How To Have Sex On Period

How To Have Sex On Period
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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. Concerned your partner won't be into it? Ask them. But take it from someone who has had plenty of sex with people of all genders: People are generally pretty excited about an opportunity to get laid, period or no period.
In fact, your period could very well turn them on. There's something primal about the blood: Things are messy to start with, which can allow all parties to tap into their animalistic nature. To avoid mess, you can simply put a towel underneath you and your partner. If you want to get a little fancy, you can even invest in a luxe "sex blanket" designed to absorb liquids — Liberator makes a great one . Shower sex is another good option for cleaning up while you get it on.
The same rules apply to period sex as they do for any sex. Not into it? Don't do it. Research suggests that people who menstruate are may be horniest during ovulation , which takes place right in the middle of your cycle, rather than at the end of the cycle when you get your period. If you feel cranky and bloated during your period, how about requesting a massage from your partner as a way to enjoy intimate touch without straight-up sex? You can also turn to the pros to alleviate symptoms: Some spas, such as Greenpoint Massage in Brooklyn, even offer special massages designed to ease period pains. What's more, sometimes waiting to have sex makes it so much better when you do. "If you don't like period sex, the sexual build-up for when you’re done is fantastic," Richmond says.
While it's less likely, you can still get pregnant during this time . So don't forget about contraception during period sex. Likelihood of pregnancy depends on the length of your menstrual cycle. Sperm can live inside of you for up to five days. If you have a shorter cycle , that means those suckers could still be around come ovulation — specifically, if you have sex at the end of your bleeding and then ovulate early. "Also, what people think is a period is [often] not," says gynecologist Jessica Shepherd. Sometimes what you may think is a period is actually mid-cycle spotting. What's more, it's just as important to protect against STIs during your period as at any other time of the month with a method such as condoms.
If your partner has a penis, I hope to goddess they aren't using your period as an excuse to get a week of blowjobs while disregarding your pleasure. If you're into it, and so is your partner, there's no reason you can't get eaten out while menstruating. In fact, some people are really turned on by going down on someone on their period, Richmond says. If your partner focuses their tongue on the clit, you can also receive oral while they avoid the blood. You can keep your tampon or menstrual cup in if you like. The Flex menstrual cup was even designed with mess-free period sex in mind.
It bears repeating that you should practice the same safer sex practices while on your period as you would any time of the month. If you're in a monogamous relationship, have both been tested, and don't use condoms, there's no reason to pull out the rubbers unless your partner doesn't want blood on their penis. If you don't know each other's STI status, please stick with condoms, especially since Shepherd says that some research shows period sex may have a higher STI transmission rate.
Yes, period cramps are very real and can be mega painful. Thankfully, one pain-killing activity doesn't have to cost a thing: having an orgasm. "Dopamine that is released during an orgasm kills pain and can help with that heavy feeling a lot of people report" during their periods, Richmond says. Want an orgasm, but don't feel like dealing with another human? That's what masturbation and vibrators are for. While no one should ever shame you for wanting to have sex that time of the month, you know for certain that a vibrator never will.
Now, check out these 10 fantastic period panties:
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Period Sex: Can You Have Sex On Your Period?

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Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more .

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Anita Sadaty, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at North Shore University Hospital and founder of Redefining Health Medical.

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Is it safe to have sex on your period?

Can a man get an infection from period blood?

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Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School.

You can have sex on your period . There is no scientific evidence that having sex during menstruation is harmful to your health. 1

Some people find that having sexual intercourse while they are on their period has benefits, like helping with period symptoms. Some people find period sex more pleasurable than sex at other times of the month.

That said, it's always important to practice safe sex—whether you're menstruating or not. You can get pregnant if you have during your period. 2 You can also get sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 1

This article will go over the benefits of "period sex," the safety considerations to keep in mind if you have sex while you're menstruating, and how to make having period sex less messy.

Having sex while you're on your period can trigger physiological changes in your body that may have several benefits.

Period cramps happen because your uterus is contracting. The contractions help it shed its lining , which you see as the blood that comes out during your period.

Some people with a uterus find that orgasms help relieve menstrual cramps. Orgasms cause the uterine muscles to contract and then release, which eases the constant tension.

Sex also triggers feel-good endorphins , which can help take your mind off period pain and discomfort. 3

Muscle contractions during orgasms help clear the contents of your uterus. In theory, you could have a shorter period if your uterine lining was shed faster.

However, there's no scientific evidence that period sex leads to shorter periods. Still, some people who menstruate (and even some medical professionals ) say that they have noticed the effect.

Headaches are a common period symptom related to hormonal shifts. Studies have shown that sexual activity may relieve headaches. 4

Researchers don't know why, but they think the rush of endorphins during sex helps to numb headache pain.

If your vagina is dry , menstrual flow can act as a natural lubricant. This can make sex more comfortable and reduce the need for store-bought lubrication products . 5

While it's safe to have sex while you're menstruating, you still need to practice safe sex. This means protecting yourself from pregnancy, STIs, and other risks.

Your chances of getting pregnant are different depending on where you are in your cycle . While you may not be as likely to get pregnant if you have sex on your period, it's not impossible. 6

Some people have shorter menstrual cycles or menstrual irregularities that affect when ovulation (the release of an egg) happens.

In addition, sperm can stay alive in the reproductive tract for up to five days. 7 That means fertilization can occur well after you've had sex.

If you are not trying to get pregnant, make sure you are using contraception when you have sex—even if you're menstruating.

