
- Relief from discomfort
Some women have painful periods and this can lead to days of extreme discomfort. Sex can lead to production of endorphins, as mentioned above, and thus can help in keeping their mind off the discomfort resulting in less painful periods.
- Relief from headaches
Many women experience headache during periods as a part of generalised discomfort and pain. So, period sex can help in release of good chemicals in the brain, alleviate stress and help get rid of headaches.
- Natural lubrication
Well, obviously menstrual blood can act as a natural source of lubrication and ease in penetrative intercourse.
Disadvantages of having Period Sex
On one hand, having sex during periods is safe and good for the body. On the other hand, there are certain cons- but it is clear that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Both of these drawbacks can easily be addressed and remedied.
- Messy periods
The biggest side effect of period sex is the mess. Blood can get on to you, your partner, the sheets and can be very messy at times. This is one of the main reasons why sex during periods is not considered as an option by many.
If this is your only concern and you want to give it a try, lay down a towel and ask your partner to put on a barrier (like a condom) for easier clean up. Alternatively, you could even consider getting busy in the shower to minimise the mess.
Another option you could consider is using a menstrual disc, which could be a great step-up for those who currently use a menstrual cup. Novices to the cup, who use pads or tampons, may find positioning a disc quite challenging so take baby steps towards making that change.
- Risk of infection
From a medical aspect, a cause of concern with period sex is that it increases the risk of infection. During periods, the cervix is open and thus, the chances of transmission of infection from the partner is highest.
It is therefore, recommended to use barrier protection like condoms of good quality to prevent this from happening.
Things to do to have sex during periods
- Talk to your partner: Period sex is entirely a personal choice. If either you or your partner are uncomfortable, it’s better to talk it out.
- Use dark sheets and lay a towel: In order to prevent an unnecessary mess, it’s wise enough to use dark sheets and lay a towel on top of it before you begin to do the deed. However, if the hormones rage and you didn’t get a chance to do so, use an antibacterial period stain remover shortly after to make the sheets look as good as new! This is always a handy investment in a menstruator’s home.
- Remove tampons or menstrual cup: If you use tampons or menstrual cups during your period, it is better to remove them before sex to minimise the risk of infection.
- Use a barrier: Ask your partner to use latex condoms to prevent any infection from entering the genital tract.
- Position: While all positions are okay, if you want to reduce the blood flow during intercourse, consider laying on your back in the missionary position.
If both partners are willing to give it a try, period sex may eventually become your favourite! Fewer cramps, better natural lubrication and intimacy- what’s not to love?
Would you consider trying to have period sex?
Comment below.
