Ever wondered if your period should get in the way of your sex life? The short answer is no. If you and your partner are okay with a little blood, there’s really no reason why you guys can’t do the deed while you bleed.

It’s no secret that during your period, your hormones are going insane – you’re tired, bloated, having major cravings… and you’re super horny. There’s really no medical reason why you can’t have period sex; in fact, period sex can actually do you a whole lot of good.

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1. It’s a natural painkiller

Orgasms = endorphins. The rush of endorphins helps to relieve pain, not just cramps, mind you, but headaches too. And another bonus: You’ll be feeling great – kicking PMS mood swings in the butt!

Read more: “I tried a period pain patch to see if it would work as well as painkillers”

2. You’ll feel extra slick

Now, once you get past the thought of period sex being “eww”, think of the great benefit of not needing lube. Because you’re extra slick down there, sex could end up feeling even better. This is especially great if you’re someone who struggles to get “wet”.

3. Shorter periods

Yep, having period sex can possibly shorten your periods. This is because orgasms cause the uterus to contact, speeding up the shedding of the lining, leading to fewer bloody days.

Read more: 5 period apps that make tracking your menstrual cycle a breeze

A word of warning…

You can still fall pregnant during your period. The chances are quite slim, but best avoid it by using contraception. You should be using condoms when you are having sex, but especially during period sex. That’s because during your period you have a higher risk of contracting and spreading STIs, says sexual health practitioner Dr Elna Rudolph. 

If you’re uncomfortable with penetration, you can still use other forms of sexual play to stay intimate with your partner. Manual stimulation or oral sex with a dental dam, after a shower and with a fresh tampon in place hold no risk.

Read more: 6 times your period blood looks different – and what it means about your health

As you can see, there’s not much reason not to have sex while on your period. Just be honest with your partner and let them know what you like and what’s a no-go. If you’re worried about making a mess, why not try some shower sex or throw a towel on the bed – problem solved. And if you do happen to leave a few stains, some cold water and a little washing detergent should take care of that.

^{This article was originally published on www.womenshealthsa.co.za}

^{Image credit: iStock}