Indulging in sexual activity during periods, also termed “period sex”, can be a messy experience for both of you. But depending on the flow it might not be that messy though. Sex while menstruating is safe. However, if you are not willing to get pregnant, it is necessary to use protection. Also, tracking your cycle is a crucial step even if you are opting for contraceptive methods.
Other than just blood, the menstrual fluids also contain cells and tissues that line the endometrium, cervical mucus, and vaginal secretions, which make a great all-natural lubricant. This is the only thing that distinguishes period sex from regular one. Thus, while menstruating you are naturally lubricated down there and you do not need to use a lubricant.
PMS
Also, sex while menstruating can be advantageous as it provides great relief from menstrual cramps and helps reduce the pain. The cramps are painful and usually result due to uterine muscle contraction which is a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Orgasms experienced during sexual activity can be very helpful in reducing the pain or cramping sensation. However, one thing is sure it will be a little messier to clean up everything once you are done, especially if the flow is heavy.
A deeply ingrained myth is that a woman cannot conceive when she is on her period. However, the odds of getting pregnant might be low on those days, though they are not zero.
Thinking To Indulge In Sex During Period?
Before diving into period sex, one must be aware of several safety measures and plan to reduce the messiness that might result from the sexual activity. Let us have look at tips and tricks to make your period sex experience less messy and more pleasurable:
Keep towels and tissues handy
You must keep some towels and tissues ready nearby so that you can wipe and clean yourself up after the entire episode.
Protect Your Bed From Staining
If you are having a heavy flow, you will need to protect your bed sheet from getting stained. You can also get special rubber bed sheet made up of silicon fabric to cover up your mattress which prevents it from getting period blood stained.
Communicate With Your Partner
Communication is the key to a successful relationship. Ask them about their opinion and thoughts and share yours regarding period sex. Decide together which sex position would be the most favorable that can reduce the blood flow and prevent staining. You have to ensure that both of you are on the same page before taking things further.
Benefits Of Having Sex During Period
Some of you might even cringe at a mere thought of period sex. But you may not be aware of all the amazing reasons to enjoy it. Let us have a look at those:
Relief from cramps
During menstruating, the uterus contracts to expel its lining. A hormone-like substance called as prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation trigger the contractions of the uterine muscles. High levels of prostaglandins lead to more-severe menstrual cramps.
However, orgasms during period sex can relieve menstrual cramps as it causes the contraction and then release of the uterine muscles. It can relieve the woman from constant muscular tension and pelvic congestion.
Also, good sex can get your mind off any pain and discomfort experienced due to the cramps. It does so by triggering endorphins that are often known as feel-good hormones.
- Lubrication
Your menstrual flow can act as a natural lubricant to ease the process of sexual intercourse. The lubrication makes period sex more comfortable.
Shortens the duration of periods
Many women claim that due to period sex, the uterine muscle contractions experienced during orgasms can help expel the contents of the uterus which shortens the periods. However, there is not much scientific evidence to back this claim.
- Relief from headache
Most women experience migraine attacks, which is a severe form of headache, during their periods. Although these intense headaches cause the women to avoid indulging in sexual activities, those who do despite the pain, claim sex relieves their headaches partially or completely. Researchers believe that this could be the reason for rush of endorphins during sex that helps to numb the headache.
- Some Safety Precautions
There are things that you need to be aware of before considering period sex that can help you to stay safe and protected while making love. Let us have a look at them one by one:
Risk of getting pregnant
There are some myths and misconceptions around period sex. We have been told that sex during menstruation does not lead to pregnancy. Although the chances of getting pregnant might be very slim it is possible. Not all women have a regular 28 days menstrual cycle as some of them do have irregularities that disturb the ovulation or the process of release of an egg from the ovary.
Also, after ejaculation, sperm can remain alive in the reproductive tract of the female for about five days under favorable conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to use protection or contraception that can prevent an unwanted pregnancy. There are various methods of birth control available out there. You can pick whichever suits you best.
STIs
Period sex is safe. However, there is still a risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis, or herpes. These diseases get passed easily through period sex as these viruses can spread due to the contact with the blood of an infected person. Exposure to the blood of the infected person through menstrual blood puts the other person at risk of contracting these diseases.
Thus, unprotected sex during menstruating can put you at risk of contracting harmful diseases quite easily. Changes in the reproductive tract while menstruating, make a woman more susceptible to infections. Therefore, protection is crucial during period sex, just like at any other time. You can make use of condoms to guard yourself against an STI.
Do not forget to remove your tampon or menstrual cup
Make sure you have removed the product before sex. Forgetting to do so can add to your problems further. It is better to remove the product even before initiating foreplay. Otherwise, the product may get pushed further deep into the vagina during intercourse which can potentially cause a bacterial infection, and further you might need to visit a healthcare professional to get the product removed.
To Conclude
Although there has been a common misconception about not having period sex and shame or a sense of embarrassment attached to it, it should not stop you from enjoying your sexual relationship regardless. With open communication and preparation, you can make your period sex experience even better than your normal routine sex. Hence, you just need to enjoy the process while being safe and maintaining proper hygiene.
