Photography by Natalie Rose Dodd. Art direction by Marta Pucci
Can you have sex on your period? A guide to the benefits, risks, and tips
We’ve got the answers to all your questions about period sex
Top things to know about having sex on your period
Period sex is not “dirty”—menstrual blood is just another bodily fluid. Choosing whether or not to engage in period sex comes down to personal preference and comfort.
There are plenty of ways to share intimacy and have sex with your partner when you’re on your period.
Always use protection to protect against pregnancy and STIs, even during your period.
The truth about having sex on your period
The idea that period sex is dirtier or less clean than other sex is simply not true. All sex can involve different types of fluids and excretions—lubricating fluid (being “wet”), ejaculate (“cum”), sweat, sometimes urine, and even fecal matter (if you’re exploring anal sex). Menstrual blood is no different from any other kind of fluid and is, therefore, not a reason to avoid sex, unless you want to. According to our data, the most frequently tracked option in the sex life category during menstruation is “no sex,” but if you’re considering period sex—here’s how to do it in a safe and enjoyable way.
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Tips for better period sex
How you approach period sex is approached is personal—while some might prefer to have shower sex while menstruating, others may wear a tampon up until intercourse and then use lubrication. You might prefer to lay a towel underneath them, or enjoy getting a bit messy. As long as all sexual partners are comfortable, and if you use protection, there is no reason to avoid having sex while menstruating (1,2). If having sex on your period is something you’re worried about, here are some tips on how to have a great time while still prioritizing your sexual health.
Make sure you feel comfortable
If you are thinking about having sex during your period, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable. Prioritize this over everything else! You can take painkillers to manage any menstrual-related discomfort like cramps, and remember: never feel pressured to engage in any sexual activity you don’t want to. After all, nothing is sexier than consent.
Communicate with your partner
Research says that when couples discuss sex, it positively impacts their relationship and sexual satisfaction (3). One survey of over 2000 people found that around 3 out of 5 people openly discuss their sex life with their sexual partner (4), but that leaves many who don’t. It can be difficult to find the right words to express yourself, but being open with your sexual partner about your feelings, desires, and comfort levels is a great start.
Explore non-penetrative sex
There are plenty more ways to enjoy intimacy and sexual pleasure during your period than vaginal penetrative sex (5). A great way to explore sex during your period without a sexual partner is through masturbation, which involves touching yourself for pleasure. If you are having sex with a partner, you can explore options like anal sex, use toys like ropes or vibrators, or give and receive oral sex.
Prepare your space
There is nothing dirty about menstrual blood, period (6). However, you might feel more comfortable placing a dark-colored towel underneath you during period sex, or keeping tissues nearby. The darker the towel, the less visible the stains.
Try different positions and techniques
During your period, your cervix normally sits a little lower in your vagina (1,7), which may affect how different sex positions feel. Being open with your sexual partner and communicating what feels good is key to hitting that sweet spot, whether you’re having sex on or off your period.
If you’re having penetrative sex, make sure to use condoms
Although very rare, getting pregnant during your period is possible. This is because sperm can live for several days in the vaginal canal, so it might still be around when ovulation starts (8). If you are not currently on birth control, then it is recommended to use condoms to prevent pregnancy. Clue’s 2018 study with the Kinsey Institute’s Condom Use Research Team found that condoms are used 15% less often during menstruation. It’s important to remember that you can still contract an STI at any stage of your menstrual cycle, so use a condom or barrier method to prevent this (9).
Remove your tampon or menstrual cup
Be sure to remove your tampon or menstrual cup before you have penetrative sex. Penises, toys, and fingers can push your tampon higher into the vaginal canal, making it more difficult to retrieve. If your tampon is in for longer than advised, it may cause toxic shock syndrome (10), although this is rare.
Go for days with a lighter flow
If having sex during your heavy flow feels daunting, you could try waiting until your blood flow is a little lighter, making clean-up easier. Ultimately, it's important to find what works best for you and your partner to ensure a positive sexual experience.
