The Ultimate Guide to Having Sex on Your Period

Hey there, lovely readers! You know here at Team Cheeky we're all about busting taboos and this one is a corker and possibly divisive: having sex on your period.  I'll just go ahead and get this out upfront - I'm in favour of period sex.  It doesn't bother my partner at all either, things just are a bit messier than normal.  Which is fine!

Let's face it, there's nothing to be shy about when it comes to our bodies. Period blood isn't dirty or shameful, it's just a bit of blood and literally just one of several bodily fluids that most people frequently exchange during sexual intimacy!

Grab a cuppa and settle in as we spill the beans on sex during your time of the month.

Can You Have Sex on Your Period?

The short answer is yes, you can have sex on your period. Having sex during your period is entirely natural and safe.

Many people shy away from the idea due to societal taboos or concerns about hygiene. However, the reality is that period blood is just a mixture of blood and tissues that the body no longer needs.

As we said above, it's really no different from other bodily fluids you exchange during sexy time. Would you really rather not exchange spit by kissing? No different really, just slightly messier!

The key here is communication and comfort. If both partners are comfortable with the idea, there's no reason to avoid it. Plus, some people find that sex during menstruation can be particularly enjoyable due to increased sensitivity.

However as comments on our recent facebook post have proven, for some women sex on their period is unthinkable because it's too painful to contemplate.  So, enjoy it if it's enjoyable. But if it hurts it may be worth looking into conditions like endometriosis, adenmyosis, fibroids amongst other things if you haven't already.  We've got a series of cracking blogposts written by our customers with endometriosis if you'd like to find out more starting with 'Endometriosis & Reusable Period Protection'

Is It Safe to Have Sex While on Period?

If you’re practicing safe sex, then having sex during your period is just as safe as having sex when you’re not on.

Many people believe that menstrual blood is dirty. In reality, it is a combination of healthy blood and uterine lining that the body no longer needs. Menstrual blood is not harmful or unclean.

However, you are more likely to spread sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when on your period, so practicing safe sex is a must.

Using barrier methods like condoms or dental dams is a good idea to lower the risk of stis. If you're unaware, a dental dam is a piece of stretchy latex used to protect the mouth / genitals when performing oral sex. Ensuring that both partners are aware of each other's STI status and using protection accordingly is crucial.

One more crucial safety tip is to remove any tampons before engaging in sexual activity!! Forgetting to do so is pretty grim,  can lead to discomfort, and in rare cases, it can even cause infections or toxic shock syndrome.

If you think you're up for a sexy night, wearing period pants is a great way to discreetly manage your period, without a last minute dash to the loo to remove a pad, tampon or menstrual cup! Period pants are just absorbent undies and come in a variety of absorbencies to deal with light flow, regular flow and heavy flow.

As long as both partners are practicing safe sex and comfortable with the idea, there's no health reasons to avoid intimacy during menstruation.

Can You Get Pregnant if You Have Sex on Your Period?

Yes, it’s possible to get pregnant if you have sex on your period.

The chances of getting pregnant during your period are much lower as opposed to if you have sex around the time of ovulation but it’s still possible.

Sperm can live and survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you have a shorter menstrual cycle, you ovulate early or your fertility window is earlier in your cycle, there's a chance of conception.

To avoid the risk of pregnancy, it's essential to continue practicing safe sex, even during menstruation. Keep using whatever contraception method you prefer consistently and correctly, even during your period.

Does Having Sex on Your Period Make You Bleed More?

No, having sex on your period doesn't make you bleed more, however you might notice that you lose blood faster than expected, typically due to the physical activity and contractions involved in orgasm.

And if you're having penetrative sex, the actual mechanism of sexual intercourse physically removes blood quicker too. To be clear, your partners penis or whatever is penetrating your vagina is likely to end up removing some of that blood manually.

The #brightside of this is that this can decrease the length of your period. So, it's a win-win!

Benefits of Having Sex on Your Period

'Sex is natural, sex is good, not everybody does it, but everybody should' George Michael.

If you can get over the taboo of having sex on your period, there's actually lots of reasons why you definitely should not write it off! Period cramps aside, most women find that their mood and energy levels stabilise once their period start and this results in increased sex drive.

1. Pain Relief

Having sex during your period can actually provide relief from menstrual cramps and migraines. How? Well, during orgasm, your body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. So, next time Aunt Flo comes to visit, consider it a natural remedy!

2. Shorter Period

Believe it or not, period sex can help shorten your period. Orgasms cause your uterus to contract, expelling menstrual debris more quickly. So, it's like fast-forwarding through your period!

3. Natural Lubrication

Who needs lube when you've got Mother Nature on your side? Yep, you heard it right—period sex can provide natural lubrication, making things smoother and more enjoyable for all parties involved.

4. More Pleasurable

Some people find that sex during their period feels good and more pleasurable due to increased sensitivity. So, embrace the crimson tide and let the good times roll!

Tips on Having Period Sex

Now that we've covered the why, let's get into the how. Here are some tips for having fantastic period sex:

1. Communicate upfront with your partner about preferences and boundaries. It might feel awkward but a lot less awkward than one of you being surprised about the appearance of blood.
2. Discuss the use of menstrual products like tampons, menstrual cups, or period undies.
3. If you’re worried about your bed sheets, place a washable bed mat on the bed before getting down and dirty.
4. Alternatively, try sex in the shower for an instant clean up.
5. Experiment with different sexual positions to find what works best.
6. Keep some reusable intimate wipes handy for cleanup afterwards.

And there you have it! The ultimate guide to having sex on your period.

Remember, there's nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to our bodies and their natural functions. Period blood idn't dirty, just a bit of blood like any other bodily fluid and you share plenty of them already during intimacy.

If you have any questions about this article or any of the reusable products mentioned, please do drop us a line. The team all use our products themselves and LOVE helping people make the switch to reusable products. Nothing is TMI!

Did you enjoy this article? If so, you may also find these interesting...

• Are Period Pants Safe? What You Need to Know
• Navigating Intimate Relationships with Incontinence
• How to Clean Your Vagina and Vulva: The Dos and Don'ts

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable period kits and reusable intimate care. Both she and the rest of the leadership team are now navigating menopause, with all the joys it brings!

The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.