You don't have to avoid sex because of your period. It's perfectly safe to have sex, solo or with a partner, during menstruation. Read our tips for pleasant period sex.
Do what feels good
When you have your period, more blood flows through the skin and tissue of your vagina. We feel more in body parts where more blood flows. So, it's possible that you feel more inside your vagina during menstruation. You might also be really in the mood for sex during this time. It's just as normal, however, to feel less desire for sex when you're menstruating. Or maybe your desire for sex varies from period to period. Or maybe you don't notice any difference at all.
Does sex help with menstrual cramps?
Some people find that sex helps with pain and discomfort during menstruation. The pleasant sensations in your genitals and lower abdomen during sexual activity often make you forget about the pain. In addition, sexual arousal releases hormones that have a relaxing and pain-reducing effect.
Should I pay special attention to anything when having period sex?
You can masturbate or have partnered sex any way you want during your period. There are a few things to consider, though. Pay attention to what you feel. You may notice that you like different positions during sex than usual, or that certain positions are uncomfortable. For some people, the cervix is lower during menstruation so that can change how it feels to have something inside your vagina. Tell your partner if anything is uncomfortable or painful. If you normally use oil or lube, you can also do that during your period although you might not need as much since menstrual blood also acts as a lubricant.
Do we still have to use contraception?
Yes. You can get pregnant while menstruating. You never know when ovulation will happen next and it might happen during your period. So, if you normally use a barrier method of contraception (like condoms or diaphragms), you should also use it during period sex.
What about sexually transmitted infections?
If you have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, you should avoid receiving oral sex during your period. That's because some germs can be transmitted via menstrual blood.
How can we avoid blood stains?
Menstrual blood is clean - but it is colored. If the bleeding is heavy, you can avoid stains by putting towels or a plastic sheet on your bed. If you rinse the towels with cold water immediately after sex, the stains will come out easily. We wouldn't recommend using white sheets and towels during period sex because in that case blood stains might only be removable with bleach.
Do I have to remove my tampon before sex?
If you use tampons, don't forget to take it out before any penetrative sex. If you forget, it might be difficult and annoying to remove the tampon after the penis/dildo/finger has pushed it further up the vagina. Most menstrual cups also need to be taken out before sex. There are some menstrual products specifically designed for period sex, such as soft tampons. It's totally up to you whether you want to use these or not. Again, menstrual blood is not dirty or unhygienic. Do what feels comfortable for you.