Making love during menstruation: bye bye received ideas

Menstruation remains a highly taboo subject in our society. Inheriting centuries of stigmatization, periods are often perceived as dirty and shameful. Proof of this: in the wonderful world of feminine hygiene products, blood is replaced by a blue liquid…

It's no surprise, then, that having sex during your period isn't something everyone is comfortable with. However, enjoying yourself at this time of the cycle is not only possible, but also incredibly beneficial. This article debunks common misconceptions about sex during menstruation so you can experience your sexuality even more fully! 

Is it dirty to have sex during your period?

We would need to write a multi-volume work to trace the history of the stigma surrounding menstruation. Yes, menstruation is linked to countless misconceptions and superstitions in all cultures.

The most common reason is unsanitary conditions; the menstruating person is considered "unwell" during the menstrual phase of their cycle. These conditions make the sight of blood a deterrent to libido. Penetration is compromised, and cunnilingus becomes unappealing.

However, blood is not impure. When we understand that this is a social construct, we perceive it more as a completely natural bodily fluid. It emanates from our own body and carries no more or less toxin than vaginal lubrication .

If you want to fully enjoy your sexuality during your period, making peace with your cycle may be a path to explore to better accept your own fluids.

This can involve:

• Switching to a menstrual cup to see the amount of blood flow and become familiar with the flow,

• Following its cycle over the weeks helps us understand its importance to our health.

• to have sex in the shower,

• discuss with your partner your perception of sex during menstruation. 

The risks of sex during menstruation

People who menstruate often impose a truce on themselves during their period for fear of the risks associated with sexual intercourse.

On the one hand, there's the fear of getting pregnant. In theory, the risk of pregnancy is reduced during menstruation, as periods occur approximately 14 days after ovulation. Therefore, we are no longer fertile during menstruation. However, each person has their own unique menstrual cycle and Ovulation can sometimes occur quickly at the end of menstruation. Continuing to use daily contraception is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

On the other hand, blood facilitates the transmission of STIs. In this case, the precautions are the same as for your everyday sexual activity . If you and your partner are not tested or are in a non-exclusive relationship, use a condom. It's the safest way to protect yourself against the transmission of diseases. 

Having sex during your period is complicated

Complicated isn't the right word. But, we can all agree: sex during menstruation requires a little preparation. But really, just a tiny bit.

Having a dark pad on hand and removing your tampon or protection beforehand are the traditional steps before indulging in pleasure without sacrificing your sheets.

Good news: brands are now creating menstrual products that allow you to have sex without worrying about leaks. For example, the Ziggy Cup by Intimia is a menstrual cup specifically designed for sexual intercourse. Several brands have also specialized in designing absorbent pads that stay in place at the back of the vagina during sex . When technology enhances our sex lives, we're thrilled!

Finally, remember that pleasure isn't limited to penetration. Periods are the perfect time to get creative if you don't want to stain the sheets. Cunnilingus, anal penetration , sensory stimulation, role-playing, etc.— follow your desires and explore new territories of pleasure. 

Bonus: The benefits of sex during menstruation

Besides being risk-free, having sex during menstruation has lots of super cool benefits.

Among these benefits is the reduction of menstrual pain. We already discussed this in our article on the benefits of female masturbation . Pleasure has a powerful analgesic effect on the body thanks to the release of endorphins. We therefore strongly encourage you to treat cramps naturally through masturbation or sexual intercourse.

Your libido is also at its peak during this phase of your cycle. Hormone production undergoes a drastic change. After a slight dip during PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) , it starts to surge upwards. Furthermore, sensitivity to pleasure is heightened thanks to increased blood flow. Make the most of it!

We hope these tips will help you break down the taboos surrounding sex during menstruation. Visit our blog to find all our articles on libido during the menstrual cycle !