Period Sex: The Benefits
Natural lubrication
“If youre prone to vaginal dryness or are a general fan of lube, you might be interested to know that period blood acts as a great lubricant,” Sarah says.
And the benefits don’t stop there. While periods can cause painful symptoms that might not exactly get you in the mood, if sex is an option for you it could help with your discomfort.
Pain relief
“Period sex and masturbation can be a great pain-reliever for migraines and period cramps. Orgasms can reduce the tension in your womb and also release happy, pain-relieving endorphins. Its also possible that an orgasm can reduce the time that youre on as the muscle contractions can force more blood out,” she explains.
Increased intimacy
“The mess is often the biggest deterrent from period sex. While some see period covered genitals and bodies as a turn on increased sense of intimacy, others can see it as an inconvenience. Its a real shame that periods are seen as negative and that there is a stigma,” Sarah says.
Shower sex
If the thought of blood getting everywhere is freaking you out, there are some different workarounds to try.
“Sex in the shower can be a great solution, though beware, condoms can be less effective in water. Putting a towel down can save your bedding while splurging on some rubber sheets can add a sexy, kinky vibe to proceedings. Keeping wipes by the bed is a good idea,” advises Sarah.
Can I Get Pregnant From Period Sex
Another great bonus of period sex , is that its very unlikely you are going to get pregnant from it. We are most fertile before, during and after ovulation – aka when your body releases an egg to be fertilized. When you have a period that is essentially your uterus recognizing that the egg has not become a fetus and shedding the uterine lining
Generally speaking, you cant get pregnant on your period – however, some peoples cycles like to play tricks on them – so we do always recommend still using contraception if babies are not on the cards for you right now. Another important reason to use contraception – and condoms specifically – is that you are more likely to contract STIs when you have period sex. Viruses like HIV can be carried in menstrual blood, so make sure you are keeping yourself and your partner safe!
Can You Get Pregnant
If you arent actively trying to conceive, using protection is a good idea, no matter what part of your menstrual cycle youre in. Your odds of conceiving are lower during your period, but its still possible to become pregnant at this time.
Youre most likely to get pregnant during ovulation, which happens about 14 days before your period starts. Yet every womans cycle length is different, and your cycle length can change monthly. If you have a short menstrual cycle, your risk of getting pregnant during your period is higher.
Also consider that sperm can stay alive in your body for up to seven days. So, if you have a 22-day cycle and you ovulate soon after getting your period, theres a chance youll be releasing an egg while sperm are still in your reproductive tract.
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How Does It Differ From A Menstrual Cup
Menstrual discs and cups are very similar in that theyre inserted into the vagina and collect blood.
To make things more confusing, one of the first disposable menstrual cups on the market has since been rebranded as a menstrual disc, which totally makes more sense when you break down the features of each.
Cups look like cups, while discs look like, well, discs.
A cup sits in your vagina below your cervix and extends into your canal, depending on the type or brand you choose. A disc, on the other hand, fits back into your vaginal fornix, which is where your vaginal canal meets your cervix.
Getting the disc in there comfortably may take a little practice, but once its in youll know it because you wont feel it at all.
Heres a step-by-step on how to insert it:
To remove a menstrual disc:
Benefits Of Having Sex On Period
Having sex during your period has a few advantages including:
- Relief from menstrual cramps Having an orgasm is a great way to get relief from menstrual pain. During an orgasm, the muscles of your uterus contract. Then they release, bringing some relief from menstrual cramps. Whats more, orgasms release endorphins that make you feel good.
- Less need for lubrication Introducing lube into your bedroom can result in more pleasurable sex, as many people dont produce sufficient natural lubricant. However, when you have period sex, blood acts as a natural lubricant.
- Shorter periods Having sex can shorten your period. The contracting of the uterus during an orgasm can speed up the shedding of your uterine lining.
- More enjoyable sex For many people, having sex during their period can be even more pleasurable than at other times of the month. This is because of the changes in your libido that occur throughout your menstrual cycle as a result of hormonal fluctuations.
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What Are The Possible Side Effects
The biggest downside to having sex during your period is the mess. Blood can get on you, your partner, and the sheets, especially if you have a heavy flow. Aside from dirtying the bed, bleeding may make you feel self-conscious. Anxiety over making a mess can take some or all of the fun out of sex.
Another worry about having sex during your period is the risk of passing on a sexually transmitted infection like HIV or hepatitis. These viruses live in blood, and they can spread through contact with infected menstrual blood. Using condoms every time you have sex can reduce your risk of spreading or catching an STI.
If you plan to have sex during your period and youre wearing a tampon, you need to remove it beforehand. A forgotten tampon can get pushed so far up into your vagina during sex that youll need to see a doctor to have it removed.
What About The Thinx Blanket For Sex During My Period
The latest and greatest thing in the world of products for period sex is a new blanket from Thinx. You may have heard the name. Theyre the makers of the popular brand of period panties.
The blanket is definitely a win. Its soft, feels comfortable and seems to not leak. The only problem? Its close to $400.
Thats certainly more than Im willing to spend for a blanket to have sex on. Our guess is that its probably the same for you. The good news is that there are far cheaper alternatives, ranging from free to around 50 bucks.
You can check them out here: 6 Alternatives to the Period Sex Blanket from Thinx.
