Period sex! Finally, lots of menstruating folks are having conversations around sexual pleasure during every cycle of their lives. However, there are still a lot of myths, anxieties and half-truths surrounding sex during menstruation, and we’re here to debunk them.
Period Sex Is Unsafe
Period sex is no more unsafe than non-period sex. That means, use a condom or dental dam to protect against STIs, pee after sex to discourage UTIs and communicate clearly with your partner to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Period Sex Is Disgusting
A lot of folks aren’t participating in period sex because they think that it’s wrong or dirty or that their partner will be disgusted with them. There is no real reason to avoid having period sex, other than your or your partner’s desires. Menstruation is a normal bodily function, and lots of folks report having absolutely mindblowing sex during their period. It’s not wrong, it’s not dirty, and you should get down if you want to.
Period Sex Is The Best Ever
Conversely, if you’re crampy, bloated and would like, thankyouverymuch, to not be touched, you’re totally okay to not have period sex. Especially during the first few days, it can be hard to feel in the mood.
Period Sex Is Unbelievably Messy
You can manage the level of mess! Some folks put down a towel, some need to stick to the shower, some stock up on condoms to keep toys clean. Think about what you can manage and work around it. You might prefer to get an internal product, like a menstrual cup, to control the flow, or experiment with the new menstrual discs. There are even reusable options, like the Ziggy cup. (Just a reminder: menstrual cups and menstrual discs are very different products, and a menstrual cup will not work for vaginal penetration.)
You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period
If you have a very regular cycle, getting pregnant is unlikely, but not impossible, during your period. However, if your cycle is short or you experience regular spotting, ovulating can come very, very quick. Periods are part of a cycle - and your cycle is always coming around again.
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
