EVERYTHING you need to know about sex during your period: what happens, the benefits and some handy tips

Sex and menstruation aren't mutually exclusive – you don't have to put your sex life on hold for a few days every month. And the more we normalise periods and the menstrual cycle, the more men will realise that menstrual blood is neither dirty nor disgusting, but simply the result of a perfectly normal bodily function. So: is sex during your period safe or not?

Here you'll find everything you need to know about the benefits of period sex, comfortable positions, and the risks of infection, pregnancy and other possible side effects.

What happens if you have sex during your period?

By and large, nothing happens that differs much from sex at any other time of the month. As long as it doesn't cause you pain or discomfort, there's little reason to go without pleasure during this time.

Quite the opposite, in fact: thanks to the hormonal changes that boost your libido and the natural lubrication provided by menstrual blood, sex during your period can even feel better than usual. And if you're one of those women for whom an orgasm eases period cramps, you've got all the more reason to enjoy some intimacy.

So period sex is largely similar and perfectly normal. The main difference is aesthetic rather than medical: if you're not careful, menstrual blood will end up on you, your partner and the bedding – leaving stains and a mess you'll have to clear up afterwards.

There are, of course, other risks too. As a rule, though, these are the same as with sex at any other time: pregnancy, infections, sexually transmitted diseases and so on. So let's talk about those aspects as well.

Can you get pregnant during your period?

Yes, you can get pregnant during your period. Sperm can survive in the vagina for up to 5 days – so the risk is especially high if you have a short cycle and have sex during the final days of your period.

That's why it's wise to use a contraceptive method such as a condom during this time, or to carry on with whatever contraception you normally use.

Sex during your period – the benefits

So far we've established that, just like exercise, showering or bathing, sex isn't on the list of things that are off-limits during your period. And yes, it's perfectly fine and safe, as long as you use protection – a condom or another method – to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.

But there's more to it than that, because period sex isn't merely permitted: it can actually do you good. In many women, the release of endorphins during orgasm has a pain-relieving effect and helps with headaches, period cramps or migraines. So let's take a closer look at some of the key benefits of intimacy during menstruation.

 Relief from period cramps

As mentioned above, during sex – and especially at the point of climax – your body releases dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. These chemical messengers are responsible for feelings of well-being, which is why they have a pain-relieving effect and can help with both the typical lower abdominal pain during your period and with low moods, sadness or feeling down.

At present there are no studies in the scientific literature proving that orgasm actually reduces the intensity of period cramps – but plenty of women confirm it from personal experience. So you've nothing to lose by trying it out to see whether it works for you too.

One important note concerns people with endometriosis. For them, both menstruation and sex or orgasm during a period can be more painful. So approach it gently and attentively.

In any case, sex isn't the only way to relieve period pain naturally and without pills. And if it doesn't work (or you realise it's not for you), that's absolutely fine! You don't have to simply accept and endure the pain when you've got Enroush period patches to hand. Made from 100% natural ingredients that activate and warm up on contact with air, they give you up to 8 hours of heat therapy – so you can get rid of the pain quickly and enjoy the rest of your day discomfort-free.

Increased desire for sex

A heightened sex drive can be another effect of the hormonal fluctuations before, during and after your period. While sensitivity in the lower abdomen is uncomfortable for some, for other women it's precisely what increases their appetite for sex.

Normally, arousal peaks around ovulation, roughly 2 weeks before your period. But it's by no means unusual for many women to find their libido rising even more sharply during menstruation.

A shorter period

Yes, here's something else that's actually true: sex really can shorten your period.

During orgasm, the muscles of the uterus contract and then relax. These contractions can help the uterine lining shed more quickly, so your period ends sooner.

Natural lubrication

Earlier on, when discussing what happens during period sex, we mentioned the natural lubrication provided by menstrual blood. Let's clear this point up too.

During your period, you shed the uterine lining along with blood. This fluid acts as a natural lubricant for the vagina. Additional lubricant may therefore not be needed at all.

If it isn't enough, though (usually when you're using a tampon rather than a pad, which can leave the vagina dry because of the tampon's absorbency), a water-based lubricant is a good choice. It's compatible with both your intimate area and condoms, and won't damage the latter.

