Sex can kick-start your period, if it’s already due and you orgasm during penetrative sex. That’s because the contractions of your uterus can help speed up shedding of the cervix lining.
But that’s about it – This section is the creation of the portal’s editorial team https://teentelsex.com. Otherwise, sex really doesn’t change your menstrual cycle unless you get pregnant, which is a whole different story.
1. Orgasm
It’s no secret that loads of people feel extra horny when they’re on their period, and that’s because of the changes in oestrogen that happen during this time of the month. This can cause a lot of sexual arousal, which is why it’s no surprise that many women and men find themselves engaging in sexy acts during their period (whether it be sexy solo sex or some serious penetrative action).
During an orgasm, the muscles in your pelvic area contract rhythmically and this can trigger a shedding of the uterine lining to start a monthly period. However, this only happens if you’re already due to get your period and the orgasm is occurring near your actual start date. Otherwise, it’s pretty much just egging on your period a little bit earlier.
The sexiness of orgasms also causes your cervix to dilate, which can help to make it easier for blood to flow through. This is why you might get a little spotting after an orgasm.
Some people might find that having sex on their period makes it harder to have a good orgasm because of the presence of period blood, which is known to irritate your vagina and can lead to pain. Despite this, it’s not recommended to avoid sex on your period because the endorphins released during sex can actually help to relieve some of the pain caused by PMS.
2. Semen
Unless you’re pregnant, sex won’t change your period in any way (apart from maybe making it seem earlier than normal). Usually, bleeding after sex is caused by old blood that hasn’t shed from the uterus lining yet. It can also be a sign of infection.
Having sex and orgasm can speed up your period, but only if the cervix is soft and the partners are using birth control. The oxytocin and adrenaline released during orgasm can help the uterus contract, which makes it more likely to start menstruation early. Plus, the semen from the partner can soften the cervix and make it easier for the uterus to shed a lining.
But, as Ali explains, the lining in the uterus only needs to be shed if you’re going to get your period, so sex doesn’t actually make your period come on earlier. It’s just that if you orgasm, the uterus may contract more rhythmically than usual, which can help speed up the process.
Nevertheless, if you’re experiencing heavy bleeding and you weren’t expecting your period to start that day, it’s worth checking with a healthcare provider. A doctor can tell you if the bleeding is from a uterine tear or another medical condition. Bleeding after sex can also be a sign of sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
3. Hormones
Bleeding after sex can be alarming, but it’s not always a sign of a period. In fact, spotting that isn’t accompanied by cramping, itching or fever may be caused by an infection, like chlamydia, gonorrhea or herpes. If you’re experiencing bleeding after sex and aren’t sure why, make an appointment with your doctor right away to see what’s up.
Sexual arousal increases blood flow to your genitals, which is one of the reasons why you might notice bleeding during sex. During orgasm, your pelvic floor muscles contract rhythmically and that might be what’s responsible for speeding up the process of lining up your uterus. If the lining is ready to shed, it will do so during your next menstrual cycle.
That said, if the lining isn’t ready to shed, you might start your period earlier than usual. If that’s the case, you might need to use a tampon or condom for protection until the lining has built up again. Bleeding after sex can also be caused by friction between your penis and vaginal walls, an infection or, in rare cases, a serious illness like cervical cancer or uterine cancer. If you have any concerns about your health, see your doctor for a pelvic exam or pap smear as soon as possible.
4. Uterine Contractions
When a woman is pregnant, her uterus switches jobs from being a sanctuary and a place to grow an egg to a powerful expulsion machine. The transition requires a series of fast physiological changes that occur within the large muscle of her uterus, called the myometrium. The muscle is made of individual muscle cells, called myocytes. These cells contract and flex in isolation or in small groups of muscles called myometrial clusters. During pregnancy, these contractions occur regularly. These contractions accomplish two things: They open the cervix, and they move the baby down the birth canal.
But when a woman isn’t pregnant, the contractions that trigger menstruation are less frequent and much weaker. Women often describe them as menstrual cramps. This is because the uterus isn’t preparing for a vaginal delivery, and the lining of the uterus isn’t thickening to nourish an egg.
However, orgasm and sex can help bring on the period by increasing the intensity of uterine contractions. In addition, orgasm may also help to dilate the cervix and speed up the process of shedding the lining of the uterus.
Women can also try to encourage their periods by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. They can also use a birth control method that prevents ovulation (such as hormonal birth control pills). Finally, many women who suffer from painful periods find relief by practicing stress reduction techniques, like gentle yoga and journaling.
