You’re not putting yourself in any more harm by having sex during your period. Some people may have more physical discomfort during their period (such as cramping or sluggishness, for example), which may make them less likely to want or enjoy sex while menstruating. But every menstruating person on the planet is different, and the way their bodies work during their period is rarely one size fits all. One study in the Journal of Sex Research found about half of sexually active women have sex during their periods1, so it’s definitely common behavior. Test the waters if you’re unsure. And if you’re simply not interested in giving period sex a whirl, that’s perfectly fine too. Just know that the unwritten rule that says you shouldn’t have sex during your period is based on clouded assumptions and misplaced discomfort around normal female bodily functions. There’s a whole spectrum of sensuality—far beyond the loop of sexual activity we’re used to, waiting to be explored if you’re interested. A person’s chances of getting pregnant depend on the length of their cycle and where their fertility window falls. There are four phases that make up your menstrual cycle—menstruation, follicle, ovulation, and luteal—and the fertility window usually begins a few days before ovulation. But there’s a lot of variation to account for here: One 2020 study2 found that even if a person can predict the length of their cycle, their ovulation date is still up in the air. Physician and intimacy expert Alexandra Stockwell, M.D., notes, “Bodies aren’t like math.” Additionally, sperm can survive within the body for several days, meaning that if you tend to ovulate shortly after your period, you can still get pregnant from the sex you had during your period. Menstrual blood (while completely natural and safe) is like any other bodily fluid. It may be appealing to skip the condoms and get straight to business, but sex is sex and the risks haven’t gone away. There’s also the chance that period sex will get messy. With the right precautions, such as laying down a towel beforehand, you can take your mind off the mess and really enjoy the experience. Period sex leaves you vulnerable to the same STIs as any other time you have sex. Your menstrual blood is by no means upping the stakes. The stigma surrounding sex during your period is disappearing. It’s becoming more and more mainstream to honor the menstrual cycle and treat it like the natural occurrence that it is. Embracing period sex is another example of the ways we’re opening ourselves up to the true power of sexual wellness. With a unique view on life, she taps into her own experiences to guide folks to live life for themselves, empowering them to explore their inner wild and find their own way in adulthood. Her weekly newsletter is a tiny way she furthers her mission to hold space for the unfathomable, romantic, and messy parts of life that make it that much more beautiful.
