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Topics: Periods, Life, Sex and Relationships, Health, Women's Health, Dating, Explained
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: Periods, Life, Sex and Relationships, Health, Women's Health, Dating, Explained
Whether it's scientific myths, pop culture heckling or incels online spouting absolute nonsense - it's clear there's quite the stigma around periods and period sex.
Yep, contrary to societal expectations and outdated misconceptions, your sex life doesn't actually have to be put on hold during your time of the month.
While having sex on your period can be somewhat more of a trickier situation to practically navigate - given the admin of taking off/out your pad, tampon or period underwear along with popping a towel bed to make sure you don't stain your sheets - it sometimes happens to be when we're most up for it, thanks to hormonal shifts.
And, there are also heaps of health benefits to getting it on when 'Auntie Flo' makes her monthly visit.
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So, whether you fancy including it in your sex life or not, it's still good to know the pros and cons before venturing into this new realm if you're yet to give it a go.
As we say, despite us being in the year 2025, it seems there's still a load of baseless nonsense out there which wrongly claims that sex during menstruation is something dirty, shameful, or even unhygienic!
So, it's important we break the taboo because the real truth is that period sex is more than just 'normal' - it's an empowering act of feminism and a defiant refusal to allow patriarchal myths and misogynistic values dictate what our bodies are allowed to do and when. But, before we get into all that, it's important to note that choosing not to have sex on your period is just as valid.
Some people genuinely feel too uncomfortable, some experience too much pain, and simply just don’t fancy it - and that's totally A-OK!
Now that that's all out of the way, what are the actual health and mental well-being benefits to having period sex?
Dr. Renita White, an obstetrician and gynaecologist from Georgia Obstetrics and Gynaecology, US, has noted that orgasms can actually be great pain relievers.
Talking to period tracking app Flo, she said: "The endorphins released during sex and orgasm may help improve menstrual cramp discomfort."
Yep, consider it 'natural pain relief' as women's health brand INTIMINA echoes that orgasms release endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
These endorphins can alleviate PMS symptoms such as cramping, headaches, and irritability.
Uterine contractions during orgasm can help expel menstrual blood more quickly, potentially shortening the length of the period.
It's one thing you can never have too much of.
Dr. White suggests that sex may become more enjoyable during your period for this reason, adding: "The menstrual blood can serve as natural lubrication during intercourse."
INTIMINA adds that menstrual blood acts as a natural lubricant, which can make intercourse more comfortable and pleasurable.
Such a perk can be particularly helpful for those who normally experience vaginal dryness.
As noted previously, sometimes your period is when we're most up for bedroom antics - and it's good to make the most of this.
Dr White noted: "Some people have a higher libido during menstruation, so they may enjoy having more sex, but it all depends on the person. Plus, there is more blood flow to the uterus, pelvic floor, and vagina.
"This can increase sensitivity during sex."
INTIMINA reiterates that hormonal shifts during menstruation - specifically a small surge in testosterone - can increase libido, with 41% of participants in one of their surveys saying their orgasms feel better during their period, and 12% said their orgasms are always more intense.
Additionally, 26% of people who spoke to INTIMINA also shared that they feel horny all the time during their period, with 32% saying they feel horny often on their period, while 34% said they feel horny sometimes on their period.
Like any sexual activity, period sex reduces stress by releasing oxytocin (AKA 'the bonding hormone'), which promotes relaxation and intimacy between partners.
It can also improve mood during a time when hormonal changes can cause emotional lows.
In short, sex during menstruation is safe, natural and can provide several health benefits, from pain and stress relief to stronger orgasms and emotional closeness.
The notion that period sex is 'dirty' or 'dangerous' is a myth, and it's important that health professionals and experts normalise a healthy, body-positive perspective on it.