Can you have SEX during your periods? Find out!

You might question if having sex before, after or during your periods is safe. We’re here to answer that. Yes, you can absolutely have sex during menstruation, but there are considerations related to infection and pregnancy.

Your periods, a cycle that comes around regularly every month and disrupts various aspects of your daily routine. So you might wonder if it interferes with your sex life too. Can you safely be intimate with your partner through the blood flow and PMS, no muss, no fuss? 

In this article, we answer common questions about having sex during your periods, including how women with PCOS might feel as well. 

Is It Safe to Have Sex During Menstruation? 

Yes, it absolutely is! And it even has a few benefits: 

• Relief from your menstrual cramps 

Menstrual cramps usually result from your uterus contracting to release its lining. When you have an orgasm, the muscles of your uterus also contract and then they release slowly. That release brings some relief during your cramps! So your intimacy may also relax you during the pain. 

Sexual activity also triggers the release of chemicals called endorphins, which stimulate pleasure in your body and make you feel good. Having sex can also help occupy your mind, which takes it off your discomfort. 

• Shorter duration of periods 

Having sex could actually make your period cycle shorter! That’s right, you might get your 5-6 days reduced to 4-5 days. Muscle contractions during an orgasm can help your uterus push our its contents faster, which may result in shorter periods! 

• Stimulates an increased sex drive 

Throughout your menstrual cycle, there are days where your sex drive increases. Many women have reported feeling more turned on during their periods (and some report it during the , which leads to more pleasurable encounters with your partner during your periods and allows you to mix it up and try new things. 

• It might reduce your headache 

Several women have reported experiencing sharp, migraine-type headaches during their periods. Most women with menstrual headaches have noticed that sex can partially or completely relieve their migraines. 

What are the side effects of having sex during menstruation? 

The biggest downside of having sex during your periods is the mess it can cause around you. The blood can spill on you, your partner and the sheets, especially during the time of a heavy flow. Aside from staining the bed, the bleeding might make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious, especially with a partner that you do not know that well. Your worry about discomfort or stains may make you feel heavy and reduce the fun of sex. 

Another thing you need to think about while having sex during periods is the risk of passing on a sexually-transmitted infection (STI) like HIV or hepatitis. These viruses live inside your blood and can spread through contact with infected menstrual blood. Using condoms or other contraceptives during sex can reduce the risk of spreading or catching an STI. 

If you are planning to have sex during your period and you’re wearing a pad or tampon, you need to remove it before you begin. If you forget, it can get pushed into your vagina during sex and you will have to surgically remove it. 

Can you get pregnant if you have sex during periods? 

If you are not actively trying to conceive, then remember  that your odds of conceiving are actually much lower during your periods. However, ensure that you use contraception, as it is still possible to become pregnant at this time. 

Ovulation is the time when you are likely to get pregnant, but if you have a shorter menstrual cycle, then your risk of getting pregnant during periods is higher. 

PCOS & Sex Drive 

Another aspect of having sex during periods is the relationship between PCOS and sex drive. 

Women with PCOS often report problems during sexual function, often because of PCOS symptoms like hirsutism, acne or being overweight. 

Psychological factors such as self-esteem or wellbeing also affect the sexual drive of women with PCOS. At the same time, due to irregular menstrual cycles, women with PCOS are likely to find it safe to have sexual relations during periods and a reduced risk of pregnancy. 

Take PCOS supplements such as OZiva HerBalance for PCOS to help out during this time. OZiva HerBalance for PCOS is Certified Clean and Vegan and contains 21 plant-based wholefoods to help manage your PCOS symptoms, balance your hormones, and regulate your menstrual cycle. Its assistance with your wellbeing during PCOS can help you regulate your sex drive as well. 

A Few Recommendations for Having Sex During Periods 

• Spread a dark towel on the bed for you to get comfortable and avoid staining the sheets 
• Try out a few new positions that allow you to explore during your periods and avoid the blood and mess 
• Keep wet cloths or a wet wipe to help clean yourself up afterward
• Ensure that your partner wears a condom to ensure protection against pregnancy or STIs