Fuck Your Period

Fuck Your Period
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Korin is a former New Yorker who now lives at the beach. She received a double B.A. in International Relations and Marketing from The College of William & Mary (which she doesn’t use at all now) and an M.A. in Interactive Journalism from American University. Korin is a health reporter who has been published in The Washington Post, Prevention, Cosmopolitan, Forbes, Women’s Health, and Yahoo, among others. When she’s not working, Korin enjoys biking, eating tacos, and trying to keep up with her kids. She can pretty much always be found at the beach.

Just because you have your period doesn't mean that your sex life should take a backseat. But period sex comes with its own unique set of challenges.

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with letting your period sex-having flag fly, it's understandable that you might have some questions, like whether it's OK from a medical perspective, what the pros and cons are of doing it, and how to pull it off with recreating a scene straight out of Game of Thrones in your bedroom.

Here's what you should know about having sex on your period —the good, the bad, and the slightly messy.

For the vast majority of people, the answer is yes. "People worry about it, but it's totally fine," Lauren Streicher , MD, a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, tells Health. "From a medical point of view, there is nothing wrong with having intercourse when a [person] is menstruating."

There are some rare exceptions, though. "For those who are positive for hepatitis, HIV , or have known STIs, the possibility of transmission of diseases that are bloodborne is increased because of the presence of blood," Jessica Shepherd , MD, an ob-gyn in Texas, tells Health . "Period blood is different from "regular" blood that's in the veins and arteries, however there is still the possibility of transmission." Because the cervix is more open during this time of month (which allows for blood to pass), your risk of infection increases too, Tara Ford, a physician assistant at the Medical Center for Female Sexuality in Purchase, New York, tells Health . All of which is to say, it's essential to continue wearing a condom if you're unsure of your partner's status.

But overall, "medically—for most [people]—it is fine to have sex with your period," Mary Jane Minkin , MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale Medical School, tells Health.

Technically, yes, but it's not very common. You're still rolling the dice if you choose to have unprotected period sex, though, with both chances for pregnancy and contracting a sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), so it's important to use some sort of birth control (and especially a condom with someone you're not too familiar with) during sex.

Here's the lowdown: If you have regular periods and you're absolutely sure what you're experiencing is actually your period, "the chances of getting pregnant are basically nil," Dr. Streicher says. But—and this is a big but—if you're having spotting or bleeding from some other cause, that won't necessarily be the case. "Some [people] may think they're having a period because they're bleeding and think it's safe to have unprotected sex when it's not," Dr. Streicher says. "It can be breakthrough bleeding or bleeding during ovulation—you have to be aware of that."

Also important: the timing with which you have period sex. That means, if you have sex at the tail end of your period, your partner's sperm hangs out inside you for five days, and you ovulate really early, there's a teeny chance you could get pregnant, Dr. Minkin says. "It's not super likely, but possible," she says .

There are actually quite a few pluses to keep in mind when it comes to having sex while you're menstruating. For one, you may experience less painful periods, if you have sex during them. Period cramps happen as a result of your uterus contracting to shed its lining during your cycle, explains Christine Greves , MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, Florida. "When you have an orgasm, the muscles in your uterus contract, too," she tells Health . When they inevitably release, it can feel better down there, Dr. Greves says. At the same time, having an orgasm triggers the release of endorphins, which are thought to help with the pain, she adds.

Sometimes, menstruation can also help you get more turned on. That's because your estrogen and testosterone are low on day 1 of your cycle (the day your period starts), but they start to rise by day 3. "Some [people] report they feel more aroused and more sensitive around this time," Ford says. Your flow can serve as extra lubrication during sex, which can also increase pleasure. If you typically use a store-bought lubricant to help with dryness during sex, this may be your week to go natural.

Sex may actually speed up your period, as well. Though it hasn't been well-studied, in theory, Dr. Streicher says that having an orgasm may help your period blood get out faster and sooner. "That might help make your period lighter, just because it causes your uterus to contract and pushes out that lining," she says.

There are, of course, positives and negatives to everything—and that includes period sex. Some downsides, like messiness, are more obvious than others. Having sex on your period increases the risk that you and your partner will end up a little bloody by the end. "The messy factor is a major downside," Dr. Streicher says.

Also important: While having sex on your period might help in the lubrication department, that's only if you haven't used a tampon in a while. If you end up removing a tampon right before sex can, there's a possibility it already soaked up some of your natural lubrication and dried you out. "You may need some extra lubrication," Dr. Greves says. (Luckily, that's where lube comes into play ).

