Many women choose not to have sex with their partner when they're on their period. But should we only be getting down at certain points in our cycle?
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Having intercourse during your period is proven to help ease menstrual pain, and in some cases, it might even make intercourse more pleasant. The only downside is things can get a little messy.
The benefits of period sex
But, there are also other benefits of period sex you should know about. During menstruation, we shed the lining of the uterus, which is meant to accommodate a fertilized egg. When there's no fertilized egg, the body naturally expels the lining through what we all know as period blood.
1. Sex can shorten the length of your period
Having sex during your period can shorten the length of your period. This is because during sexual intercourse and more specifically during orgasm, the uterus contracts. These contractions help you release more mucous membranes, thereby eliminating more of that lining.
2. Sex may relieve menstrual migraines
About half of all women who suffer from migraines get them during their period. Although many women tend to avoid sex during migraine episodes, many believe that sex helps to relieve some of that pain.
3. Sex helps to ease menstrual pain
During your period, your uterus contracts to help expel its lining, bringing on cramps. However, similar to how sex can make your period shorter, it can also help to ease cramps as you reduce interactions in the uterus.
4. No need for lubrication
This one sounds a little gruesome but it's true! During your period your blood can act as a natural lube, eliminating the need for any KY jelly.
Are there any downsides?
Although knowing that sex can shorten your period makes it a lot easier to give in to temptation, it doesn't mean there aren't any complications involved. Period sex can oftentimes be very messy, meaning blood can get on you, your partner and even the sheets, and could leave you feeling a little self-conscious. Lying a towel down or taking about your concerns beforehand can help make period sex seem much less scary.
Additionally, period sex can increase the chances of spreading an STI, HIV or even hepatitis. This is because these infections can live in the blood and can be spread through contact with infected menstrual blood. To reduce the chances of this happening, make sure you use a condom and disclose any important medical conditions with your partner beforehand. Using protection can also help to reduce the chances of pregnancy. While the chances of getting pregnant during your period are lower, the risk still very much exists.
And, if you do plan on having period sex, check and make sure you have taken out any tampons. Forgetting to do so could force the tampon further up into your body and may eventually require medical assistance to retrieve.
