It’s true that so many people are socialized to feel that having sex during a woman’s menstrual cycle is dirty, unhealthy, or worse – wrong. Actually, intercourse during a woman’s period can be more intense both for her and for him. Here’s why.

Increased blood flow means more sensation.

During the time of a woman’s menstrual period, she has increased blood flow to her uterus and genitals, bringing increased awareness of her genitals throughout the day. Having her period makes her more sensitive to touch and more easily aroused (if she does not have negative ideas about her period). Increased circulation allows for faster lubrication for many women who find that their bodies are more sexually responsive during their period. This combination of awareness and increased blood flow can jump start arousal for women. Increased blood flow can also create a tighter feeling around the vaginal opening, creating a snugger feeling for him.

Period sex can lead to stronger orgasms.

During a woman’s period, there are contractions of the uterine muscle to replace the tissue of the endometrium. Many women find that orgasms during their period are enhanced because of the sensitivity of the uterus during this time. Of course, the more foreplay a woman gets, the more oxytocin she can produce, which adds to the mind-blowing intensity of these orgasms. During her period, all of her sex organs are buzzing with energy waiting to be released. In fact, there are women who prefer to have sex during their period because it gives them a pleasure they can’t get as easily at other times of the month.

Sex during your period may help shorten your periods.

With increased activity and contractions of orgasm, having sex during your period may actually help to make that time shorter. The uterus is able to clear it’s lining more efficiently so that the number of days of bleeding and/or spotting become less. Remember that sexual activity and orgasms help regulate your hormone balance as well, leading to regularity of periods – but this is regardless of what time of the month you have sex. Orgasms during your period can keep things moving along smoothly.

How does sex during your period affect cramps?

Unless you have a condition such as endometriosis, having sex during your period can actually decrease the pain of period cramps. Remember that during orgasm, there is a surge of endorphins that are natural pain relievers. In fact, researchers have found that at the moment of orgasm, a woman’s sensation of pain is decreased by 75% or more due to a combination of oxytocin and endorphins. Considering that you feel less pain and your periods are shorter, you can see how sex during your period could make your periods much more pleasurable.

Period sex requires a little planning.

Of course, a little preparation goes a long way into having sex on your period. Some couples find that it’s a great time for shower sex, making it much easier to clean up afterwards. If it is day 3 or 4 of your period, you might do fine having a towel underneath you specifically for that purpose to prevent staining bed sheets. I recommend getting a Fascinator sheet that you can drape over the bed, couch, or wherever. It allows you to play during your period without seeping through to the other side, then you just throw it in the wash afterwards. It’s a favorite for using coconut oil or silicone lube too!

 

Dr. Castellanos is a psychiatrist specializing in sex therapy, bio-identical hormones, and functional medicine consultation. You can follow her on Facebook at The Sex MD, and Twitter at @DrCastellanos.

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