The complete guide to period sex: Benefits, risks, and tips

An illustration of a couple making live with a red drop above them, representing period sex.
  • Updated Feb 4, 2025
  • Published

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Created with Natasha Lowe Osho, MD, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, USA

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In a nutshell

Can you have sex on your period? In most cases, period sex is absolutely harmless and even beneficial for couples—it eases menstrual cramps, boosts intimacy, and can lead to shortened periods. However, there are some downsides:

  • Discomfort and embarrassment caused by stigma
  • The possibility of staining and mess
  • A slightly higher risk of infections

To overcome the challenges, it’s important to embrace open communication with your partner, cover bedding with a towel or sheets, choose the right positions, and use contraception.

Despite being absolutely natural, surprisingly, the menstrual phase of a woman’s cycle is still commonly seen as a taboo subject. There is especially a lot of stigma attached to period sex. Yet, notwithstanding years of taboo, having sex on period is becoming more normalized today, and we should continue having deeper conversations about it to break that stigma.

In this article, we’ll answer the big question of “Can you have sex on your period?”. We’re going to cover the safety, benefits, risks, and common concerns about this type of intercourse, plus share practical tips for comfort to empower you to make informed choices about your sexual life.

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Is it safe to have sex on your period?

If you’re wondering “Is it okay to have sex on your period?”, the good news is that it’s perfectly safe in most cases, as there are no medical risks that should hold you back. Moreover, despite certain myths, menstrual blood shouldn’t be considered impure, harmful, or toxic. It’s a natural body fluid that contains blood, tissue, and mucus. What’s more, menstruation is a normal physiological process that signals good health, which is why having sex on a period is not bad or unsanitary as long as both partners feel comfortable and proper hygiene is maintained.

👉Find out more: Can you have sex with a UTI? What you need to know

Practical tips for period sex

Although quite a lot of people are okay with it, sex on period may still carry practical concerns, such as blood flow, possible mess, and more. So, here are several tips that can help you make the process as comfortable as possible:

  • Communicate with your partner. An open and honest discussion of your wants, needs, and boundaries is the key to comfort and mutual pleasure.
  • Use dark towels or waterproof sheets. We all know that period sex can be a bit messy, which is why using a towel or special sheets can help you manage it.
  • Consider shower sex. If you want to keep your sheets clean, another way to manage the mess is to have sex in the shower—it can help wash away menstrual flow. 
  • Choose suitable positions. Opting for sex positions that consider gravity, such as missionary, spooning, and side-lying can help reduce blood flow and minimize mess.
  • Don’t forget about contraception. Despite a common misconception, getting pregnant from period sex is possible, though unlikely. Yes, your fertile window starts around five days before ovulation, but if your cycle is irregular or short, the possibility of pregnancy might exist. Besides, having sex during period doesn’t keep you safe from infections, so using condoms is important.

Benefits of period sex

Although it’s surrounded by some natural concerns and worries, there are also some period sex benefits you should know about to help you make informed decisions.

Eased menstrual cramps

When you orgasm, your brain releases chemicals called endorphins that give you a sense of pleasure. These chemicals are also found to act as natural painkillers. So, does sex help with cramps? It might!

Enhanced intimacy

Apart from pain-alleviating benefits, there is also a spiritual effect of having sex during menstruation. When you have sex on your period, it can make you more attached to your partner through open communication and trust. The endorphins released during orgasm boost mood and bring a feeling of satisfaction—sharing this intimate experience also boosts the bond. Besides, such intercourse lets you show that you love each other’s bodies and are ready to give each other pleasure, no matter what.

What’s more, it’s believed that increased blood flow and circulation during your periods can lead to enhanced arousal and more intense orgasms. Hence, having sex at this time can also help you improve the quality of your intimacy.

Shortened period length

Muscle contractions that take place during orgasms may stimulate the expulsion of the uterine lining. Hence, period sex may sometimes cause your period to be shorter. There are many stories of women reporting, “I had sex on my period and it stopped the next day.”

