Many couples are unsure whether sex during as well as immediately before and after sex is safe. You will find the answer in the article below. Learn about the pros and cons of intercourse during menstruation. 

Can I have sex during my period?

There are no medical contraindications to sex during menstruation. However, both the risk of infection and the possibility of pregnancy should be considered when having sex during menstruation.  In some religions and cultures, sexual intercourse during this period has been forbidden. For some couples, sex during menstruation is pleasurable, while for others it is taboo. According to research, menstruating sex is more common among older women in long-term relationships. 

If the partners agree to this kind of intimacy and feel comfortable during it, there is no need to refuse sex during menstruation.

Positive effect of intercourse during menstruation

Sex reduces stress and reduces menstrual pain. During menstrual pain, as with orgasm, the uterus contracts and then relaxes, which eases the pain. In addition, by contracting the uterus during orgasm, which causes the endometrial fragments to be ejected more quickly, the period itself can be shorter. For women suffering from migraines, sex can help relieve headaches. Menstrual blood also acts as a natural lubricant. 

Negative effects of intercourse during menstruation

The risk of infection increases during menstruation. Menstruation can promote the entry of bacteria into the female reproductive system because of the loss of the intrauterine barrier. The iron in menstrual blood promotes the growth of gonococci (e.g. gonorrhoea). The presence of blood during sexual intercourse also increases the risk of HIV infection, as the virus is also present in menstrual blood. There is therefore a greater chance of transmitting HIV to your partner.  

Another factor contributing to microbial infections is the changes in the hormonal and immune systems that occur during menstruation. This can weaken the body’s defences, leading to an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In addition, changes in the vaginal flora contribute to mycosis and bacterial vaginosis.  

For this reason, it is important to remember that the correct use of barriers, such as condoms, reduces the risk of infection. 

Although there is an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) has not been proven.  There is also research on the potential effect of intercourse in the period before orgasm on the increased risk of endometriosis in women of reproductive age. The reflux of menstrual blood during uterine contractions during orgasm is thought to be responsible.  

Another negative problem associated with getting close during menstruation is discomfort. Sex during menstruation can be awkward and uncomfortable for some people.  

Should I use a menstrual sponge during intercourse?

Menstrual sponges are not new – they have been used for years. They act like a tampon, absorbing menstrual blood. Sponges can be natural or synthetic. However, they are not the safest means of hygiene during menstruation.

The advantages of sponges are their good absorbency, reusability (depending on manufacturer and material information) and convenience.

The disadvantages of sponges are that they are not very easy to remove (it is recommended to stand in the shower or over the toilet to avoid blood leaking onto the floor), the problem of disinfecting them properly and the short use time of 4-6 hours (the sponge must be removed after no more than 8 hours). However, the biggest disadvantage is the lack of confidence in their safety.

Sponges are not recognised as safe by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). This follows a study conducted in the 1980s that examined 12 natural sponges. Dirt, sand and bacteria were found on them.

The use of sponges has been linked to a case of toxic shock syndrome. For this reason, menstrual sponges are not approved for sale in the USA.

Sex during menstruation and pregnancy

If you are not planning a pregnancy, use an effective method of contraception regardless of the day of your menstrual cycle. The risk of getting pregnant while you are menstruating is lower, but not zero, and pregnancy is still possible during this time.  

The most fertile days for the average woman are between the 8th and 19th days of her cycle. Ovulation then occurs, during which the egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. Fertilisation by sperm usually takes place in the fallopian tubes. The egg lives about 24 hours and the sperm in a woman’s body can live up to 7 days. 

The length of the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman. It usually lasts between 26 and 32 days, and its length is affected by many factors, such as  

• breastfeeding,  
• eating disorders,  
• intense physical activity,  
• weight loss,  
• polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS),  
• pelvic inflammatory disease (PMI),  
• uterine myoma,  
• endometriosis.  

Given these changes, which are not always under our control, it is theoretically possible for a woman to get pregnant at any period of her cycle. If a couple does not want to have a baby, an effective contraceptive method should be used even during menstruation.