Period Sex Tips for Fun, Safe Sex While Menstruating

“For women with shorter cycles, 21 to 24 days opposed to the typical 28 to 30 days, the risk is higher,” says registered nurse Gigi Gaytan. “Sperm can live for about two to three days, sometimes even up to five days, so if sex occurs at the end of the period and ovulation starts early with the sperm still alive, there is the chance the woman can get pregnant.” Use a condom (even if you have a LARC).

Period sex tips:

Okay, so you want to try period sex. Here's how to make it as pleasurable as possible.

1. Take advantage of heightened sensitivity.

“Remember that anticipation often heightens arousal and can make your orgasms even more intense," says Morse. Translation: Indulge in extra foreplay. "Although you might not be comfortable receiving oral sex, you can guide your partner to spend time playing with your nipples, teasing your inner thighs, and gently breathing on your clitoris, which can be just the stimulation you need to intensify your orgasms.”

2. Soap up.

Even though “messy” sex can be some of the hottest sex, if it makes you self-conscious, some people find the cleansing shower setting helps loosen inhibitions.

“If you‘re squeamish about the blood, try having sex in the shower, which will wash it all away as you cavort, or in the bathtub,” shares Gloria Brame, sex therapist and author of Sex for Grown-Ups.

3. Protect your bed.

If you're worried about staining, you can cover up your regular sheets with a blanket to retrofit your bed for period sex. “You can even get special bedding such as a rubber sheet to protect your bed,” says Chavez.

4. Try a menstrual disc.

Unlike menstrual cups or tampons, menstrual discs can be worn during sex. The flexible disks are inserted into the vaginal canal just like a tampon but sit higher up into your vagina, at the vaginal fornix. This allows you to have penetrative sex without the mess. 

5. Try new positions.

“When you‘re on your period, some women report more pelvic congestion, which is a heaviness that [may] trigger arousal,” says Costa. “This is why some women report wanting to have more sex while on their period, versus none at all.” Gentle positions like spooning can be a perfect way to enjoy sex right now, adds Morse: “You can play with the depth of penetration and different angles to make sure it works for you.” (The same goes for missionary!)

6. Get a little kinky.

If one of you is squeamish about blood, try using a blindfold. “Your period is the perfect time to elevate sex by exploring other senses like sight and sound,” says Shallon Lester, author of dating memoir Exes and Ohs and YouTube sex and dating expert. “You don‘t have to go full-on Fifty Shades with all kinds of leather contraptions—just peel off your shirt and toss it over your partner’s eyes, then pin their hands and tell them they can’t move or peek. Every sense will be heightened, and you can play around with sensations, from nails to nibbles, with more bang for your buck.”

7. Experiment with less obvious erogenous zones.

“Not everyone is into [period sex], but that doesn't mean you have to eliminate sex altogether,” says Costa. “There are plenty of other ways to seek pleasure with one another that don‘t have to do with [actual intercourse].” Get started heating things up by exploring some of these surprising erogenous zones. We‘re talking ears, hands, stomach—even the bottoms of the feet.

8. Always use a condom.

Although your cervix is closed most of the time, it opens during childbirth and when you’re menstruating. “One function of the cervix is to protect your uterus from bacteria that may enter the vagina during intercourse,” says board-certified registered nurse Jennifer Tine. “During periods it opens slightly to allow the uterus to shed. This opens a small gateway for bacteria to enter the uterus, increasing the possibility of infection.” So, even if you’re in a committed relationship, you still want to use a condom during period sex. The last thing you want is an infection you could have avoided, especially in that part of your body. Make sure all period sex is safe period sex. 

9. Embrace the “try everything once” mentality.

Only 55% of adults engage in sex during that time of the month, according to a study by Flex. If you haven't tried it, you just might find that you really like it. For many couples who haven't tried period sex, giving it a go can be an exciting chance to overcome a fear of the unknown. Who knows? You just might love it. And if not, you never have to do it again.