Period Sex: Is it Safe & Everything Else You Need to Know Before Surfing the Crimson Wave

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You know, I remember the first time I had period sex.

It was horrible.

Okay, well, that is an over-exaggeration.

It wasn’t great, and I did not enjoy a single minute of it.

There was blood everywhere, my vagina was too sensitive, and the guy was just thrusting way too hard.

I was already feeling self-conscious because of all the blood, but when I saw my period blood on his dick, I just felt nauseous.

Then my period blood got onto his mattress, and I went into freak-out mode.

I started apologizing profusely and tried to clean it up (btw hydrogen peroxide works wonders for bloodstains), all while the guy was relaxed.

Since that day, I haven’t had period sex, but I would try it again—this time doing a few things differently.

Period sex is one of those things that you need to know what you’re doing before you do it.

It can be a great experience, but there are some things you need to know.

Key-Take Aways

These are just some things to keep in mind while you read this bloody article 🙂

1. It’s not for everyone, so don’t assume your partner is comfortable with period sex. Ask first.
   1. Communication is key.
2. Don’t do what you usually do.
   1. Your body will feel different because of all the hormone fluctuations and extra blood, so your typical go-to positions may not feel great during this time. Try something different.
3. Use protection.
   1. Just because you got blood coming out of you doesn’t mean you are off the hook from practicing safe sex.

What is Period Sex?

Period sex refers to people engaging in sexual activity while one partner (or both) is menstruating, aka on their period.

Period sex is not just limited to penetration.

It can include oral sex, masturbation, anal sex, fingering… just about anything that occurs during regular sexual activity.

The only difference is that there is a bit more blood than usual.

Is Period Sex Safe?

This is the most common question that is googled regarding period sex.

I get it. There is a bunch of blood, and everyone wants to know if it’s safe to splash around in it.

And the answer is…Yes!

There really is no biological reason why you can’t have sex on your period.

It’s really more stigma and taboo than anything else.

But like with every sexual activity, there is a risk element attached.

What are the risks of Period Sex?

Like I said in the section before, there is a risk attached to every form of sexual activity.

This isn’t to scare you but instead let you know that you still need to practice safe sex.

So without further ado, let’s learn the risk and how we can prevent them.

Can I get pregnant while having sex on my period?

The short answer is yes!

Yes, you can get pregnant while having sex on your period.

While your chances of getting pregnant are lower during your period, you need to consider when is your fertile window.

So your fertile window is defined as

the time in your cycle when you are most likely to become pregnant—depends on various environmental and physiological factors

Your fertile window comprises the days that lead up to ovulation, the days during your ovulation, and the days right after ovulation.

So if you have unprotected sex during your period and you let someone cum in you, their sperm can live anywhere from 5 to 7 days in your vagina.

This can overlap with your ovulation days which can cause an egg to be fertilized and BAM! Next thing you know, you got a screaming child.

If it’s still not clear, think about it like this:

Your period lasts 5 days. You have sex on the third day of your period, and you let your partner cum in you. Their sperm then decides that it wants to chill in your vagina for the next 5 to 7 days. Then 5 days after you initially had sex, you start ovulating. Hypothetically, the sperm in your vagina can still be there and fertilize the egg that drops.

Next thing you know… BAM!

You’re spending your weekends buying diapers and getting throw up all over you instead of downing tequila shots and having sex with the hot bartender for free drinks.

So yes, yes, you can get pregnant during period sex.

Higher Risk of STIs

So as we know, with great sex comes great responsibility.

And while period sex can be great because of natural lube and a lower chance of getting pregnant, that doesn’t mean there is no risk.

There actually is a higher risk of contracting/passing an STI during period sex.

While someone is menstruating, their cervix is slightly more open, allowing bacteria and viruses to enter quickly.

Moreover, certain blood-borne viruses such as HIV & hepatitis can be present in the menstrual blood itself. Thus, making it easier to infect your partner.

So if you are having sexy time while surfing the crimson wave, make sure to use protection.

Related Article: What Is A Safe Sex Strategy & Why You Need One!

Prone to Infections & UTIs

The vagina usually has a pH level of 3.8 to 4.5 throughout the month, but during your period, the level rises because blood has a higher pH.

This increase in pH can increase the likelihood of contracting an STI from an infected partner and allow yeast infections to thrive.

As Shan Boody said, bacteria love warm, wet, and dense areas, and a vagina during menstruation is the perfect space for it to thrive.

Are there any benefits to Period Sex?

The great thing about life is that there is a silver lining with every dark cloud.

