The fact that you are having menses does not imply that you cannot have sex. For some females, having sex during periods can be more pleasurable in comparison to having sex at other days during their menstrual cycle. During periods, the requirement for lubrication is reduced. Moreover, according to some studies sex may relieve symptoms related to periods such as stomach cramps, feelings of depression and sadness. However, there are precautions that you should take.
Is It Safe to Have Sex During Periods?
Having sexual intercourse during periods is safe and you may actually feel more aroused sexually than normal days due to changes in your hormonal levels. However, before getting into a sexual act, make sure that you know the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and getting pregnant even during periods. Here is the information that you are required to know regarding having safe sex while you are having your periods:
Risk of infection
According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) it is vital to practice safe sex habits while having sex during menses as you can still transmit or get an STI such as HIV. The menstrual blood may contain the virus. Hence, physicians strongly recommend using a condom to reduce the risk.
You are also more prone to develop certain infections in general during this time. The pH level of vagina is maintained between 3.8 and 4.5 usually, but during menses, pH level of vagina increases due to increased pH of blood. This in turn increases the likelihood of growth of yeast in the vagina.
Possibility of pregnancy
This risk of getting pregnant by having sex while you are having menses is very less since ovulation takes several days after menses. However, there exist exceptions. If your menstrual cycle is shorter (21 to 24 days) and you have sexual intercourse during the time your periods are ending, sperms may remain viable for up to 5 days in your vagina; hence, there is a possibility of pregnancy.
Tips for Having Safe Sex and Maintaining Hygiene while Having Sex During Periods
Keep some towels beneath you: To prevent your menstrual fluid to soak into mattress and sheets, place some towels underneath yourself while having sex. Also keep some tissues on your side to wipe yourself off after the act is over. If you are bothered by the odor, keep some blankets above your midsections to block the odor.
Stick to the missionary position while having sex: Lie on the back to reduce the flow of menstrual blood. Also, take care about deep penetration as your cervical position may be lower than normal and it may be more sensitive at this time. If anything begins to hurt, inform your partner.
Have sex while you are in the shower: Having sex in shower is less messy as when you are standing under the flow of water, the menstrual blood flow becomes less noticeable. It you two can fit in comfortably in the shower, give it a try.
Use contraception: As already stated, you should use contraceptives while having sex during menses. The options include:
Diaphragms: They act as menstrual cups to reduce flow and as birth control devices.
Contraceptive sponges: They are foam devices, which are soaked in a spermicide and are inserted in your vagina at the time of sex. They act as birth control device and absorb flow, though they can’t prevent STIs.
Male condoms: It helps prevent pregnancy, keep menstrual blood from soaking the penis of your partner and prevent STIs.
Female condoms: They act as a birth control measure and prevent soaking of your partner’s penis from menstrual blood.
Have sex during your lighter days: It’s easier to have sex during periods on your lighter days.
Take a bath after the act: This will help clean off the menstrual blood that may have remained on your skin. You will also feel better. If you have used sex toys during your periods, clean them immediately. To sum it all, make everything including you hygienic as early as possible.
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