Can you have sex during your period? Is there a risk of getting pregnant? Is bleeding after sex normal? Does your libido spike just before your period? These questions come up all the time, often accompanied by a good dose of worry and taboo. To get straight to the point, Yes, intercourse during menstruation is possible and safe.More the risk of pregnancy exists at all times of the cycle (even if it varies), and Bleeding outside of periods after intercourse deserves attentionThis article provides a non-judgmental update, with reliable medical information.
The main thing to remember
- Having sex during your period is medically safe and can even relieve cramps
- Le risk of pregnancy exists at any time during the cycle, even during menstruation (weak but real)
- On bleeding after intercourse outside of menstruation affect about 9% of women and often have benign causes
- La libido varies naturally depending on hormones: peak at ovulation, sometimes before menstruation
- Protection remains essential at all times of the cycle (STIs and pregnancy)
- Make love does NOT trigger periods, it's a myth
Making Love During Your Period: What You Need to Know
Let's break the main taboo first. There are no medical contraindications to having sex during menstruation.Menstrual blood is neither dirty nor dangerous, it is simply a natural bodily fluid made up of blood, uterine tissue, and vaginal secretions.
The decision whether or not to have intercourse during this period is solely up to the personal comfort and choice of each personIf you or your partner are uncomfortable with the idea, that's perfectly legitimate. Conversely, if it doesn't bother you, there's no reason to deprive yourself of it.
The Surprising Benefits
Several studies show that sex during menstruation can have positive effects:
- Relief from menstrual cramps Orgasm releases endorphins, natural pain-relieving hormones. Some women experience a significant reduction in their pain.
- Reduction in the duration of periods : Uterine contractions during orgasm accelerate the evacuation of menstrual blood
- Natural lubrication : Menstrual blood acts as a lubricant, making penetration more comfortable
- Stress reduction : Endorphins also improve mood and reduce stress
Precautions to Take
Although intercourse during menstruation is safe, there are some precautions you should take.
⚠️ Protection against STIs
Le The risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections is higher during menstruationBlood facilitates the transmission of pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B or chlamydia.
solution: Always use a condom, even if you use other contraception.
- Remove any internal protection : Never forget to remove your tampon or cup before intercourse. A tampon pushed in too deeply can be difficult and painful to remove.
- Practical aspect : Have a dark towel under you to protect the sheets, or opt for the shower
- Hygiene : Simply wash with warm water before and after. Avoid douching, which disrupts the flora.
Pregnancy: Risk According to the Time of the Cycle
The question comes up constantly, Can you get pregnant during your period? Just before? Just after? The scientific answer is nuanced and depends on several factors.
Why the Risk Still Exists
Two biological elements make the risk of pregnancy possible at almost any time during the cycle.
- Sperm survive for several days : In the favorable vaginal environment, they can remain alive and fertilizing for up to 5 days (sometimes even 7 days in rare cases)
- Ovulation is unpredictable : Even with regular cycles, the date of ovulation can vary from one month to the next due to stress, travel, illness, etc.
Risk Assessment by Period
The risk level varies considerably depending on the time of the cycle. Each period is detailed below with its specific risk level.
During Menstruation
Risk level: 1-5%
Theoretically, menstruation marks the beginning of a new cycle, far from ovulation, which generally occurs around day 14. However, the risk exists in several situations:
- Short cycles : If your cycle is less than 25 days long, ovulation can occur as early as day 7-9. Intercourse at the end of your period could therefore coincide with sperm survival.
- Long periods : A period that lasts 7 days or more automatically brings the end of bleeding closer to the ovulation period.
- Confusion with ovulatory spotting : Some women experience light bleeding during ovulation. If you mistake this bleeding for your period, you are in your fertile period.
1 Day Before Period
Risk level: 0,5-1%
At this stage, you are normally in the very end of the luteal phase. Ovulation has already occurred for about 14 days and the egg is no longer fertilizable (it only survives for 12-24 hours). The risk is therefore extremely low, unless:
- You are confusing premenstrual bleeding with the actual start of your period
- Your cycle is very irregular and ovulation has been delayed
7 Days After Period
Risk level: 15-30% depending on cycle length
This is where the risk becomes significant. 7 days after the start of your period, you are in the follicular phase, and ovulation is approaching:
- 28-day cycle : You are on day 7, ovulation will take place around day 14. Sperm surviving 5 days can therefore fertilize the egg
- Short cycle (21-24 days) : Ovulation can occur as early as day 8-11. You are therefore potentially in your peak fertility period.
