Since ancient times, that regular red flow has been misunderstood and misconstrued. But now, I am here to put an end to the untrue stigma.
Today, we’re told to keep menstruation hidden with a slew of heavily marketed and environmentally harmful products, use euphemisms to avoid discussing normal bodily functions and tolerate period jokes. This has led to a culture that sees a totally natural and bodily function as disgusting.
Lots of fluids are released during sex, and the addition of a little extra blood should hardly be enough to scare people off — but it still does. However, plenty of folks want to bump uglies while menstruating, and some bloodhounds even seek out those red wings. So don’t assume quite yet that sex is off the table.
Pros of period sex
When the red moon rises, plenty of symptoms descend. Cramps, moodiness, depression, irritability, headaches — some or all of these can accompany Mother Nature’s monthly gift. Luckily, orgasms have the ability to soothe cramps and shorten periods because contracting muscles push blood out faster. Orgasms release endorphins, which act as natural painkillers and mood-boosters.
Hormonal changes before and during menstruation cause many women to feel hornier and more sensitive than usual. Plus, that flow provides extra lubrication, and many people report a more filled-up feeling during penetration. However, your cervix lowers during menstruation and can be painful during deep penetration, so check in with your partner regularly. Partners might be turned on by an act normally considered taboo, and giving up insecurities in the sack increases intimacy.
Although period sex has many pleasurable benefits, it is not for everyone. The menstruating partner may feel uncomfortable, be cramping too much for sex or simply not want to. Extensive communication is important.
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Minimize menstrual mess
Period sex hardly ever turns out to be as messy as people expect. Still, there’s no need to transform those white sheets into a red flag with these tips:
- Use towels. Pick a dark one and place it below to catch any menstrual fluid. Place some warm, damp towels or tissues to the side to wipe up any dried blood or mess. One can also use tarp or plastic.
- Keep it missionary. Lying on your back can lessen the flow of blood.
- Get steamy in the shower. Not only can sex in the shower switch things up a bit, it also cuts down on the mess factor.
- Be aware of your flow. Lighter days may be easier or more comfortable than heavier days. Alert a partner about the intensity of your flow before continuing.
- Use a barrier. This is essential to prevent transmission of infections, but it decreases mess, as well. Insertive condoms prevent blood from getting on a penis or sex toy, and receptive condoms prevent contact with menstrual fluid. Diaphragms act as birth control and menstrual cups, but can be messy to remove.
- Use a menstrual cup. For non-penetrative sex, any menstrual cup works. However, softcups are designed specifically for use during penetration and are widely available at most drugstores.
- Be creative. Sex is not restricted to penetration. Period week can be an opportunity to try something new!
Stay safe during shark week
Safe sex is even more crucial while menstruating. While on a period, the cervix opens to allow blood to pass through, increasing risk of sexually transmitted infections. The presence of blood increases the chance of passing along HIV or hepatitis. Since the vagina’s pH during menstruation is less acidic, the chance of developing yeast or bacterial infections increases. Although risk for pregnancy decreases when Aunt Flo is in town, it is still possible, so do not forgo contraception. In addition, sperm can live in a healthy woman’s body for up to 5 days, so even if no egg is available for conception while menstruating, a pregnancy can still occur.
