Period sex. A monthly delight or something to be entirely avoided and never spoken of?
According to the Facebook comments on our recent post about a tampon you can wear during sex, it’s a serious debate.
For some reason, loads of men and women think period sex is ‘gross’, ‘disgusting’, and ‘nasty’.
Which is pretty infuriating, to be honest, because all this squeamishness is just reinforcing the idea that periods are disgusting and shameful, and that – in effect – women’s bodies are, too.
We get that having sex on your period isn’t for every woman. Maybe your PMS doesn’t put you in the mood. Maybe you can’t relax because you’re too worried about spills. Maybe you’ve got crisp white bedsheets.
But if it is something you’re open to, DO IT. There is no reason not to, and so, so many reasons to back up why period sex is a glorious thing.
1. It’s rarely as messy as you think
Unless you have extremely heavy periods, you’re very unlikely to end up in the pool of blood-stained sheets you’re imagining in your mind.
The average amount of blood released during menstruation is between 30 and 40ml. That’s over the course of a few days.
So imagine how little blood is actually being released per minute. Then consider how long your sex session is actually going to last. Hardly any blood. Seriously.
2. And if you do make a mess, you can always clean it up
Lay down an old blanket if it makes you less concerned about stains, and throw any bloody sheets in the wash immediately afterwards. Easy.
3. A reminder: it’s just blood. Nothing bad will happen if it gets on a guy’s dick
It’s not a toxic substance that will transform your sex buddy into PERIODMAN: DEFENDER OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND DISTRIBUTOR OF TAMPONS (although that would be seriously cool).
It’s uterine lining and blood. It’s really not a big deal if it goes on a penis. He can just wipe it off.
Any guy that kicks up a fuss about this needs to calm the f*** down and get over their fear of women’s bodies.
4. And on that note, women happily get men’s fluids inside and on them without a big fuss
He came inside you? Then he’s clearly fine with bodily excretions getting shared. There’s no reason for period blood to be any different.
5. Periods are not ‘gross’ or ‘dirty’
They’re natural. They happen every month. They’re just a part of women’s bodies. It’s absolutely absurd that in 2016, we’re still having to explain that periods aren’t anything to be ashamed of.
6. And by having period sex, you’re taking down the stigma surrounding periods and women’s bodies
In a small, private way, sure. But you can pat yourself on the back for doing something positive. Through sex.
7. Having an orgasm can alleviate cramps
Orgasms are natural pain-relievers. They are magical. They’re also a lot more fun than taking a paracetamol.
8. Getting it on can actually shorten your period
All the contracting your uterus gets up to when you’re having an orgasm makes lining and blood come out faster, meaning that frequent sex sessions can reduce the length of your period by a day or two.
9. We’re usually hornier around our periods
Why are we skipping something we really, really want because we’re scared of a little blood?
Admit it, you’re horny as f*** when your period hits. Give in to what you want. Treat yourself.
10. It’ll make you feel sexier at a time when you’re bloated and feeling like crap
Eating nachos and getting teary at a video of a puppy doesn’t exactly make you feel like a sexy, empowered goddess of high self-esteem.
One way to ramp things up and remind yourself just how sexy you actually are? Having sex. Smart.
11. You won’t need lube
Period blood is a natural lubricant, bro.
12. If you’re really squeamish, there are loads of ways to keep the risk of blood getting everywhere minimal
He can wear a condom, if you’re terrified of the idea of a blood-covered penis.
You can lay a blanket on the bed. You can use a flexible tampon, designed especially for period sex (NEVER, EVER a regular tampon. Always remove these pre-sex, please). There are options.
13. Because everyone’s doing it
People hardly ever talk about having hot, amazing period sex. But trust us, loads of people are doing it and enjoying it.
If it’s not right for you, we’d never say you have to have sex on your period. That’s your choice.
But if shame and embarrassment is the only thing holding you back, take this as your permission to go forth and get ~sensual~: everyone’s doing it, it’s okay, and there’s really nothing to be ashamed of.