- Favorable cervical mucus : At this stage, your body begins to produce fertile mucus which helps sperm survive longer
The only reliable rule
If you do not want to get pregnant, use reliable contraception at ALL times during your cycle. Calendars and "safe period" calculations are not effective contraceptive methods. Even cycle tracking apps don't guarantee anything without careful monitoring of biomarkers (temperature, cervical mucus).
Bleeding After Sex (Outside Period)
Postcoital bleeding affects about 9% of women of reproductive age. If you bleed after sex when you don't have your period, it's normal to be concerned. However, in the vast majority of cases, the cause is benign.
Most Common Causes (Benign)
Distinguishing Benign Bleeding from Worrisome Bleeding
Most postcoital bleeding is light (spotting) and stops quickly. However, there are some signs that require a consultation.
Consult if you have these symptoms
- Repeated bleeding after several successive reports
- Heavy bleeding requiring periodic protection
- Pelvic pain associated with bleeding
- Abnormal vaginal discharge (strong odor, unusual color)
- Absence of recent smear : cervical cancer screening is up to date every 3 years
- Age > 40 years : the risk of serious pathology increases slightly with age
In the vast majority of cases, a simple gynecological examination identifies the cause. Ectropion is easily treated in the office, polyps are removed, and dryness is corrected with lubricants or topical hormone therapy.
Libido & Hormones: Natural Variations
Many women find that their sexual desire fluctuates throughout their cycle. These fluctuations are a direct result of the hormonal changes that punctuate your weeks.
The Ovulatory Peak
The studies are unanimous. Libido is highest around ovulation, between the 12th and 16th day of the cycle for most women. At this time, several phenomena occur.
- Estrogen peaks (8-fold increase in estradiol), increasing desire, sensitivity and natural lubrication
- Testosterone also increases, a hormone directly linked to sexual drive
- Oxytocin is high, promoting attachment and excitement
- Evolutionary explanation : your body biologically pushes you to have intercourse at your most fertile time
Premenstrual Augmentation
Paradoxically, some women feel a strong urge to have sex just before their periodSeveral explanations coexist.
- Estrogen surge : Just before menstruation, estrogen rises slightly while progesterone drops, creating an imbalance that favors libido.
- Pelvic congestion : Blood flow to the uterus before menstruation increases genital sensitivity
- Relief expected : Endorphins released during orgasm relieve premenstrual symptoms (irritability, incipient cramps)
- Psychological factor : Some women feel "liberated" from pregnancy anxiety as their period approaches.
The Luteal Phase Decrease
Conversely, the second half of the cycle (after ovulation) often coincides with a drop in libido marked. Progesterone is responsible for this.
- Progesterone, while excellent for sleep and calmness, has a sedative effect that decreases sexual desire
- Estrogen remains low, depriving the body of its main libido booster
- Premenstrual symptoms (fatigue, bloating, irritability) do not help
- The contraceptive pill, which maintains artificially stable hormone levels, can accentuate this drop in some women.
Every woman is different: some don't experience any variation, others are very sensitive to these hormonal fluctuations. Both are normal.
Need Protection During Your Period?
Period Panties offer comfort and freedom, even during sex (apart from penetration). We also have a range tailored to teenage girls.
Untangling the Facts About Menstrual Sexuality
There are many myths surrounding menstrual sex. Let's separate the facts from the fiction with clear scientific explanations.
“Making Love Triggers Periods”
FALSE
This misconception is persistent, but scientifically unfounded. Menstruation only occurs when progesterone and estrogen levels drop sharply, signaling the uterus to shed the endometrium.
Uterine contractions during orgasm have no effect on this hormonal process. If your period arrives the day after intercourse, it's because it was supposed to arrive that day anyway. This is coincidence, not causation.
“It’s dirty to have sex during your period.”
