Period Sex

Let’s Talk Period Sex

Period sex. It seems to be a taboo or even “gross” topic, but I’m here to tell you period sex is awesome and offers several benefits. Admittedly, I also can’t talk about period sex without thinking of the period sex song from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend on the CW, but that’s beside the point.

Many people think they can’t have sex on their period or shouldn’t have sex on their period because periods are “gross” or their partner wouldn’t be into it. First thing’s first: your period is not gross. It’s a natural and ESSENTIAL part of life. Secondly, ask your partner about it and have a conversation.

Period sex is totally safe and can be super fun as well. Here are some benefits:

1. Your blood can act as an added natural lubrication. Your vagina is slick with blood on your period, and this added bodily fluid is natural, built in lubrication, making penetrative sex easier and more enjoyable.
2. Orgasms can help relieve cramps and headaches. During orgasm, the pelvic muscles essentially contract and release repeatedly, and this motion can help relieve cramping that commonly comes with periods. Additionally, orgasms release endorphins, which can also help relieve pain during your period. That being said, you can also masturbate and benefit from orgasm without a partner as well. 
3. Sensations can be more intense. Your cervix is lower and softer during ovulation and your period, and breasts can also be more sensitive during your period. Because of this, sensations could feel more intense or even just different than usual. Additionally, because of the positioning of your cervix during your period, foreplay is essential for getting your body ready for any sort of penetration. The cervix will go further into the body after about 20 minutes of foreplay to prepare for penetration. 
4. Have extra fun and a new sexual experience. Having period sex will likely provide new or different sensations for you and your partner, which can be so fun! Also engaging in something that is seen as slightly taboo can also be a turn on and allow you to feel more free during sex, which is always a bonus. Additionally, because of the sensitivity of your cervix and possible cramps, some positions might feel better than others. Move around and try some new things and see what feels good.
5. It can inspire you to be creative and try new things. Sex doesn’t just mean penis in vagina penetration. Being on your period can inspire you and your partner to try new things if neither of you are super into the idea of penetrative sex, no matter you or your partner’s gender. You could use sex toys together, try mutual masturbation, or even still have oral sex. If you keep a tampon or menstrual cup in and have your partner only stimulate your clitoris during oral sex, you can stay mess free. But if you’re into the idea of still having oral sex and embracing your blood, go for it! There’s also a device called Flex which is a flexible period disc that catches your blood and is safe to use during penetrative and oral sex.

Now that you know some of the benefits, what should you do to prepare for period sex? Talk to your partner! Tell them that you want to have period sex and see what they say. Open communication is key to having a good sex life!

It’s also extremely important to note that you can still get pregnant on your period! Although the chance of getting pregnant is significantly lower than when you’re not on your period, it’s still very possible. Sperm can live in your body for up to six days, so even if implantation doesn’t occur the moment you have penetrative sex, it could still happen, so use protection. If you are on the hormonal birth control pill or use an IUD and still get a period, you can’t get pregnant on your period because those forms of birth control shut down ovulation. However, if you don’t take your pill at the same time every day, there is still a chance you could get pregnant, so use condoms just to be safe.

Period sex can also still spread STIs, so make sure you know you and your partner’s STI status, or just use a condom. Condoms can also act as a barrier between your period blood and your partner, which can make clean up even easier.

Put down a blanket, a towel, or some old sheets as well. Period sex can be messy, but that can also be part of the fun! Lay down something to protect your space. You can use an old towel or blanket, or some companies even sell period sex blankets. They are a little pricey, and a towel works just fine. You can also have sex in the shower to keep things clean if that’s a concern for you.

Period sex can be fun and provide new sensations for you and your partner, and even relieve some of the cramping you might experience during your period. If period sex is something you want to try, talk to your partner about it! Let go, embrace the mess, and have fun!