Having sex while on period has its advantages and disadvantages. Learn all about them, and find some expert tips on how to have sex on your period in our newest article. And remember: you still can get pregnant having period sex!

Is it okay to have sex while on period?

During your reproductive years, you will get a period roughly once a month. Unless it causes you discomfort and pain, there’s no reason why you need to avoid having sex during period. It’s safe for both partners.

Having sex on your period is entirely safe, although it can sometimes get messy. However, like everything else involving your period, you need to get prepared. It’s always a good idea to tell your partner about your situation to avoid catching him off guard. 

If you use tampons, take them out and lay a towel on the bed since your period can cause a small crime scene on your sheets. You can even get creative and enjoy some time in the shower together. 

Keep in mind that you still need to use protection when you have sex during your period. You’re more vulnerable to STDs, and pregnancy is still on the list of possibilities. Make sure you use an appropriate birth control method. Respect your body and stay safe with your partner. 

Benefits of having sex on period

Having sex on your period has a few advantages, including:

• Relief from menstrual cramps. When we have menstrual pain, we get our meds. But there’s something even better and more natural to relieve us from pain — having an orgasm. When we orgasm, the muscles of your uterus also contract. Then they release. bringing us some relief from period cramps. What’s more, orgasms can release endorphins that make us feel good.
• Less need for lubrication. Introducing lube into your bedroom can result in more pleasurable sex. Luckily, when you have period sex, blood acts as a natural lubricant. This is one of the best perks of having sex while on period as a lot of people don’t have as much arousal lubrication as they want. When you have your period, that’s just extra fluid in your genitals to make things spicier. 
• Shorter periods. Having sex can shorten your period. The contracting of the uterus during an orgasm can speed up the shedding period of your uterine lining.
• More enjoyable sex. For many women, having sex during period can be even more pleasurable than having sex at other times of the month. This is due to your libido changes that happen throughout your menstrual cycle, as a result of hormonal fluctuations. 
• Reduced headaches. According to a 2013 study published in Cephalalgia, having sex on period may reduce migraine and cluster headache pain for some women.

Sex while on period: possible consequences

Although having sex on your period comes with many upsides, there are also a few downsides:

• It can be messy. When you have sex on your period, things can get messy. There’s always the chance blood to get on you, on your partner, and the sheets. This can be even more troubling if you have a heavy flow. What’s more, you might worry about making a mess which can take all of the fun out of sex. 
• Risk of STIs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, having sex on your period increases your risk of getting or transmitting an STI, like HIV. The virus may be present in your period blood. For this reason, doctors strongly encourage using a condom to decrease this risk.
• It might be smelly. Period blood can often have an unpleasant smell. Although in the heat of the moment, you and your partner might not be focusing on the smell, you still need to be prepared.
• Your positions are limited. First of all, oral sex on period might be uncomfortable for you. What’s more, your partner will probably avoid oral sex when you’re bleeding. Second of all, due to gravity, being on top isn’t a great idea either. The best position would be laying down.

Can a girl get pregnant on her period?

Although the odds of conceiving are lower during your period, it’s not impossible. 

Getting pregnant depends on when ovulation occurs in your cycle. The day of ovulation is different from woman to woman. You can only get pregnant from having sex on your period if you ovulate early in your cycle, or if your period lasts much longer than the average five days.

If you’re curious about your ovulation patterns, you can track your cycle using a period tracker and an ovulation calendar. Over several months, you’ll get the most precise period and ovulation predictions.

Another consideration is the lifespan of the sperm. Sperm can live in your uterus for up to 4-5 days. If you have intercourse near the end of your period, that sperm will still be present when you ovulate. 

Do you need to use condoms while having sex on your period?

There are two significant reasons to avoid having unprotected sex during period:

1. Although less likely, it’s always possible that you could become pregnant. If you’re not trying to get pregnant, you should have protected sex every time. You can use some form of contraception like wearing a condom or taking birth control pills.
2. Having sex on your period can increase your chances of getting an STI. Viruses like HIV may be present in menstrual blood, so it’s essential to use a condom to decrease your chances of getting infected. 

How to have sex on your period: handy tips

If you want to have less messy and uncomfortable sex during your period, follow these helpful tips:

1. Tell your partner how you feel about having sex while on your period. Be honest and share your feelings. Ask them how they feel as well. If one of you hesitates and finds the experience uncomfortable, it’s best to postpone the intercourse. 
2. Lay a towel on the bed since your period can cause a small crime scene on your sheets.
3. Make sure you keep wet wipes by the bed to clean up after the intercourse.
4. If you’re wearing a tampon, don’t forget to remove it before you start with the intercourse.
5. It’s best to use a latex condom as it will protect you and your partner against STIs and pregnancy. 
6. Some positions might be uncomfortable when you have sex during your period. Try something different and the position that it’s the most comfortable for you and your partner.  

Is it okay to have oral sex on periods?

If you and your partner consent to it, oral sex on period doesn’t have to be off limits. If you decide to go for it, you might want to focus on the clitoris.

Although it’s okay to have oral sex on periods, be aware that there could be certain odors that may be self-conscious unpleasant for the “giver” in this scenario. Plus, your vagina will have a more “metallic” flavor. This might wreck the mood. 

Sex involves a wide range of fluids and excretions, including sweat, urine, sperm, and even fecal matter (if you’re into anal sex). So, menstrual blood shouldn’t be the body excretion that deters you from intercourse.