Having Sex While on Your Period? Some Advice

The female menstrual cycle is a highly complex natural process. To experience it more fully in all its aspects, it is important to understand it. The menstrual cycle, which lasts an average of 28 days (but can vary from 21 to 35 days depending on the woman), is a cyclical process that prepares a woman’s body for a potential pregnancy. This cycle begins at puberty and continues until the menopause, except during periods of pregnancy, of course.

The menstrual cycle is divided into several phases:

• The menstrual phase (Days 1 to 5): This is the start of the cycle, marked by the shedding of the inner lining of the womb (endometrium) if fertilisation has not taken place. This manifests as vaginal bleeding known as menstruation.

• The follicular phase (Days 6 to 13): This phase overlaps with menstruation. Under the influence of hormones, particularly oestrogen, the ovary begins to prepare an egg for ovulation. The endometrium also regenerates in preparation for a possible pregnancy.

• Ovulation (Day 14): Around the 14th day, a mature egg is released from the ovary and travels towards the uterus via the fallopian tubes. This is the window when a woman is at her most fertile.

• The luteal phase (Days 15 to 28): After ovulation, progesterone production increases to maintain the endometrium. If the egg is not fertilised, hormone production decreases, leading to the next period.

Several hormones play a role in the menstrual cycle, including:

• Oestrogen: Prepares the endometrium for pregnancy.

• Progesterone: Maintains the endometrium after ovulation.

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH): Regulate ovulation.

Every woman is unique, and cycles can vary in length and regularity from one person to another. Some women may experience premenstrual symptoms, such as cramps, mood swings and bloating, which may be more or less painful. Understanding and monitoring your cycle can help you identify potential fertility issues, as well as manage your general health more effectively. Irregular cycles or unusual symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

It is possible to have sex while on your period. Although this is obviously a personal decision (or one made as a couple), the act itself is possible and there are no physical barriers to it. For some women, it can even be beneficial as it may help reduce PMS-related pain, such as cramps and migraines. Having sex while on your period is a matter of personal preference. There is no right or wrong decision, as long as you feel comfortable and safe.

Having sex while on your period is not off-limits; in fact, it’s an aspect of a couple’s life that should be discussed so that you can better understand the experience and make it enjoyable for both partners.

• Communication and consent: The key to a positive experience lies in open communication with your partner. Talk about your desires, your concerns and your comfort levels. Mutual consent is crucial. If one partner is not comfortable with the idea of having sex whilst on their period, it is important to respect their choice.

• Use of protection: Yes, even during your period, it is best to use a condom, not only to avoid the risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, but also to maintain hygiene. During your period, the risk of transmitting certain infections may be higher.

• Choosing a position: Certain sexual positions may be more comfortable during this time. Positions such as the woman lying on her back can reduce blood flow and thus minimise bleeding during intercourse.

• Listening to your body: Having sex while on your period requires you to listen to your body. For some women, cramps and other period pains can make sex completely uncomfortable. Others may find that orgasm helps to relieve period cramps. Every woman is different.

• Exploring alternatives: If penetration isn’t comfortable, you can explore other forms of intimacy such as caressing, kissing or oral sex (while bearing in mind the hygiene precautions required in this situation).

• Using lubricant: Although menstruation provides natural lubrication, using a lubricant can increase comfort, especially if you’re using sanitary products such as tampons, which can absorb some of the natural moisture.

• Managing your period flow: If your flow is a cause for concern, a menstrual disc can help manage it during sex. Unlike tampons or cups, which need to be removed beforehand, discs are specifically designed to stay in place during intercourse.

Having sex does not in itself trigger your period, but there may be situations where sexual intercourse seems to bring it on sooner. The uterine contractions caused by an orgasm can sometimes speed up the process of the endometrium shedding, especially if your period is imminent. However, this is not the direct cause of menstruation, which is regulated by complex hormonal cycles.

A woman’s period is almost a sacred time. The body and mind enter a phase that requires rest, support, understanding and plenty of love. During this special time, it is even more important than usual to pay attention to:

• Consent: Make sure you really want to, and that your partner is also comfortable with having sex whilst on your period.

• Listen to your body: Adjust or stop the act if you experience pain in your tummy or lower back, or if penetration becomes uncomfortable.

• Look after your personal hygiene: Good hygiene during your period involves a few simple, gentle steps. Wash your vulva (external area only) once or twice a day with water and a mild intimate wash, and change your sanitary protection regularly, washing your hands thoroughly before and after. Also avoid wearing clothes that are too tight, as these can increase the risk of maceration.

• Listen to your body: Avoid overexerting yourself and, where possible, adjust your schedule when your body needs rest.

• Maintain a balanced diet: Avoid sugar, alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy fats as much as possible.

Having sex during your period doesn't mean there's zero risk of pregnancy. The odds are very low, but to avoid any surprises, using protection remains the most effective option.

The issue of libido during menstruation varies completely from one woman to another; there is no single answer that applies to everyone. Libido is influenced by a rather complex mix of factors: physiological, emotional and relational factors, which can vary considerably, not only from one individual to another, but also from one cycle to the next. For some women, libido may decrease during their period due to cramp-related pain, tiredness or a general feeling of unease. The hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle can also affect sexual desire. Conversely, some women experience an increase in their libido during their period. Indeed, hormonal changes can stimulate sexual desire, whilst the increased blood flow to the pelvic region during menstruation can heighten sensitivity and, consequently, pleasure. For some women, psychological or emotional factors may also come into play, such as feeling more connected to their bodies or their femininity during this time.

There are certain steps you can take to maintain good hygiene when having sex during your period:

• Wash with a pH-neutral soap: A shower is recommended before and after sex to help you feel more comfortable and maintain good hygiene. Gently cleanse your vulva with lukewarm water and a mild soap such as our Palm-free neutral cleansing base.

• During intercourse, remember to use a bath towel or special sheets to avoid staining your bedding with menstrual blood. 

• Don’t forget to use sanitary protection and change it regularly.

Having sex during your period doesn't mean you can skip using a condom or another barrier method. In fact, menstrual blood doesn't prevent the transmission of STIs, and can even increase the risk for some infections. A tampon or menstrual cup should always be removed before any vaginal penetration (whether from sex or a sex toy) to avoid pain, deep displacement, or injury.

During your period, you may feel the need for even more meticulous intimate hygiene, which might lead you to use a vaginal douche. Vaginal douching strips away the vagina’s protective flora, disrupts the pH balance and increases the risk of yeast infections and other infections. Even during your period, the vagina cleans itself: simply wash the vulva with water (and, if necessary, a gentle, suitable cleanser), without ever introducing water or any product into the vagina.

Coralie Técher has spent seven years working as a journalist specialising in women’s issues. With a particular passion for beauty and well-being, she is committed to exploring natural self-care approaches. She keeps up to date with current research and trends and enjoys sharing relevant, reliable information with her readers.