Can you have sex on your period?

You don’t have to avoid sex during your period, if you don’t want to. Learn the facts about period sex here.

Having sex on your period

Can you get pregnant from period sex?

Is it safe to have sex on your period?

Key points



There are, however, a few things you should know if you’re planning to have sex during this time. So read on to learn the facts about period sex.
## Having sex on your period
It’s up to you whether you want to have sex while you’re on your period, But if you do, it’s a good idea to be prepared. 

The main challenge will be dealing with any blood. To minimise mess, you can cover the bed with a dark-coloured towel, or consider having sex in the shower or bath. It’s a good idea to keep some wet wipes and tissues handy, too.

And if you use tampons, don’t forget to remove your tampon before sex – otherwise it can get pushed further into your vagina. This may mean you can’t remove it yourself, and a healthcare professional will need to do this for you.

However, there are actually some possible benefits to period sex, including:

- __relief from period pains/cramps__ – when you have an orgasm, the muscles of your womb contract and release, which can help to relieve any painful cramping you get during your period. Sex also makes your body release ‘feel-good’ chemicals called endorphins, which can help you feel better 
- __shorter periods__ – your womb muscles contracting during an orgasm may help to push out the lining more quickly, which could make your period shorter
- __better sex__ – some people say their sex drive increases and they feel more ‘turned on’ when they’re on their period, which could be due to hormonal changes
- __natural lubrication__ – your period blood acts as a lubricant, so you probably won’t need to use any extra lubrication

__Find more useful information on periods with our [complete Guide.](https://www.livehealthily.com/guides/periods)__

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## Can you get pregnant from period sex?
Although it’s very unlikely, it’s still possible to get pregnant after having sex during your period.

This is because sperm can survive in your body for up to 7 days. And if you release an egg – or ‘[ovulate](https://www.livehealthily.com/self-care/ovulation)’ – early in your menstrual cycle, soon after the end of your period, this sperm can fertilise the egg and lead to pregnancy. 

So if you don’t want to get pregnant, it’s best to use contraception, such as a condom.

![2 hands holding up condoms to ask can you have sex on your period and get pregnant](//images.ctfassets.net/iqo3fk8od6t9/5iTk1QOGaPveQOEIvk1gVv/879423f0ba263a74c4538df2430a40b1/Condoms_in_hands.jpg)

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## Is it safe to have sex on your period?
As well as a small risk of pregnancy, it’s also still possible to get and pass on [sexually transmitted infections](/sexually-transmitted-infections) (STIs) if you have sex during your period. 

In fact, you can actually spread some STIs more easily if you have sex during your period, because viruses such as hepatitis and HIV can live in period blood. 

To reduce the risk of spreading or getting STIs, use a condom every time you have sex.

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## Key points
- you don’t have to avoid sex when you’re on your period
- you can make preparations to manage any mess 
- you may find sex helps with pain and makes you feel better during your period
- it’s still possible to get pregnant (although it’s unlikely) or spread sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- using a condom will help protect against pregnancy and STIs


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References

Helen Prentice

Susie Parker

Dr Ann Nainan

Article information

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

Rose and rose petals on sanitary pad to represent period sex

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