Side effects or risks of period sex

Despite the benefits discussed above, it’s important to note that there might also be side effects of sex during periods:

  • Potential feelings of discomfort or embarrassment are among the most prominent side effects of period sex. These feelings typically arise due to societal stigma and can be overcome only through open communication with your partner.
  • The possibility of staining your bedding or clothes due to blood flow is another possible side effect. To avoid or minimize this possibility, consider covering your bedding with a towel or waterproof sheets, opting for sexual positions that reduce blood flow, and keeping washcloths or menstrual wipes at hand.
  • Active menstruation and changed vaginal pH can make you slightly more vulnerable to urogenital infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and STIs. It’s possible to prevent infection by sticking to proper menstrual hygiene practices and using condoms. 

👉Find out more: Does stomach pain after sex mean you are pregnant?

Common concerns and misconceptions

Now that you know more about the possible risks and benefits of period sex, you should see that menstruation is generally not a reason to keep yourself from intimacy. Let’s quickly address common concerns and misconceptions that can still cause any doubts.

Can you get pregnant from period sex?

Pregnancy can only take place during ovulation when your body releases a mature egg to be fertilized. In a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation usually takes place on the 14th day, which is seven days after your period stops, meaning that getting pregnant during periods is quite unlikely.

Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. These five days, plus one to two days of ovulation, make up your fertile window, during which conception is possible. Sometimes, if your cycle is shorter than 28 days or irregular, you can possibly enter your fertile window while on your period, which makes pregnancy possible—rare and less likely, but possible.

Does period sex increase the risk of infections?

Due to active bleeding and a slight opening of the cervix during periods, having sex during this time is associated with slightly higher risks of sexually transmitted pathogens. That’s why using barrier contraception, such as condoms, is crucial.

Curious about sex and intimacy?

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Will sex during menstruation make bleeding heavier?

Sex on your period can indeed lead to an increase in menstrual flow. This happens due to the presence of more congested uterus veins, which become more prone to rupture at this time. On top of that, muscle contractions that take place during orgasms can cause the uterine lining to shed faster. Respectively, having intercourse during menstruation can lead to a temporary increase in blood flow.

Can sex stop your period?

By causing a faster emptying of your uterus, period sex may actually make menstruation end faster. It’s not uncommon for women to notice their periods come to an end the next day or a few days after intercourse.

Spiritual and cultural considerations

Finally, when talking about sex during periods, it’s also important to note certain cultural or religious concerns. Namely, there are restrictions for period sex in Orthodox Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam, as well as in some cultures in Africa.

So, despite the benefits, it’s important to recognize your and your partner’s cultural or spiritual boundaries and respect each other’s personal preferences. This is one more reason why open communication matters a lot.

Questions from the Femia community

  • Does period sex help regulate cycles?

    No, there is no evidence that sex during this time can regulate your menstrual cycle. However, there are multiple positive effects of orgasms. Namely, period sex can boost mood and reduce your discomfort—often, women get rid of menstrual cramps after sex due to the endorphins released during orgasm.

  • What should I do if I feel pain during period sex?

    If you’re having or just planning sex during your period, it’s important to be aware of your feelings and comfort throughout the process. If you experience any pain, stop intercourse immediately, and seek medical advice if the pain persists.

  • Does having sex on your period make you bleed more?

    Yes, period sex can make it look like your blood flow has increased. However, this only happens due to increased blood flow caused by arousal and orgasm-related muscle contractions, which can make your uterine lining shed faster.

  • Does sex during menstruation feel different?

    Yes, it might. Some people report increased sexual drive, sensitivity, and orgasms caused by enhanced blood flow and hormonal changes associated with menstruation.

The bottom line

So, is it safe to have sex while on period? The answer is certainly “yes.” There are no significant medical risks or side effects of having sex on your period. On the contrary, it can be quite beneficial, as intercourse during menstruation is linked to:

  • Eased menstrual cramps
  • Enhanced intimacy
  • Shortened periods

Despite the benefits, of course, there are many myths and concerns surrounding this topic, such as the higher possibility of infection, the possible mess, and other considerations. Yet, most of these concerns are easily manageable if you approach period sex with due preparation. So, if you’re considering this option, be sure to communicate openly about it with your partner, and remember the importance of proper hygiene and contraception.

 

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