Aunt Flo can sure cause a disturbance in planning. That monthly visitor can also cause a cramp in the romance department. However, running red lights are no longer just for traffic violations. Having intercourse while menstruating is a taboo topic, but for some, a period only ends a sentence.
From a religious perspective, the Bible has a direct answer to the question of intercourse and menstruation. The Books of Leviticus and Ezekiel both speak against laying with a woman during the time of “impurity.” However, some still choose to part the Red Sea.
Planned Parenthood, one of the country’s leaders in female gynecological health and reproductive options, advised women having sex while menstruating can help to alleviate cramps and other period-related symptoms. In an excerpt from their segment of Ask the Experts, one author warns sex during menstruation will not protect against the potential outcomes of intercourse.
“You can totally have sex on your period. Orgasms can even relieve your menstrual cramps. However, having sex on your period whether it’s the first day or the last won’t protect you from pregnancy or STDs,” according to Planned Parenthood author Attia.
The menstruation cycle creates sensitivity to the innermost parts of a woman and can help elevate levels of ecstasy. Hormones are running high during this time and the urge to get it on may be raging. In this time, the body is working with you as the additional lubrication adds to the overall experience.
Although some couples have already discovered these secrets, more may be indulging as recent data shows high numbers of individuals still engage even when Mother Nature visits. INTIMINA, a women’s health brand, polled 500 people between the ages of 18 and 50 in 2020 and determined roughly 82 percent of women have sex on their period.
Contrary to popular belief, sex during periods have health benefits. In addition to minimizing cramps, intercourse during the Lady Time can help lead to shorter cycles, relieve headaches, and orgasms can act as natural pain depressants. Though naturally occurring, that time of the month for women is stressful. Another helpful benefit to stress? You guessed it — sex.
Just as there are highs to any situation, there are lows associated with Mother Nature’s wrath. Popular period app Flo outlines some potential pitfalls for sex while menstruating. One to note would be the higher risk of contracting an STI, or sexually transmitted infection. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sex during periods can increase your risk of getting or transmitting HIV. High viral loads will carry the virus and make spreading during menstruation a possibility.
Although cycles come to remind a woman that pregnancy has not occurred, albeit a low chance, pregnancy can occur for women who choose to have sex while menstruating. Sperm can live in the body for up to five days according to Flo. Having sex closer to the end of a cycle can mean sperm will still be present at the time of ovulation, thus increasing the chances of the potential for pregnancy. In a 2017 TIME Magazine article, medical personnel shed a light on conception during menstruation.
“Some periods last more than a week and sometimes a woman’s ovulation can overlap with menstruation,” says Dr. Tara Ford, a physician’s assistant at the Medical Center for Female Sexuality, in the TIME interview.
Cruising the crimson wave is not an option for some couples. However, others find the level of intimacy has increased after. For those who may be squeamish when it comes to blood, experts suggest getting down and dirty in the shower. Serving as a two-for-one, showers can heat the situation up, while keeping it clean. Pools, jacuzzis, lakes and other bodies of water are also suggested to minimize the unattractive characteristics of a menstrual cycle.
No matter the method, doctors encourage all individuals to practice safe sex and use protection.
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