Is there anything holding you back from having sex at all points in your menstrual cycle? While it is by no means necessary to have sex while on your period, many people want to but have concerns that stop them from trying it, such as fear of blood or dreading the cleanup. Let’s talk about some simple changes that can make period sex more enjoyable, less messy, and more comfortable.

Using Menstrual Products:

Period products are generally not marketed as sex products. Rather, their marketing tactics frame period blood as unclean, and the sterile tone of many ad campaigns leads to the false idea that period products and sex don’t go well together. On the contrary, period products can greatly enhance the experience of having sex while menstruating! Tampons, menstrual cups, or menstrual discs can all be used during sex if you stick to external stimulation. Menstrual discs can be a good fit for penetrative sex, as they sit higher up in the vagina, won’t pose a barrier to insertion, and can easily go undetected by a partner or client.

It is important to note that menstrual products do NOT double as contraceptive barriers or STI protection.

Change up the menu:

Choosing to have sex while on your period does not mean you have to do everything the same way! You can change your approach to certain activities and discuss what is on or off the table. You might prefer mutual masturbation, where each of you touches yourself instead of the other. You might decide oral is off the table, or only do it with an internal period product in place. The point is, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing! You can create your ideal experience by picking and choosing the activities that work for you.

Shower Sex:

Shower sex can be a great option during menstruation. It can increase comfort and confidence by continually rinsing off the blood and eliminating the need for additional clean-up afterward. If you are using lubricant in the shower, consider opting for a silicone-based lubricant since water-based lubricants will be easily washed away. 

Timing:

Many people experience a heavier flow towards the beginning of their period and a lighter flow towards the end. If the amount of blood feels like a barrier to having sex, consider skipping the 2-3 heaviest days rather than avoiding the entire period.

Towels and Blankets:

Laying down a towel is often considered a classic step for period sex. While towels do the trick for small amounts of bodily fluids, larger amounts will eventually soak through. You may find it more effective to use a waterproof sex blanket, such as the Liberator sex blanket. These blankets are 100% waterproof, velvety soft, and machine-washable. 

Benefits of Period Sex:

• Having an orgasm can help alleviate pain from cramps and can also boost your mood.
• Menstrual blood can serve as an effective natural lubricant! 
• Some people experience increased desire during their period, which can also lead to increased sexual pleasure.
• There are many reasons people may particularly enjoy period sex. For example, the level of increased intimacy and trust, specific blood-related kinks, or an attraction to the naturalness of it.

Risks of Period Sex:

If you are having the type of sex that could result in pregnancy, it is important to keep in mind that pregnancy is still possible if you have sex while one of you is menstruating. This is because sperm can live for up to 6 days (Planned Parenthood), leaving the possibility for an egg to be fertilized if ovulation falls within this window. If you are taking birth control pills, it is okay to have sex that could result in pregnancy during your period/sugar pills, as long as you have been taking your pill correctly (Planned Parenthood).

STIs are a risk of sex at any stage in your cycle, including during menstruation. STIs are transmitted through either bodily fluid or skin-to-skin contact, and routinely using protection such as an external condom, internal condom, toy covers, or dental dam can help to lower the risk of infection. Make sure to wash sex toys between uses and let them completely air dry before storing them.