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Period Sex: What Are The Best Things To Try
“Some positions can feel better than others. During periods, the cervix is lower and more sensitive so deep-reaching positions like doggy style may be off the menu. Missionary or spooning might be a better fit,” Sarah says.
“People may assume that period sex means penetration but theres lots of other ways to enjoy physical intimacy. Anal play can be a fun option – the anus has a lot of nerve endings – and sitting opposite each other while you masturbate yourselves can be a very sexy and intimate experience.
“Regarding oral sex, the blood is fine to be ingested – in fact its a great source of iron! But if this isn’t your bag, there are ways to avoid the flow. You could focus on the clitoris and can avoid blood or use a tampon, cup or sponge. Make sure you take tampons out before penetration, though, as if the tampon gets pushed too high you will need to get a health practitioner to remove it.
“A dental dam is another option while some people like to wear a soft menstrual cup or sponge during sex. This can feel a bit crowded, and make sure theyre removed soon after the deed is done,” Sarah says.
Period Sex: 5 Takeaways For Beginners
Centuries of shaming women shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your relationship and your body when you want to. With communication and preparation, period sex can even be better than your normal routine.
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Is It Possible To Get Pregnant During Your Period
Although the odds of conceiving are lower during your period, it is still possible.
Getting pregnant depends on when ovulation occurs in your cycle. The day of ovulation differs from person to person. In theory, you are more likely to get pregnant from having sex during your period if you ovulate early in your cycle or if your period lasts much longer than the average five days. If you are not planning to become pregnant, it is better to use contraception.
If youre curious about your ovulation patterns, you can track your cycle using a period tracker and an ovulation calendar. By entering the details of your cycle over several months, youll get more precise period and ovulation predictions.
Another consideration is the lifespan of the sperm. Sperm can live in your body for up to five days. If you have intercourse near the end of your period, that sperm might still be present at early ovulation.
Enjoy Oral Sex Instead
Oral sex can be great during your period, and can be completely mess-free when wearing a menstrual cup, sponge, menstrual disc or even a tampon! For those who dont feel comfortable with penetrative sex during their period, this is another great way to be intimate with your partner – while enjoying all the period pain-relieving benefits of orgasms. Hooray!
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There Are Less Messy Alternatives To Penetrative Sex
And if blood on the sheets turns your stomach , Chapman suggests shower sex or using sex toys that are made of washable, medical-grade silicone as alternatives. She loves Dame ProductsEva , a hands-free toy thats great for couples. And as much as I love assuming a women-on-top position during penis-in-vagina sex, I avoid it during my period strictly to avoid an unnecessary bloodbath. Also, I really like my bed linens and hate doing laundry.
Chapman adds, however, that you should never be ashamed of having your period or period sex, since the mess is part of the very human experience of sex in general: Sex is messy anyway, so embrace your flow and have open talks with your partner about it.
It Can Be The Most Fun
The main reason we make love is that it feels good. What if we told you that sex during your period can actually be more fun? Thats not just a matter of opinion: Thanks to the hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, your sex drive can be higher during certain times of the month than others. This can happen while youre spotting or on your period.
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Can I Keep A Period Cup In While Im Having Sex
Because period cups sit low in the vaginal canal, both our experts and the major brands suggest removing yours before any sort of penetrative sex. The cups stem can accidentally cause pain to a penis or finger, and anything you insert, such as a vibrator or dildo, can push the cup in deeper, where it might get stuck on your cervix, says Dr. Gupta. But good news: Oral, anal, and external stimulation are all still on the table.
Can I Get Pregnant While Wearing A Menstrual Cup During Period Sex
So, you have your period but want to have sex. In order to keep things from getting messy, you try out something like the Soft Cup or Ziggy Cup. Is it now possible to get pregnant?
Check out this article about your menstrual cup cycle. As you can see, during your period your chance of getting pregnant is low. Thats not to say its impossible. Anything is indeed possible, so use protection if you dont want to get pregnant.
And of course, you should always use protection anyway to protect against STIs.
Will something like the Ziggy Cup prevent pregnancy? No. Its that simple. Use a condom, IUD, etc. or whatever form of protection your doctor recommends for your situation.
The Ziggy Cup or Flex Disc are great for preventing things from getting messy, but thats about it.
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How Do You Use A Menstrual Cup
Wash your hands and get into the position thats most comfortable for you. “Many women squat, put one leg up, or sit on the toilet with their knees apart,” Dr. Cullins says. “To insert a cup, you usually fold or squeeze it so its easier to put in your vagina. Follow the directions that came with your cup and practice when you are not bleeding to find the best way to put the cup in.
You’ll know you’re inserting it correctly and using the right sized cup “if you dont feel it in your vagina and when there is no leakage and the cup is only partially full when you remove it,” Dr. Cullins says. “If the cup is very full and you have leakage, you probably just need to remove and empty the cup more often.”
“It may take a couple of periods to get it right. You can wear a pad as a backup while youre learning to correctly place the cup,” she suggests.
Period Sex Tips: How To Have Sex During Your Period
Burgess Powell|17 October, 2019
Period sex can be more fun than your regular routine. Yes, you heard right: Once you know how to have sex on your period, your time of the month wont stop you from enjoying the best of life. But what makes sex during your period different from regular intercourse ? And whats the best way to embrace — and even enjoy — your time of the month in the bedroom? Heres what you guys had to say about this once-taboo topic.
Disclaimer: The following information is not medical advice. It was written for informational purposes only.
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