Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsSafety and RisksPlanning TipsOral Sex
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
Safety and Risks
Planning Tips
Oral Sex
You can havesex on your period. There is no scientific evidence that having period sex is harmful to your health.You might even find that sex on your period comes with benefits, such as alleviating period symptoms or making sex more pleasurable.
Keep in mind there are risks to consider:
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Benefits of Sex on Your Period
Having sex whileon your periodcan trigger physiological changes in your body that may have several benefits.
While it’s safe to have sex while you’re menstruating, you still need to practice safe sex. This means protecting yourself from pregnancy, STIs, and other risks.
You Can Get Pregnant
Your chances of getting pregnant are differentdepending on where you are in your cycle. While you may not be as likely to get pregnant if you have sex on your period, it’s not impossible.
Some people have shorter menstrual cycles or menstrual irregularities that affect whenovulation(the release of an egg) happens.
In addition, sperm can stay alive in the reproductive tract for up to five days.That means fertilization can occur well after you’ve had sex.
If you are not trying to get pregnant, make sure you are using contraception when you have sex—even if you’re on your period.
Signs of Sex Addiction to Recognize
Increased Risk of STIs
Sexually transmitted infections (STI)are a major risk of having sex, but having period sex can make them more likely. If a person withHIVorhepatitishas sex while they are menstruating, their partners are at risk because these viruses can be spread through contact with blood.
Changes in the vagina that happen during a period can actually make a person more vulnerable to infections. Having unprotected sex during your period increases the risk of other STIs, such asherpes.
While more women than men have STIs and experience more complications from them, unprotected sex in general also puts men at risk of contracting an STI.
If you have period sex, usecondomsto guard against catching or spreading a STI.
Increased Menstrual Flow
Having sex on your period could lead to an increase in the flow of menstrual blood temporarily because the veins of the uterus are congested and more likely to rupture while having sex.
Vaginal Dryness
If you remove a tampon right before sex, the vaginal walls may be dry because the tampon has soaked up the blood and most of your natural lubrication.In this situation, using an over-the-counter lubricant may help reduce discomfort or pain while having sex.
Tampon Removal
If you’ve put a tampon in while you’re on your period, don’t forget to remove it before you have sex. Aforgotten tamponcan get pushed deeper into the vagina during sex andcause infection.
Practical Tips for Less Mess
Having sex during your period can get messy. However, with a little pre-planning, you canminimize the messand keep the focus onintimacy.
Menstrual CupsYou may feel discomfort using a menstrual cup during sex; it may cause slight pain or make the vagina feel crowded.Ask your provider if yourpreferred menstrual cupis safe to use during sex. Keep in mind the cup is not contraception; it will not protect against pregnancy or STIs.Condomsare the best method of protection.
Menstrual Cups
You may feel discomfort using a menstrual cup during sex; it may cause slight pain or make the vagina feel crowded.Ask your provider if yourpreferred menstrual cupis safe to use during sex. Keep in mind the cup is not contraception; it will not protect against pregnancy or STIs.Condomsare the best method of protection.
You may feel discomfort using a menstrual cup during sex; it may cause slight pain or make the vagina feel crowded.
Ask your provider if yourpreferred menstrual cupis safe to use during sex. Keep in mind the cup is not contraception; it will not protect against pregnancy or STIs.Condomsare the best method of protection.
Can I Have Oral Sex on My Period?
Havingoral sexduring your period is safe. If you’re worried about leakage, use a menstrual cup or tampon.
Summary
Period sex is safe and can have benefits like reducing menstrual cramps and headaches and might even shorten your flow.
However, you still need to practice safe sex. You can still get pregnant if you have sex on your period, and the risk of giving or getting a sexually transmitted infection is higher.
If you want to have sex during a period, planning ahead can help make it less messy and ensure that you and your partner are comfortable and safe.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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