Period Sex 101
The idea of period sex can often elicit mixed feelings for a menstruator and their partner. While some may welcome the idea of natural lubrication, others may cringe at the thought. Usually, most individuals and couples avoid engaging in oral or penetrative intercourse during menstruation, usually for reasons that are all but biological. The aversion to period sex directly springs from taboos and unfounded beliefs associated with the perception of menstruation as something “dirty.”
The decision to engage in period sex completely depends on the individual and their partner(s). It is important to openly communicate with one another to make sure the activity is comfortable, consensual, and informed. Everyone has a different approach to period sex– many people choose not to indulge in it, and that’s completely okay! Not everyone feels sexy and ready to go on their period, or may simply be uncomfortable with the idea of baring it all while bleeding. Conversely, one’s partner may not be comfortable with it, or up to dealing with the potential mess.
For those that choose to step outside the established comfort zone, period sex can be an amazing experience. Not only does blood act as a powerful natural lubricator, making sex fun and easygoing, but an orgasm can relax your pelvic muscles and reduce the pain caused by cramps (and who would say no to that?) A lot of women also report a higher sex drive during periods and if you ask us, a little libido boost never hurt anyone.
If you are one for experimentation, then you should also keep in mind the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy. The fertile period of a woman (when she is most likely to get pregnant in her cycle) and ovulation (when the egg is released from the ovary) is subjective. It is possible for one’s fertility window and ovulation to overlap. While the chances of this occurring are low, it may result in pregnancy in the case of unprotected sex. In addition to the risk of unwanted pregnancies, unprotected period sex can also put one at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. It is always advisable to use barrier methods such as external condoms during period sex, and otherwise.
Sex always involves the exchange of different types of bodily fluids and secretions- menstrual blood is just another, and shouldn’t be taken as a discouraging factor.
Author
Pratisandhi
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