Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know About Period Sex

Welcome to POPSUGAR Uninhibited, a space where anyone with a period can come for advice, recommendations and support. Here, we’ll tackle topics like PMS, sustainability, post-partum periods and bring you first-person experiences in our period diaries. We also want to raise awareness around period poverty, with the aim to ignite change with the help of our launch partner Modibodi and charity partner Share the Dignity. You can find all of the stories here. 

Period sex is still something we don’t talk about enough. In learning to love our bodies and ourselves, we’ve also got to learn to appreciate our periods and all the amazing mechanisms our bodies have to keep us healthy.

Embracing your period is the first step, but have you ever tried period sex?

There are still so many myths about periods and sex, that we thought it was about time we set the record straight: period sex can actually be super hot and no, your sheets probably won’t look like a crime scene afterwards.

So c’mon, be brave. Here’s everything you’ve always wanted to know (but never dared to ask) about period sex.

You Don’t Actually Bleed That Much

Our periods always feel super heavy to us, but the truth is, we don’t actually bleed that much. The average amount of blood that we lose during a period is 60ml, which is about four tablespoons.

Some people definitely have heavier periods than others, which can impact the amount of bleeding and may make you want to steer clear from sex during those extra-heavy days. However, if you’re worried about having sex in the lead up to your period due to a potential mess, or that having sex on lighter days will lead to heavier bleeding, don’t be. Sex doesn’t impact how much we bleed, it’s more about feeling comfortable.

Periods Don’t Always Make You Horny

I feel like there’s this myth that periods make you horny, and while that may be sometimes true, it’s not always the case. Leading up to your period, you’re more likely to feel horny, as the changing levels of oestrogen and progesterone have an effect on our libidos. There are also a number of studies that have found a rise in sexual desire near ovulation time (which varies per person but is usually just before your period).

However, it’s no secret that periods can make us feel really yuck. We’re bloated, have sore boobs, are more prone to headaches and nausea… all of which don’t make me, personally, feel very sexy. I’ve also had periods that have made me feel super sexy and horny, but let’s face it; hormones are unpredictable.

You Can Still Get Pregnant

This is a less fun one. It’s a common fertility myth is that a woman can’t get pregnant when she’s on her period. The odds for pregnancy are much lower on the days you’re on your period, but they aren’t zero.

It’s super easy to mistake vaginal bleeding for the start of a period, but it’s actually common to bleed during ovulation; when you’re at your most fertile.

Also, sperm can live inside a woman for up to 72 hours after ejaculation, which means if you have unprotected sex towards the end of your period, your chances of becoming pregnant are increased.

Basically, it’s not 100% safe to have unprotected sex while on your period. It’s always better to be safe, babes!

Period Sex Can Be Hot

For some reason, we’re brought up to kind of be afraid of our periods. We’re taught to hide them, to not make a fuss about them, and that definitely no lover wants to see your privates during that time of the month. It took me a while to feel comfortable to have period sex, but when I did, I really enjoyed it.

During your period, your vagina feels less sensitive to touch, which provides the perfect opportunity to let go and try new things. Periods are also a massive turn-on for some people, which is something we absolutely need to normalise. They’re a beautiful, natural part of being a menstruating person.

Period Sex Can Help With Cramps

Orgasms make the muscles of your uterus contract and then release. That release can actually bring some relief from period cramps, which is incredible news, right? This also works with self-pleasure. It may sound unlikely, but getting sexy with yourself or someone else during your period also has a great effect on your mental health, as it can alleviate the stress, anxiety, and fatigue that is common with not-so-nice period symptoms.

Sex and masturbation are great distractions and also trigger the release of endorphins, which make you feel so damn good.

Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.