Let’s talk about period sex. Periods and sex are both entirely natural for womens’ bodies and, despite what people often think, the two do not have to be mutually exclusive. It’s time to debunk the myths and open up the conversation around having sex on your period so that women can feel confident and comfortable to experience their bodies however they choose.
Are there any benefits to having sex on your period?
Yes, the answer is that there are actually lots of benefits surrounding period sex that you might not have considered! Of course there are the feel-good hormones bringing a much needed boost to your mood around this time of the month. Having an orgasm can trigger the release of endorphins into the bloodstream which are natural pain-relieving hormones. This can be a great help in relieving headaches, menstrual cramps and pelvic discomfort that lots of women experience around their menstrual cycle.
There is also the added benefit of period blood providing a natural lubricant which will enhance comfort and reduce friction for a more enjoyable experience for both partners. Not to mention the enhanced sensation you may experience due to increased blood flow to the area, making for enhanced sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
Of course, it goes without saying that communication between partners and mutual consent are essential for a positive and satisfying sexual experience during menstruation.
Can you get pregnant while on your period?
So you may be wondering whether or not you have any chances of falling pregnant when engaging in intercourse whilst on your period. It is important to be as well informed as you can surrounding all possibilities and eventualities concerning your body. The likelihood of getting pregnant while on your period is generally considered to be very low, but not impossible.
We know that pregnancy is most likely to occur around the time of ovulation, which usually falls in the middle of your cycle, whereas menstruation falls at the beginning of your cycle which means that the chances are significantly slimmer that you will be ovulating at this time. However, the menstrual cycle will vary greatly from person to person and the time window between ovulation and menstruation can be slimmer for some people. We also know that sperm can survive inside the female reproductive system for up to five days in the right conditions. If intercourse occurs toward the end of your menstruation and sperm remain viable until ovulation, there is a possibility of fertilisation occurring.
Lots of individuals experience irregular menstrual cycles or unpredictable ovulation patterns, which makes it challenging to accurately predict the fertility windows solely based on the timing of menstruation. In some cases, if ovulation occurs earlier or later in the cycle, the chance of pregnancy if intercourse happens close to ovulation can be increased.
So while overall the probability of becoming pregnant during menstruation is generally lower compared to other times in the menstrual cycle, it is not impossible. If you wish to fully avoid the chance of pregnancy you should consider using contraception consistently regardless of the time of the month.
Can you be pregnant and still have a period?
So you’ve got your period, and you’re enjoying some me-time in your period panties, happy days. But does this mean that you definitely have not fallen pregnant? While it is uncommon, it might surprise you to know that it is actually possible for some individuals to experience bleeding that resembles a menstrual period during pregnancy. This is often referred to as "implantation bleeding", which occurs when a fertilised egg implants itself into the lining of the uterus, typically around 6-12 days after conception. This bleeding is usually much lighter and shorter in comparison to a typical menstrual period. It may appear as light spotting or pinkish/brown discharge. Of course it goes without saying that any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare provider, just to be safe.
Menstruation, which involves the shedding of the uterine lining, typically ceases during pregnancy. However, some individuals may experience bleeding that resembles a period during early pregnancy, leading to confusion. If you’re not sure and have any doubt as to whether you might be pregnant, it is safest to do a pregnancy test for a definitive answer, rather than relying on the evidence of vaginal bleeding to give you a clue.