Relief from menstrual migraines

Back to the release of endorphins during sex and orgasm: the same pain-relieving, calming effect applies to migraines too.

Many women struggle with these during their period. Some of them avoid sex or closeness during a migraine attack – all they want is peace and quiet until it passes.

There are, however, studies pointing to partial or complete relief from migraine symptoms such as nausea, headache, exhaustion and so on.

Tips for sex during your period

Between friends: here are a few tips worth bearing in mind to avoid a small bloody scene you'll have to clean up afterwards. (Of course, you could just go with the flow and work out the clean-up later – but isn't it nicer to spend the time after an orgasm pleasantly, rather than frantically hunting for something that will get blood stains out of clothes, bedding and perhaps even the mattress?)

Here's how to make period sex as pleasant and comfortable as possible – without leaving too much chaos behind:

 Put a towel down

Before you lie down on the bed, spread out a towel. Choose a dark one, and ideally one that's as large as possible so you can fold it in two or three layers for extra security. If you have a blanket you're not particularly attached to, even better, as there's then less chance of menstrual blood soaking through onto the bedding. Afterwards, it all simply goes in the washing machine – and the clean-up is sorted.

If you have neither to hand and really don't want to clean up afterwards, you could try sex in the shower or somewhere the "evidence" can be rinsed away quickly.

Try different positions and techniques

The missionary position is the classic and works brilliantly during your period too. Since gravity limits the flow of menstrual blood, there's less risk of heavily staining the bedding.

And as for technique: now's the time to get creative. Sex isn't just about penetration – and for most women, orgasm certainly doesn't depend on it. Clitoral stimulation can even bring you to orgasm faster, while oral sex or manual stimulation will give your partner an experience that's every bit as good. That way you can enjoy the pleasure without leaving mess everywhere.

Talk openly with your partner

Yes, period sex is normal – but that doesn't mean everyone has to be comfortable with it or up for it. If menstruation increases your sensitivity to the point where it hurts, or if your partner feels uncomfortable, it's just as normal to give it a miss for a few days.

That's why open, honest communication both beforehand and during is crucial. If penetration becomes painful in certain positions, or cramps catch you mid-act, tell your partner so you can decide together whether to change position or technique, stop, or carry on.

Ultimately, it's about both of you feeling good – and you should stay alert in case that stops being the case for either of you.

Sex during your period – possible side effects

We've touched on the question of possible pregnancy, but we haven't yet set out in black and white the other side effects and risks of penetrative sex during your period.

And because it isn't all rosy, and the benefits aren't the only thing you should bear in mind, here are the main unpleasant things that can happen during period sex:

• Mess everywhere: this is the most common side effect and pretty much the only one unique to menstruation. But as we've said, there are tricks, techniques, positions and solutions that let you keep the chaos to a minimum.
• Increased tension: also linked to the mess – or simply because you're more aware of yourself and your body – feelings of vulnerability and tension can increase and spoil your appetite for sex.
• Catching infections or sexually transmitted diseases: the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease is just as present during your period as with any other sexual encounter. Hepatitis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and many other pathogens can be passed to your partner via infected menstrual blood, or picked up from them. That's why a barrier method that prevents transmission makes sense.
• Pain from vaginal dryness: as mentioned, a tampon absorbs menstrual fluid – and with it the natural lubrication it provides. To avoid pain caused by vaginal dryness, you should therefore use a lubricant. And if you experience this problem outside your period too: HERE we've summarised pretty much everything you need to know about vaginal dryness.

How to make period sex work

As a quick summary of what we've covered in this article – here's how to have sex safely during your period and protect yourself as well as possible from all the potential side effects:

1. Talk openly with your partner before and after sex, to make sure you both feel comfortable throughout.
2. Put a towel or blanket over the bedding before you lie down – or move things to the shower so everything can be rinsed away quickly afterwards.
3. Choose a position where gravity works in your favour (e.g. missionary or spooning) to limit unwanted leaking onto the bed.
4. Don't skip your usual contraceptive method, so you're protected against unwanted pregnancy.
5. Use a condom or another barrier method to protect yourself against infections and sexually transmitted diseases.
6. If you use tampons rather than pads, make sure you're sufficiently lubricated, or use a water-based lubricant to prevent pain from vaginal dryness.