FALSE
This belief stems from historical and religious stigmas that considered menstruating women "impure." From a medical perspective, menstrual blood is no dirtier than any other bodily fluid involved in sexuality (semen, cyprine, sweat, etc.).
The vagina has a natural self-cleaning system. Menstruation is a normal and healthy physiological phenomenon.
“You Can Stop Your Period to Make Love”
DANGEROUS AND INEFFECTIVE
There are some tips circulating on the internet to "temporarily stop your period" (lemon, high doses of ibuprofen, etc.). None of these methods work, and some are dangerous.
The only way to plan for no bleeding for an event is to use hormonal contraception (pill, vaginal ring) by chaining pills, but this must be done under medical supervision and well in advance.
Practical Tips for Greater Comfort
If you decide to have sex during your period, there are a few tips that can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Communication and Consent
The key to a positive experience is the open dialogue with your partnerTalk about your desires, your concerns, and your comfort level. If one of you is uncomfortable, respect that choice without judgment.
Practical Management
- Dark towel : Place it under you to protect the sheets
- Shower : The easiest option to avoid stains
- Light flow : In the last days of your period, the flow is often minimal.
- Stances : Certain positions limit "leaks" (missionary, spoon)
- Wipes : Keep some on hand for easy cleaning up afterward
Alternatives to Penetration
Sexuality isn't limited to vaginal penetration. During your period, you can explore several practices.
- Caresses and mutual masturbation
- Oral sex (on the partner, or on you if you are comfortable)
- Use of sex toys
- Sensual massages
Sexuality & Periods: The Essentials to Remember
Having sex during your period is primarily a matter of personal comfort, not a health issue. Your period doesn't make you dirty or less desirable. If the urge is there and you feel comfortable, there's no reason to deny yourself. Some women even find it relieves their cramps. The only rule that matters is the one you set for yourself.
Continue to protect yourself against STIs at all times, and keep in mind that pregnancy is still possible even during your period. If you notice bleeding after sex outside of your period and it happens repeatedly, talk to your gynecologist without embarrassment. Your sexuality deserves to be fulfilled and experienced without taboos.
Sources & Scientific References
This article is based on scientific studies published on PubMed and peer-reviewed medical journals.
Studies on pregnancy and intercourse during menstruation
- Tanfer K, Aral SO. (1996). Sexual intercourse during menstruation and self-reported sexually transmitted disease history among women. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. DOI: 10.1097/00007435-199609000-00009
- Mollazadeh A, et al. (2019). Association between Sexual Activity during Menstruation and Endometriosis: A Case-Control Study. International Journal of Fertility & Sterility. DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2019.5603
Studies on postcoital bleeding
- Tarney CM, Han J. (2014). Postcoital bleeding: a review on etiology, diagnosis, and management. Obstetrics and Gynecology International. DOI: 10.1155/2014/192087
- Shapley M, Jordan J, Croft PR. (2006). A systematic review of postcoital bleeding and risk of cervical cancer. British Journal of General Practice. PMID: 16834867
- Owens GL, Wood NJ, Martin-Hirsch P. (2022). Investigation and management of postcoital bleeding. Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Link
Studies on libido and the menstrual cycle
- Dennerstein L, et al. (1994). The relationship between the menstrual cycle and female sexual interest in women with PMS complaints and volunteers. Psychoneuroendocrinology. DOI: 10.1016/0306-4530(94)90064-7
- Stanislaw H, Rice FJ. (1988). Correlation between sexual desire and menstrual cycle characteristics. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. DOI: 10.1007/BF01542338
- Wilcox AJ, et al. (2004). Women's sexual experience during the menstrual cycle: identification of the sexual phase by noninvasive measurement of luteinizing hormone. Journal of Sex Research. DOI: 10.1080 / 00224490409552215
- Bancroft J, et al. (1983). Mood, sexuality, hormones, and the menstrual cycle. III. Sexuality and the role of androgens. Psychosomatic Medicine. DOI: 10.1097/00006842-198312000-00005
- Shirazi TN, et al. (2018). Menstrual cycle phase predicts women's hormonal responses to sexual stimuli. Hormones and Behavior. DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.05.023
Medical Warning: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you experience abnormal bleeding, pain, or concern, consult a doctor or gynecologist.