Try shower sex
There’s nothing wrong with a menstrual mess, but if you'd like to keep your sheets clean, having sex in the shower is a great option. That way, any blood goes straight down the drain, and you can wash up right after.
The importance of tracking sex and your period
Period tracking with Clue not only helps you predict when your next period will start, but also helps you identify days with heavier or lighter flow by monitoring the intensity of your bleeding throughout your cycle. Tracking your sex life can help assess pregnancy risks and chances, understand your preferences throughout the cycle (such as toys, sexual intercourse, masturbation, etc.), and track changes in libido.
How can you track sex in Clue?
There are many options for sexual activity in Clue. Track them throughout your cycle to understand how often, and when, you like to have sex.
Can period sex make you feel closer to your partner?
There is mixed data on whether having period sex makes you closer to your partner. One study found that levels of the hormone oxytocin (a hormone that plays a role in sexual arousal and attraction) is significantly increased during your period (11). This could make you feel closer and more attached to your partner whilst having sex on your period. Another study showed that engaging in sex during menstruation can strengthen emotional bonds between partners (12), but more research is needed. Another study found that there was no significant difference in sexual desire for a partner across the various phases of the menstrual cycle (13). This conflicting information highlights the need for more research on attachment during different phases of the menstrual cycle.
What is period sex like for men and people with penises?
There is limited research on what period sex is like for men and people who have penises. However, one survey found that 4 out of 10 agreed with the statement, “Currently, or in the past, I would never have sex with a partner if they were menstruating either for the first time or again.” This means that 6 out of 10 neither agree nor disagree (4). These findings show that while a minority holds strong views about not engaging in period sex, a larger portion of people may be more open or indifferent to the idea. This highlights the need for further research into what period sex is like for people with penises.
While there is limited research specifically on the effects of menstrual blood on men and people with penises, current understanding suggests that menstrual blood—composed of blood, vaginal fluids, and proteins (14)—generally should not have any adverse impact on individuals with penises.
What are queer, assigned female at birth, people’s experiences of period sex?
Research on period sex among queer folks assigned female at birth (AFAB) is limited. One study found that AFAB individuals in the queer community often have anxiety about their sexual behavior because of the taboo or stigma surrounding menstrual sex (15). However, the same study also found that queer AFAB people feel more positively about menstrual sex, are more open to it, and are better at talking about it with their partners (15). Many participants said they felt uneasy and ashamed about period sex when they were younger, but later came to accept it. The study acknowledges the complexity of period sex for women and AFAB people and how societal pressures have influenced queer spaces (15). With more research, we may be able to understand how to empower all people with cycles to make sexual choices that feel comfortable and safe.
What are the health benefits of period sex?
Increased arousal: Some people experience a higher sex drive during their period due to hormonal changes, which can enhance sexual pleasure (12).
Reduced pain: Orgasm releases endorphins—hormones that alleviate pain—which in turn, may relieve menstrual cramps (16,17).
Migraine relief: A study found that 6 out of 10 individuals who engaged in sexual activity during a migraine attack reported an improvement in their migraine symptoms (18).
Challenge taboos: Period sex helps challenge outdated taboos and misconceptions about menstruation, promoting a more open and accepting attitude towards sexual activity during this time. Period blood can also be considered natural lubrication!
What are the risks of period sex?
There are many benefits to having sex while you’re menstruating, but like all sexual activity, there are some risks. Having unprotected sex on your period can result in an increased risk of contracting STIs like trichomonas vaginalis, because menstrual blood can alter the pH of your vagina (19). This change in your vaginal flora can also make you more susceptible to STIs from your partner (20,21).
