Sex During Periods: Benefits, Side Effects, Pregnancy Risk, And Tips

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Sexual Health

Is It Safe to Have Sex During Your Period?

Medically reviewed by Tahirah Redhead MPAS, PA-C, MPH — Written by Stephanie Watson — Updated on December 23, 2024

Risks
Pregnancy
Benefits
Tips
Takeaway

Unless it troubles you, there’s no need to avoid sexual activity during your period. Though period sex can be a bit messy, it is safe. It can even have some benefits.

What are the possible side effects or risks?

The biggest downside to having sex during your period is the mess. Blood can get on you, your partners, and the sheets, especially if you have a heavy flow.

Aside from dirtying the bed, bleeding may make you feel self-conscious. Anxiety over making a mess can take some or all of the fun out of sex.

Another worry about having sex during your period is the risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), like HIV. HIV is contained in blood and may be transmitted through contact with menstrual blood containing the virus.

Using condoms and other barrier methods every time you have partner sex can reduce your risk of transmitting and contracting HIV and other STIs.

If you plan to have sex during your period and you’re wearing a tampon, you need to remove it beforehand. A forgotten tampon can get pushed so far up into your vagina during sex that you’ll need to visit a doctor to have it removed.

Certain menstrual cups may also need to be removed.

Can you get pregnant during your period?

If you’re not actively trying to conceive, using a barrier method, like a condom, is a good idea, no matter what part of your menstrual cycle you’re in.

Your odds of conceiving are lower during your period, but it’s still possible to become pregnant at this time.

You’re most likely to get pregnant during ovulation, which happens about 2 weeks before your period starts. Yet, every person’s cycle length is different. Your cycle length can even change monthly.

If you have a short menstrual cycle, your chances of getting pregnant during your period are higher. Also, consider that sperm can stay alive in your body for several days.

So, if you have a 22-day cycle, for example, and you ovulate soon after getting your period, there’s a chance you’ll be releasing an egg while sperm are still in your reproductive tract.

What are the potential benefits?

Having sex during your period does have a few upsides:

1. Relief from cramps

Orgasms may relieve menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps are a result of your uterus contracting to release its lining.

When you have an orgasm, the muscles of your uterus also contract and then release. That release should bring some relief from period cramps.

Sex also triggers the release of chemicals called endorphins, which make you feel good. Plus, engaging in sexual activity occupies your mind, which may help take it off your menstrual discomfort.

2. Increased libido

Your libido changes throughout your menstrual cycle thanks to hormonal fluctuations.

While many people say their libido increases during ovulation, some report increased arousal during menstruation.

3. Natural lubrication

You can put away the K-Y during your period. Blood acts as a natural lubricant.

4. It might relieve migraine attacks

Many people living with migraine get migraine attacks during menstruation.

Although people with menstrual migraine often avoid sexual activity during their attacks, a 2013 study found that those who do have sex say it partially or completely relieves their attacks.

Tips on having sex during your period

Here are a few tips to make period sex a more comfortable and less messy experience:

Be open and honest with your partners. Tell them how you feel about having sex during your period, and ask how they feel about it, too. If one of you is hesitant, talk about the reasons behind the discomfort.
If you have a tampon in, remove it before you start fooling around.
Consider using an approved menstrual cup or menstrual disc to help prevent leaks.
Spread a dark-colored towel on the bed, or have sex in the shower or bath to avoid the mess entirely.
Keep a wet washcloth or wet wipes by the bed to clean up afterward.
If your usual sexual position is uncomfortable, try something different. For example, you may want to try lying on your side with your partner behind you.

The bottom line

Don’t let your period put a halt to your sex life. If you do a little prep work, sex can be just as enjoyable during those days as it is the rest of the month.

You might be surprised to find that sex can be even more exciting during your period.

Read this article in Spanish.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Al-Qahtani Z, et al. (2024). Study to determine the prevalence of menstrual migraine in reproductive-age women in Saudi Arabia.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10855712/
Hambach A, et al. (2013). The impact of sexual activity on idiopathic headaches: An observational study.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0333102413476374
Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle. (2023).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/fertility-in-the-menstrual-cycle/
Women and HIV. (2024).https://womenshealth.gov/hiv-and-aids/women-and-hiv

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Medically reviewed by Tahirah Redhead MPAS, PA-C, MPH — Written by Stephanie Watson — Updated on December 23, 2024

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