Whether you maintain an active sex life throughout the month, or avoid sex during your period for any reason, there is still something of a taboo around sex while menstruating. The questions we have about this topic often remain shadowed in uncertainty.
Whether or not you want to make love during your period is up to you. Not everyone enjoys it, and many have had their opinions shaped by the associated taboos.
The flow of blood does not prevent sexual intercourse and penetration. But some women refuse to make love because they feel dirty. According to a survey, many women avoid sexual relations, their partner’s tenderness, and even just staying overnight with their partner during this time.
Some religions consider sex while menstruating to be unacceptable. This is one of the reasons why sexual abstinence is sometimes favored at this stage of a woman’s monthly cycle by both men and women.
But this is not the case for all men and women, far from it! Some people feel a real heightening of the libido during this period. Whatever is true for you, remember that both partners must feel respected and sex should never be an obligation.
Having sex during your period does have its upsides, including:
The biggest downside to having sex during your period is the mess. Blood can get on you, on your partner, and on the sheets, especially if you have a heavy flow.
But there are some precautions you can take. For example, you can use a waterproof sheet or spread a dark-colored towel under you to avoid staining them. You can also opt for a quickie in the shower. The sexual position you choose also makes a difference. The missionary position—where the woman lies on her back—can also limit blood flow. Keep a wet washcloth or wet wipes by the bed to clean up afterwards.
How does one avoid a mess during oral sex? Can having sex on your period increase your risk of contracting an STD? Find more about Period Sex here.