Your monthly
is when your body sheds the lining of your womb (uterus), which comes out of your vagina as blood. The bleeding lasts an average of 5 days. But it doesn’t mean you have to avoid having sex.Your monthly
is when your body sheds the lining of your womb (uterus), which comes out of your vagina as blood. The bleeding lasts an average of 5 days. But it doesn’t mean you have to avoid having sex.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.
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:
Find more useful information on periods with our
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’ – 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.
As well as a small risk of pregnancy, it’s also still possible to get and pass on
(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.
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.