We’ve written about period sex before, and discovered that despite its perceived *taboo* place in society, plenty of women (and men!), don’t care one bit about doing the deed during that time of the month. In fact, a few of the people we polled are of the mind that period sex can be “the final frontier of sex magic heaven.”
Yes, you read that correctly. H-E-A-V-E-N. And not only is it more enjoyable, there are also a bunch of reasons it can HELP alleviate some of the pesky symptoms associated with your period. Here are four:
1. Alleviates cramps
Your blood flow increases when you climax and your uterine muscles release pain-relieving chemicals to your brain — this double duo means real life cramp relief (and you get an orgasm).
2. Increases your mood
Orgasms have been proven to release endorphins and endorphins make you happy… which means you’ll be in a much better mood and help reduce the cranky feelings invoked by PMS.
3. Helps with migraines
Many women are more likely to experience migraines (and headaches in general), leading up to and during their menstrual cycle. In this study, 70 percent of migraine patients who engaged in sexual activities during an attack reported moderate to complete relief. Hell yeah.
4. Natural lube
Blood is a bodily fluid ulike anything else that comes out of our genitals, peeps.
But maybe you’re wondering, is it safe and sanitary?
“Absolutely!” says New Jersey-based gynecologist Dr. Angela Jones. “The biggest barrier to period sex is usually the individual on their period. It’s the same reason women don’t want to come to the gynecologist when they’re on their period. They are embarrassed, afraid of making a mess. It’s absolutely normal to have sex during your period.”
However, using protection is always important because your period won’t protect you from STIs (sexually transmitted infections). It also does not necessarily protect you from getting pregnant.
So we’re good to go on safety… but what about the logistics?
“It’s absolutely safe, just a little messy,” says Dr. Angela. “Nothing a dark towel, positioning (may be less messy having sex on your side or in the missionary position), or shower sex can either alleviate or make less of a concern.”
If you’re worrying about staining your sheets (which I am the queen of)—or sofa, pool, bed, and whatever else you’re gettin’ busy on—there’s no need, because the period sex fairies have heard your pleas and there are now new products made specifically for period sex. Yep — we’re living in a post-period-sex-mess time. The one that’s all the rage right now is the Period Sex Blanket, made by none other than THINX, a period solutions company. The blanket has a functional side made with super-absorbent 4-layer technology that’s designed to soak up your flow, and the decorative side features a trés sexy satin in an oyster shell color — perf for snuggling post-coitus.
Another reason not to worry? The average amount of flow during your period is less than 60 mL — that’s only like a shot glass’ worth, so it’ll never be a crime scene. But even if it feels like a total mess, it ain’t no thang. Rinse, repeat, and do it again.
Let’s talk optimization.
“Listen to your body,” Sacramento-based sex educator and associate marriage and family therapist Louise Head says. “About 85 percent of people experience some type of abdominal cramping during their period. This could make some sex positions uncomfortable, so just make sure to find one that isn’t triggering cramps.”
Yes for creativity and open communication!
“During menstruation is a great time to remember that sex doesn’t mean just penetration. Penetrative sex during your period is great, but if you don’t want to interact with your blood, there are still lots of sex options,” she reminds us.
This could include extra-focused attention on the clitoris of the menstruating person. However, because blood acts as a natural lubricant, penetrative sex might feel even better during this time of the month!
What if my partner is grossed out by my period?
Well, my fine friends, you can read all about how to handle that here.
As Dr. Angela so eloquently says, “Most guys are completely open to having sex during a woman’s period. It really just comes down to comfort. Menstruation and periods have become such a taboo in today’s society. Get over it and get it on. It may prove to be the best sex you’ve been missing.”
From: Harper’s BAZAAR US
