We’ve heard it before: sex during your period can ease cramps, speed up your menstrual cycle or even delay your monthly visit to the gyno. But, is it true?
Despite all the stigma surrounding period sex, it has some pretty awesome benefits. For starters, your need for lubrication is lessened, because your blood acts as a natural lubricant during orgasms. Plus, each contraction during an orgasm can speed up the shedding of your uterus lining.
1. It’s a natural lubricant
During sexual arousal, blood flow is increased to the genitals, including the vagina. This provides natural lubrication during intercourse. In addition, orgasms cause the uterus to contract which helps with the shedding of the lining. This can shorten your period by a day or two.
If you prefer to use a commercial lubricant during sex, this is no problem. However, it is possible to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex during your period. If you want to avoid this, make sure to use protection like a condom, or a dental dam. Also, try not to sleep on the same bed as your partner until you’ve waited for your bleeding to stop or at least lighten up.
Another downside of having sex during your period is that it can be messy. There’s always a chance that some blood will get on you and your partner or the sheets, especially if you have a heavy flow. However, you can lessen the mess by showering right after sex and keeping a dark towel on the bed for any accidental spills. Additionally, you can also try using a menstrual disc for penetrative sex during your period to help reduce the mess. You can even opt for oral sex or clitoral stimulation with a sex toy during your period to minimize the mess.
2. It’s a mood booster
Having sex can give you a natural lubricant, and it can help to shorten your period because orgasms cause the uterus to contract, which helps to speed up the shedding of the lining. Having orgasms also releases feel-good endorphins that can relieve pain, including cramping. If sex isn’t possible for you during your period, masturbation that ends in orgasm can help to boost libido and relieve PMS symptoms.
One downside of having sex during your period is that it can be messy. Blood can leak onto you or your partner, and it can stain sheets or tampons. However, there are ways to make it less messy. For example, you can use a towel or a dark-colored pad to cover the area where you plan on having sex. You can also try sexual positions that are less likely to cause bleeding, like lying on your back. If you or your partner are worried about messing up the bed, you can always have sex in the shower.
Despite the fact that it can be messy, there’s no reason to avoid having sex during your period. As long as you use protection and are careful, it can be as pleasurable as sex at any other time of the month. And if you use a condom, it can even help to protect against pregnancy and STIs.
3. It’s a pain reliever
Having sex on your period does more than just boost your libido; it can also ease pain, shorten your period, and make it more pleasurable. During sex, your body produces a surge of oxytocin, which is a natural pain reliever. It can also help reduce cramps, as well as make your skin glow and smooth out fine lines. In addition, sex burns up to five calories per minute, and the act of penetration causes blood vessels to dilate, which makes you feel good.
Many women experience pain during their menstrual period, which can be quite uncomfortable. This pain is called dyspareunia and is caused by the uterus contracting as it sheds its lining. Many women who have sex report that orgasms can help relieve menstrual cramps. During orgasms, the muscles of the uterus contract and release, which can soothe the pain and tension associated with menstrual cramps.
Dyspareunia can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, illness, or medications. If you’re experiencing dyspareunia, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to manage it. Your doctor may prescribe medication or recommend other treatment options, like sex. They may also suggest avoiding foods that are known to trigger dyspareunia. Also, you can try using lubricant during sexual activity, as it can make intercourse more comfortable and less painful.
4. It’s a great way to bond with your partner
If you’re the type of person who tends to avoid sex on your period because of, well, blood, you may be surprised to learn that having sex during your menstrual cycle can actually make it better. Here’s why:
Sexual activity can help you orgasm, which can speed up the shedding of your uterine lining. This can make your period shorten because you’ll be able to get rid of the old lining faster.
Plus, sex during your period can be more intimate than normal since your body is naturally more receptive. It’s a great way to bond with your partner, which can lead to more sex in the future and even help you get pregnant.
Sex during your period can also increase libido because it stimulates the reproductive organs. In addition, the muscle contractions during orgasm can help your uterus contract and shed its lining. This can make your next period shorter as well.
While many people say they feel turned on by sex during their period, it’s important to communicate with your partner about what they prefer. This includes talking about how much blood you like to see (or not). You might want to try lying on your back during sex or sexing in the shower, where the menstrual blood can wash away more easily. It’s also a good idea to use a condom or spermicide, and to practice proper hygiene to prevent infections.