Sure, you just go for it with period sex and deal with the aftermath, but a little extra preparation might make the experience even more enjoyable and comfortable—and less cleanup afterwards is never a bad thing.

First things first: Use a towel to help save your sheets. Dr. Greves recommends that you opt for a dark colored towel, if you have it, so that the situation doesn't look quite as intense in the aftermath. (However, if that doesn't bother you or your partner, use whatever color towel you'd like.) If you don't have a towel handy—or at least one that you want to sacrifice—try some period shower sex so you don't have anything to clean afterward, Dr. Greves says.

It's also important to remember that you don't have to focus on penetrative period sex. That means the focus can be on the menstruating partner's clitoris (while they wear a tampon), Ford says. Or, the person menstruating can also help their partner orgasm with manual or oral stimulation. And for those of you still interested in penetrative (but less messy) sex, stick to missionary position (it can limit blood flow—thanks, gravity!).

And of course, the main part of any positive sexual experience is communication. While your decision to have period sex largely depends on your relationship, giving your partner at least a heads up that Flo is in town is usually considered a nice gesture. "Say it very matter of factly: 'I have my period now. Is that a problem for you?'" Dr. Streicher says. "You'll get a reaction one way or another." And don't stop communication once the sex starts. If you tend to have painful periods, some positions with deeper penetration might feel uncomfortable for you, Dr. Greves says, so keep talking, even while doing the deed. Otherwise, Dr. Shepherd's advice is simple: "Have fun."