So while period sex does have some risks, it also comes with some serious benefits that you may want to cash in on.

Arousal

Periods deal with the body’s hormones, and when someone has their period, their hormones fluctuate like crazy.

So while someone on their period may feel bloated and unattractive, they are probably the horniest they’ve been all month.

I know. It’s like a slap in the face. The time of the month we feel less sexy is the time of the month we want to get the freakiest.

The fluctuations in the hormone levels can increase sexual arousal and sensitivity in the pelvic area because the vagina and vulva are swollen with blood.

So extra sensitivity down under can equal more pleasure.

Vaginal Lubrication

The great thing about mother nature is that she is a giver.

So while the blood during your period can make you self-conscious during sex, it can also be used as natural lubricate.

Free Lube!

I personally would also recommend adding some water-based lube during sex because why not?

The last time I had period sex, the guy wore a condom, and it was all very drying. So adding that extra lube or just having it in case won’t hurt anyone.

PMS Reliever

To me, this is the greatest benefit as to why you should have period sex.

So sex, in general, can have an overall relieving effect due to the hormones released, but if you can have an orgasm, those effects are amplified.

This is because an “orgasm releases the feel-good endorphins oxytocin and dopamine which can help decrease the PMS symptoms.“

Cramps

Orgasms can help relieve the cramping that many people experience while on their period.

Cramping happens because the “uterus is contracting to shed its lining causing a constant state of muscle tension.“

So when you have an orgasm, the uterine muscles contract and then release. Thus causing the muscle tension to relax.

Shorter Periods

Additionally, the muscle contractions that happen during an orgasm can help “clear the contents of the uterus quicker, thus shortening your period.“

Migraines/Headaches

Sex may be the furthest thing from your mind when you have a headache plus a bleeding vagina.

The combination sounds horrible enough to make anyway immediately shut down the idea, but sex is known to relieve headaches, so it might be worth a shot.

Related Article: 4 Weird But Effective Ways to Make Your Period Less Miserable

Quick Tips for Getting Your Red Wings

Here are some of my favorite tips that I wish I knew that night when I first had period sex.

1. Go Low & Slow
   1. If you aren’t a fan of the blood, only do positions that don’t fight gravity, such as missionary.
   2. Remember that you are extra sensitive down there, so have your partner go slow and be gentle.
2. Choose lighter days towards the end of your period.
   1. If you are worried about the blood, days 3-5 may be best for you!
3. Use a towel or have it on hand.
   1. You can have sex on the towel to ensure that the sheets don’t get stained.
   2. Having a towel on hand will make cleaning up much easier and faster.
4. Take out your tampon/diva cup.
   1. Do not have penetrative sex with either of these items inserted in your vagina. They can get pushed up towards your cervix and may need professional help to get it removed.
   2. If you want to keep blood flow to a minimum, you can use a flex disc or a ziggy cup (check out this google search)
      1. These are soft menstrual cups or discs that you can wear during sex. Your partner should not feel it, and there should be no leaks. Remember that it does not work as a contraceptive, and ask your healthcare provider if your preferred menstrual cup is safe to use during sex.
   3. Birth Control Sponge
      1. You can also use a birth control sponge to lessen the flow. It “traps blood in the upper part of the vagina like a menstrual cup.” While it won’t be as effective at collecting blood, it can prevent pregnancy.
5. Practice safe sex
   1. I’m going to say this one more time…YOU CAN GET PREGNANT OR CATCH AN STI IF YOU HAVE SEX ON YOUR PERIOD! So use birth control and condoms. One to protect against babies and one to protect against STIs or any other type of infection.
6. Try shower sex
   1. It’s an easy clean-up, and you are mixing up your regular sex routine. Make sure to use lube while having shower sex because the water has a drying effect.

Let it Flow

While my first time having period sex was not the best, I would consider having it again.

Just because you have your period doesn’t mean you have to miss out on fun stuff, especially sex.

You can work with your period instead of against it.

You don’t need to be self-conscious about it because it is a natural part of your body and experience.

So the quicker you get rid of that stigma and shame you feel, the faster you can get back to enjoying yourself.

Sources

1. Shan Boody| Period Sex Explained
2. Hello Clue| Period Sex 101
3. Everyday Health| Is It Safe to Have Sex During Your Period?
4. MyEverCup| 9 Period Sex Tips: How to Have Sex During Your Period
5. VeryWellHealth| Tips for Having Sex During Your Period
6. Healthline| Is It Safe to Have Sex During Your Period| Tips, Benefits, & Side Effects
7. WebMD| What Is Period Sex?