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a major risk of having sex, but having period sex can make them more likely. If a person with HIV or hepatitis has sex while they are menstruating, their partners are at risk because these viruses can be spread through contact with blood. 8

Changes in the vagina that happen during a period can actually make a person more vulnerable to infections. Having unprotected sex during your period—or any time—increases the risk of other STIs, such as herpes . 9

If you have period sex, use condoms to guard against catching or spreading an STI. 10

If you've put a tampon in while you're on your period, don't forget to remove it before you have sex. A forgotten tampon can get pushed deeper into the vagina during sex and cause infection. 11

A tampon that gets lodged deep in the vaginal canal may need to be removed by a provider. If you are not able to remove the tampon yourself, seek medical care right away. 12

Having sex during your period can get messy. However, with a little pre-planning, you can minimize the mess and keep the focus on intimacy.

The amount of blood may not bother you and your partner enough to avoid period sex. If it does, think about when your menstrual flow is the lightest.

For example, if you know that you bleed pretty light on days three to five of your period , you may want to have sex on those days instead of on heavier days.

You may want to try using a menstrual cup —a small, flexible device that is an alternative to tampons and pads—during period sex. The cup collects blood as it passes through the cervix, which reduces how much blood is in your vaginal canal during menstruation. 13 Most reusable cups need to be taken out before sex, but the soft, disposable ones do not.

Your partner shouldn’t feel the cup and it won't leak. However, some people may feel discomfort using this device during sex; the vagina may feel crowded or cause slight pain.

Ask your provider if your preferred menstrual cup is safe to use during sex. Keep in mind that the cup is not contraception; it will not protect against pregnancy or STIs.

Another option for decreasing menstrual flow is the vaginal contraceptive sponge , which traps blood in the upper part of the vagina like a menstrual cup.

The sponge may not be as effective at collecting blood as a cup, but it might be more comfortable. It also has the added benefit of preventing pregnancy.

A menstrual cup or vaginal contraceptive sponge should be removed right away after sex.

The menstrual cup and contraceptive sponge will not protect you against STIs. Condoms are the best method of protection. 10

Before you have sex, put some towels down to protect your sheets, mattress, or furniture from getting any blood on them. Keep tissues nearby to wipe yourself with when you're done.

Lying on your back during sex can reduce blood flow. You might want to be careful about deep penetration because the cervix is lower and more sensitive during menstruation.

If you feel any discomfort or pain during sex, stop and tell your partner. Go slow and communicate to make sure you're both comfortable.

A running shower can help wash away any menstrual flow. You can also have a pleasurable intimate shower session by giving each other a sensual back rub with a soapy sponge.

If you're worried about you or your partner getting menstrual blood on your hands during foreplay or masturbation , just keep the towels or tissues you set out nearby to clean up.

If you or your partner are uncomfortable about touching blood , you can explore other ways to arouse each other .

Having oral sex during your period is safe. If you're worried about leakage, use a menstrual cup, contraceptive sponge, or tampon.

If you don't want to put anything in your vagina, you can also use a dental dam —a square piece of latex that can be purchased or made by cutting a condom. Dental dams also help prevent STIs. 14

Period sex is safe and can have benefits like reducing menstrual cramps and headaches and might even shorten your flow.

However, you still need to practice safe sex. You can still get pregnant if you have sex on your period, and the risk of giving, or getting, a sexually transmitted infection, is higher.

If you want to have sex during a period, planning ahead can help make it less messy and ensure that you and your partner are comfortable and safe.

Talk to your partner(s) about period sex. It's not for everyone. Some religious and cultural practices do not permit having sex during menstruation.

A person with certain medical conditions might not want to have sex on their period. In some cases, it's not safe to have sex with someone who is on their period because they may transmit infections through their blood.

While you would expect to see blood if you're having period sex, keep in mind that bleeding during or after sex when you're not menstruating is something to talk to your provider about.

It is safe to have sex when you have your period, but you should still practice safe sex. A person can pregnant if they have sex during their menstrual period.
Likewise, unprotected sex at any time of the month can put you at risk for an STI. In fact, some of them are more likely to happen if you have period sex because they are spread through contact with blood. 1
Some sexually transmitted infections are transmitted by contact with blood, such as HIV and hepatitis B .
In addition, unprotected sex puts both partners at risk for STIs. That's why it's important to practice safe sex at all times of the month. 1
There is no scientific evidence that having sex makes a person's period lighter or stops the flow. That said, some people who have period sex do feel that it has that effect.
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Verma P, Singh KK, Singh A. Pregnancy risk during menstrual cycle: misconceptions among urban men in India . Reprod Health . 2017;14(1):71. doi:10.1186/s12978-017-0332-3
Hambach A, Evers S, Summ O, Husstedt IW, Frese A. The impact of sexual activity on idiopathic headaches: an observational study . Cephalalgia . 2013;33(6):384-389. doi:10.1177/0333102413476374
Levin RJ. The ins and outs of vaginal lubrication . Sex and Relation Ther . 2003;18(4):509-513. doi:10.1080/14681990310001609859
American Pregnancy Association. Determining your fertility window .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STDs and HIV .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Genital Herpes .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The lowdown on how to prevent STDs .
National Library of Medicine. Toxic shock syndrome .
Van Eijk AM, Zulaika G, Lenchner M, et al. Menstrual cup use, leakage, acceptability, safety, and availability: a systematic review and meta-analysis . Lancet Public Health . 2019;4(8):e376-e393. doi:10.1016/S2468-2667(19)30111-2
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