Sex is a normal part of life and should be enjoyed by all women. However, “period sex”, or having sex while menstruating, is still a controversial topic that is frequently embroiled in taboos, myths, and cultural norms.
Regardless, for some women, period sex is even more pleasurable than at other times of the month. They regard it as a natural and regular part of their lifestyles, reports Saturday Tribune.
Many individuals and couples avoid sexual activity during menstruation due to concerns about hygiene, discomfort, or cultural prohibitions. Menstrual blood is presumed to be dangerous and unhygienic.
There are frequent rumours that sexual activity during menstruation is unsafe and that having sex during a monthly period strengthens emotional bonds with the partner.
Some individuals avoid sex while bleeding for fear of the transmission of infectious diseases. Others consider menstruation something to hide and keep secret. This is rooted in the taboo of menstruation and is still largely prevalent in most societies.
Also, physical pain related to menstrual pain and discomfort related to bloating deters some from engaging in sex at this time, although the messiness of period sex also seems to play a role.
Across studies, the percentage of individuals reporting ever having had sex during menstruation varies between 50 percent and 66 percent, while the percentage of those regularly engaging in period sex ranges between 4 percent and 43 percent. Period sex can involve penetrative sex, oral sex, masturbation, and other sexual activities.
Experts reported that factors associated with period sex include Caucasian or Hispanic ethnicity, higher education, being aroused by atypical sexual activities, being in a relationship, having had a greater number of lifetime partners, and having greater coital frequency.
When considering adolescents, period sex seems to be more frequent among those of younger age, probably due to the fact they have fewer occasions to engage in sexual intercourse.
Recent years have also seen an increase in online articles in women’s magazines and “pop-health” websites that point to orgasm as a “natural” pain relief option, although no peer-reviewed studies to date have proven such a correlation.
Media attention on the topic sparked when, in 2021, sex toy company Womanizer and menstrual cup company Lunette partnered on an experimental, non-peer-reviewed study of 486 people, the “menstrubation study,” which showed an indication of the potential of masturbation for menstrual symptom relief, including cramps.
However, there is no medical guideline recommending avoiding sexual activity during menstruation.
UNICEF’s health specialist, Dr Ijeoma Agbo, who spoke at a media dialogue organized by the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation in collaboration with UNICEF at the Oyo State government’s secretariat, said, health-wise, there’s no issue with having sex during the menstrual period.
“With sex, it is your preference along with your partner’s. It’s not religious. “Now, it’s up to you and your partner to decide whether or not you want to have sex while you’re menstruating,” she said.
Having sex while menstruating is not only perfectly safe and normal, but it can actually have some benefits. Sex during periods can ease abdominal cramps, as it releases certain hormones like endorphins that relieve period pain and make you feel good.
Studies show that endorphins released during the period sex can partially or completely relieve period symptoms and headaches. It helps in enhancing intimacy and relieving stress, thereby decreasing the level of anxiety and strain caused by the ongoing change in the menstrual cycle.
Arousal is different for every woman; some women report they feel more aroused and more sensitive around this time.
Nonetheless, medical evidence indicates that safe sex practices are still advised to prevent STIs, other diseases, and unintended pregnancy.
STIs are infections that pass from one person to another during sexual activity. They include chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, herpes, HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), and syphilis, as well as scabies and pubic lice.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the probability of getting pregnant during period sex is low but is not ruled out completely because the woman might have a shorter menstrual cycle or menstrual irregularities. Because sperm can survive in the reproductive system for up to seven days, there may still be a chance that the ovary’s released egg will be fertilized by the sperm.
Unprotected sex (without using a condom) may lead to unwanted pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These viruses can be transmitted easily through the infected menstrual blood.
Women who use tampons during menstruation need to remove them right before having sex, as they may push the tampon deep inside the vagina. Forgotten tampons (inside the vagina) can lead to the development of bacterial and yeast infections in the vagina.
Taking precautions — such as using protection, choosing comfortable positions, and planning for cleanup — can help make the experience safer and more enjoyable.
Open communication with the partner will also ensure feeling comfortable and respected.