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There’s a fifty-fifty chance you’re missing out on some seriously needed sexy time. Nearly half of women skip all genital activity during their time of the month, found a 2018 survey from period-tracking app Clue . Conclusion: It's time to stop shorting yourself of period sex.
Why? "Your period might be one of your most sexually vibrant times," says licensed sex therapist Vanessa Marin . For one, you're likely off-the-rails horny , due to shifting hormonal levels. Second, having sex during this, uh, intimate time can make you feel even closer to your partner, adds certified sex therapist Holly Richmond, PhD . Aw!
And let’s be real—everyone's booked and busy. Do you really want to take a week (more or less) out of your potential sex schedule? Period sex can really open up the calendar for couples, says Rachel Peragallo Urrutia, MD, an assistant professor of general obstetrics and gynecology at the University of North Carolina. "When you start limiting by this, it can be hard for couples to find the time."
Beyond that, sex when you're menstruating can feel incredibly awesome (more on that later) and calm your moody mind, Richmond adds.
But if the thought of having sex when you're menstruating makes you (or your partner) squeamish, quick reality check: "It’s healthy and nothing to be ashamed of. It can be like sex any other time of the month," explains Marin.
In fact, "medically speaking, having sex when you’re menstruating is just fine," says Mary Jane Minkin, MD , clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University Medical School.
It can actually feel good, experts say. And, since when is a little (or a lot of) extra lubrication a bad thing? Women report having just as satisfying sex on their periods, as they do off of them, Urrutia says.
Now that that's covered, here’s how to make period sex toe-curling-level incredible, because if anyone deserves a big O right now, it's you. Ahead, discover 11 things you need to know about period sex.
Women who experience pain with sex during different times of their cycle might find relief during period sex, said Urrutia. (Reminder: Menstruating folks have four phases in their cycle—menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal.)
"It is not uncommon for women to experience less pain during their menses," she adds. Periods can actually raise your pain threshold because of the uptick in hormones in your body. So, with a bit of trial and error, you might discover which times during your time of the month actually make sex more comfortable.
Marin notes another oft-overlooked perk to period sex: Because periods can help with your tolerance to pain, and sex aids in releasing endorphins that also up your pain threshold, period sex can ease headaches, cramps, and other not-so-fun stuff you’re dealing with during that time of the month.
And let’s be real—period sex sounds a lot better than Advil and a heating pad.
Before you get busy, "identify which sexual activities will be allowed and which will be off limits," suggests Janet Brito , PhD, a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist in Honolulu. Then, communicate those boundaries to your partner. For example, if you're not into penetrative sex, tell them so you can figure out other options, like clitoral stimulation.
You can even "put your hand over your partner’s hand to guide them where you want to be touched and with what pressure," says Brito. "As you guide their hands, make sure you verbally communicate, too, so they understand all the cues."
Instead of worrying about all the extra fluid involved, look at blood as a plus—after all, it's just extra natural lube . "If lubrication tends to be an issue for you, you might love period sex," says Marin. And even if it's not, a little extra wetness never hurts...
Period sex can feel like the world's most satisfying slip-n-slide (sorry, had to), but all that lubrication also make it a bit easier to spread a sexually transmitted infection, like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
"The environment makes it easier for bacteria to go from the cervix up into the uterus," says Minkin. "Unprotected sex during this time is a little more dangerous for the woman because the effects of the infection can ascend [into the uterus] quicker."
(Quick bio lesson: In between periods, you have cervical mucus that helps protect against bacteria taking a trip up your cervix, says Minkin. When you're menstruating, that gets shed along with your uterine lining .)
And while you're less likely to get pregnant on your period, it's still possible. "Sperm can hang around for a long time," says Minkin. "And if you ovulate early that month, there’s a chance you can get pregnant if you’re not using contraception."
The answer? Condoms, condoms, condoms (or for oral, a dental dam)— especially if you're doing the deed with a new partner.
If you’re worried about red-stained sheets, put a thick, dark-colored towel down over your bed, then pop it in the wash after, says Marin. It's really as simple as that.
Still a bit iffy about the whole thing? Try period sex in the shower, says Brito. You’ll hardly notice the blood, and you both can suds each other up after.
To avoid pain and friction down there (true story: shower water isn't lubricating), "use a silicone-based lube ," Brito adds. Just make sure to clean your shower afterward, since that ish can be slippery.
Chances are your period sex routine involves taking out your tampon right before getting busy to minimize the mess. The only prob with that strategy? It can leave your vagina dry without time to replenish its natural moisture, says Minkin, making sex all kinds of uncomfortable.
To avoid that, the fix is simple: Have a trusty lubricant around that you can grab in a hot second.
Certain menstrual cups and disks can be inserted into your body in such a way that they catch blood while also allowing you to have sex.
When you have one of these in, you don't have to worry about leaks, which can give you some peace of mind. (Peep these reviews of two fave products , Flex and Ziggy .)
Just note that not all menstrual cups are safe to wear during sex, so before buying, always, always, always check the label. The last thing you want is getting something stuck up there when you're trying to enjoy sexy time.
Tampons and menstrual disks are also great for catching blood before you have sex, Urrutia notes. So if you’re thinking you’re going to be cleaning up a crime scene after you get it on, take a deep breath. "When you first take it out, the vagina is going to be relatively free of blood if [you] have sex pretty soon after," she says. Time is of the essence, people!
Missionary —or any position that calls for you to be on your back—is your best bet when your blood flow is on the heavier side, because you’re less likely to leak. But really, "have fun with whatever position makes you feel the most confident," says Brito.
If you want something more gentle—or feel bloated and gross—she recommends spooning. Looking for something more intimate? Try direct gaze (a.k.a. straddling your partner as they hold your butt, hips, or back to bring you closer).
If you want to chill without going total dead fish, give relaxed doggy a whirl, says Brito: "Rest your chest on your bed, prop your belly on a pillow, and raise your hips slightly to meet your partner's genitals."
Whether you're single, in a long-distance relationship, or just want to have fun sans partner, Brito encourages you to masturbate. "Not only will you be able to spend time with yourself, you will also feel relaxed," she says. And who couldn't use more of that during their period?
Have fun in the shower by aiming the shower head on your clitoris, or use a waterproof vibrator .
Either way, alone or not, period sex—like any sex—is all about enjoying yourself. Might as well work with what biology gave you!

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Woman with wave over lower abdomen to show her menstrual flow. Getty Images
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Sophie Saint Thomas is a New York-based writer originally from the Caribbean. She is Allure ’s resident astrologer and the author of Finding Your Higher Self: Your Guide to Cannabis for Self-Care (Adams Media), a guide to self-care and marijuana, and [*Sex Witch: Magickal Spells for Love, Lust, and... Read more
Period sex is like pizza: If you want it, you deserve it. You're a human being whose sexual needs don't switch off when blood starts coming out of you. (If sex during your period really isn't your thing, though, that's cool too — more on that ahead.) We rounded up seven things you should know about period sex, including insight from experts, to help you make that time of the month even more enjoyable. Read on, bleed on, and get off to your heart's content.
Lube makes sex better, end of story. Buying lube simply means you're an adult who understands sex feels better slippery. However, along with usual vaginal wetness, your period fluids can act as an added bonus. "It's extra lubrication, which can be a fantastic experience," says sex therapist Holly Richmond . It's not gross; it's natural. Menstrual "blood" is more than just blood — it's thickened endometrial cells married with blood from uterine arteries. It's actually a pretty great consistency for sex.
Some tend to find their libidos are highest at around the time they ovulate, while some say they notice heightened arousal during their periods (or right before ). If you fall into the "gotta have it" camp while menstruating, rad, get it on. Con
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