Many things can impact your menstrual cycle, including sex. But, does sex delay your period?
The answer is no — unless you’re pregnant. However, it’s important to know that small variations in your cycle are normal. You may even experience spotting or bleeding after sexual activity. Let’s look at why this happens:.
1. Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a complicated process, and there are many things that can affect whether it occurs. It takes sperm and an egg to meet for pregnancy to happen, and there’s only a small window of time when this can take place. This happens when an egg is released at ovulation and a sperm cell enters the uterus or fallopian tubes. If fertilization doesn’t occur, the body will shed the thick lining of the uterus and begin making a new one for the next cycle.
When you’re pregnant, your body produces hormones that change the way your period works. This is why you might experience some light bleeding or spotting while you’re pregnant. The spotting is from the placenta implanting itself in your uterus, and it can also come from a cervix exam or penetrative sex.
Most women’s periods last 28 days, but it’s normal for them to be longer or lighter than this sometimes. Bleeding that doesn’t match your menstrual cycle, or bleeding after sex or abortion, needs to be checked by a doctor.
2. Birth Control
Many forms of birth control help prevent pregnancy by blocking or killing sperm, or by making it harder for them to implant in the uterus. They can also protect you from sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs, or STDs), which you can get through unprotected sex.
But some hormonal forms of birth control can delay your period. The pill, patch, ring, or implant, for example, all contain estrogen and progestin, which can change the normal pattern of your menstrual cycle.
These methods can affect your period because they alter the hormones that cause a lining to build up in the uterus each month. When this lining becomes thick, it makes it more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach and start a pregnancy, so the uterus sheds that lining, giving you a period.
If you’re on the pill and wondering if it could be affecting your period, schedule a video visit with a gynecologist at BU Today. Or, if you’re not a student, check with your primary care doctor or Planned Parenthood in West Campus to see what options are available for you.
3. Exercise
Many people have irregular periods right after they get their first one, and it can take a while to have a regular menstrual cycle. If your period is late and you have ruled out pregnancy, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.
Exercise and a balanced diet can have positive effects on a person’s menstrual cycle. However, it’s best to avoid high-impact exercises like running or jumping on a trampoline as they can impact your hormone levels. If you do decide to exercise, it’s a good idea to rest in between workouts.
Sex can affect your period if it happens at the time when the womb lining is thickening and an egg is being released in order to fertilize, but it doesn’t delay it. Sexual arousal can affect the timing of your period because it causes the release of oxytocin and endorphins, which act as natural pain killers in the body. This can lead to uterine contractions and can make your period come earlier than usual. But it’s important to remember that the only time sex can significantly change your period is when you get pregnant.
4. Stress
There are a number of factors that can cause irregular periods, including hormones (including birth control), exercise, diet, illness and stress. However, sex alone will not delay your period, unless you’re pregnant from sex.
When you’re under stress, your body produces cortisol which can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to a delay in your period. This is because cortisol can inhibit the production of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone, two hormones that are important for regulating the menstrual cycle.
If you think stress is affecting your period, make an appointment with your doctor. They can recommend ways to help you manage stress levels, which will in turn support healthy hormonal function. This includes getting enough sleep, prioritizing relaxation and making dietary changes to promote overall wellness.
5. Diet
Many people experience irregular periods, especially if they’re at the beginning of their menstrual cycle or have underlying reproductive health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome. However, the vast majority of a woman’s menstrual cycle is relatively regular.
Small variations in the length of your cycle can happen due to hormonal changes, a switch in birth control methods, over-exercising, diet and stress, and other factors. It’s important to track your menstrual cycle and get regular check-ups to keep an eye on things.
Ali explains that having sex can cause your period to be lighter or shorter but it won’t delay it unless you’re pregnant. That being said, she recommends you always use protection and take a pregnancy test when you think your period is late.
Orgasm can also trigger a period by temporarily delaying ovulation but the release of endorphins can help relieve pain and cramps. The best way to reduce orgasm and menstrual discomfort is to relax, drink water, exercise, prioritize sleep, and eat a healthy diet. If you’re experiencing severe or persistent pain or bleeding, talk to your doctor immediately.
