Sex Ed Friday: Why Your Period Should Never Stop You From Having Sex

Alright, babes, ready to get down and dirty? This week we’re going to talk about period sex.

Just because your monthly friend is hanging around doesn’t mean that your sex life has to go on pause. There are so many misconceptions about period sex, let’s shatter them right here and now. The truth is that a lot menstruating people experienced an increased libido during their period. There’s this little hormone called progesterone which plays a role in sexual desire, especially when you’re menstruating. So if you or your partner are feeling extra sexy, this might be why.

One health benefit to period sex is that it can help soothe your cramps. When you have an orgasm, the uterine muscles contract causing your brain to release chemicals like oxytocin (aka your body’s natural pain reliever). These chemicals in your brain are what stimulates pleasure and when you’re menstruating, it helps say goodbye to those awful cramps for a little while.

In mainstream media, we’re often taught that sex is sparks flying and two people beautifully crashing down onto the bed together to share a night of passion. And not for nothing, this is most often depicted by heterosexual couples. The reality is that sex can be funny and messy. We’re not taught to embrace all these aspects of our sex life. Because of this, period sex especially is stigmatized as we’re taught to be ashamed of our periods.

I know the number of times I’ve shamefully said “sorry” for being on my period and feeling horny with a partner is like… up there in the double digits. That all changed when I had a partner say “I don’t care,” in that moment I felt all my inhibitions go down. Let me tell you, if you want to get down while on your period – go for it. I guarantee you won’t regret it.

An amazing pro to period sex is that you don’t need lube. Your menses act as a great lubricant. Menstruating people lose about 4 to 12 teaspoons of fluid every cycle, and it’s not all blood. Some other fluids are also generated from your period and those create this great lubricant for sex. Before you get it on, it might be a good idea to put a towel down first.

While protection is always an important conversation to have with partners who you don’t fluid bond with, it’s especially important during period sex. There are certain STI’s that are transferred through blood and other sexual fluids. So using a condom or dental damn during your playtime is always a good idea if you or your partner haven’t been tested recently.

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Corinne Werder is a writer, sex educator, and girl on the move currently residing in Brooklyn, NY. She looks at the world through the lens of a pleasure activist, femme-of-center queer woman. Her background in sex education comes from her volunteer work with RAINN, her work as a sexual assault/domestic violence advocate and she is currently a student at the Institute for Sexuality and Enlightenment. 

Have more sex questions? Leave a comment below or email webeditor@gomag.com and come back for more every Friday!