There are other risks associated with having sex that you should always consider, whether you are on your period or not. It's essential to use condoms when having sex with an untested partner, and it’s recommended that you always use condoms to protect yourself from STIs and get at least one STI check per year (22,23). Barrier methods, such as condoms and dental dams, should be used with new or untested partners during both penetrative and oral sex to reduce STI risks. If you have sex in the shower, be aware that the condom could slip off, so use lubricant even when showering or in the water.
Anal play or anal sex can be alternatives during the menstrual phase to avoid exposure to menstrual blood. However, one study found that anal stimulation may carry higher STI risks than oral or vaginal intercourse in heterosexual women (24). This is likely because the majority of the women they studied had unprotected anal sex. Be mindful that encountering some feces during anal play is possible, as it is a natural aspect of that area. Be sure to wash the penis or toy, or change condoms before switching from anal to oral or vaginal sex.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex (25). Research shows us that sex in general is a significant risk factor for developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) in premenopausal women, although it does not differentiate general sex from period sex (26).
Now you know more about period sex
Period sex is often misunderstood as dirty, but it’s not! In fact, it can offer benefits such as increased arousal, stronger emotional connections, and reduced period cramps. Communication, comfort, and protection are key to a positive sexual experience. Exploring non-penetrative sex, trying different positions, and preparing your space can also help make period sex enjoyable. Using Clue to keep track of your period and sex life can empower you with the knowledge to better understand your cycle.
FAQ
Does period sex feel good?
Although there is no research specifically on whether period sex feels good or not, anecdotal evidence tells us that for some people, it does. One article from the BBC states that not only does period sex “(make) for the most naturally lubricated sex of all,” which contributes to it feeling good, but that there is something “incredibly liberating about having sex with someone you care about when you’re in your flannel pajamas, bloated, and feeling less than 100%.” So, there you have it; for some people it feels good for the body and the mind.
How can I be intimate on my period?
There are so many ways to be intimate with your partner or yourself. If period sex doesn’t interest you, you could do other things that make you feel close to your partner, like cuddling or hand-holding. If physical touch isn’t your thing, research suggests that meditating with your partner can help you feel closer (27). Masturbation is a great way to be intimate with yourself during your period. Our data tells us that masturbation is tracked less often during the period in comparison with the preovulatory phase—the days leading up to ovulation. However, being on your period shouldn't stop you from enjoying solo sex if you feel up to it.
Is it safe to have sex on the last day of my period?
It is safe to have sex at any time if you use protection. Using latex or polyurethane condoms or dental dams every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex helps protect you from sexually transmitted infections, and is also a method of preventing pregnancy (28). If you want to avoid pregnancy, then other birth controls such as the hormonal IUD, implant, or injection are more effective methods (28).
Why do I bleed when I have sex?
If you are on your period, then you may bleed while you have sex. Postcoital bleeding, or bleeding after sex, refers to spotting or bleeding that is unrelated to menstruation and occurs during or after sex (29). This can be caused by various factors, including cervical polyps (benign growths from the cervix) and cervical ectropion (where the lining inside the cervix grows on the outside) (29). Rarely, post-coital bleeding can also be a sign of cervical cancer (29). If you experience regular bleeding after sex when you are not on your period, we recommend that you speak with your healthcare provider.
Why do I start my period after having sex?
Your menstrual cycle and your period are controlled by complex hormonal changes that happen in your body (30). Although there is no scientific evidence to suggest that sex causes your period to start, we know that orgasm causes uterine contractions (31). Whether these contractions cause your period to come early is still unclear, and more research is needed.
Can you contract HIV from period blood?
HIV can be transmitted through contact with certain bodily fluids, including menstrual blood, but only when someone has a detectable viral load (32). When someone has HIV, they can take medication to reduce the amount of HIV (viral load) in the body. HIV medication can even reduce the viral load to make it undetectable, which means it cannot be passed between people (33). It is always recommended to use a barrier method of contraception when having sex to prevent pregnancy and protect against STIs. If you are concerned about HIV transmission, then it is recommended that you visit your usual healthcare provider.
