The 6 Compulsory Things You Should Know About Having S3x During Your Period With Your Spouse

Fans of Romanticupdates.com will remember the much talked-about tampon scene—and while that particular romp won’t be playing out on the big screen, it’s still been making headlines as buzz about the upcoming movie reaches a fever pitch. And it may make people wonder: Should I be having s*x on my period? Is it safe? Will I like it? (And will my partner?)

 

 We talked with Tara Ford, a physician assistant at the Medical Center for Female S*xuality in Purchase, New York, to get those answers and more.

Here’s what you should know about having s*x during menstruation—the good, the bad, and the slightly messy.
   

Doctors say go for it

“If the patient is comfortable with it, then it’s great to continue having s*x throughout the month and not have to take a break,” says Ford. “It’s perfectly natural and safe for both partners.”

To avoid stained sheets (her patients’ biggest concern), she recommends putting a towel down on the bed, or getting busy in the shower. And don’t be concerned if you see dark red or brown clumps during or after s*x; that’s just older blood and cells of your uterine lining, and it’s perfectly normal.

You might like it—a lot

Arousal is different for every woman, and some may be too distracted by their period and its annoyances to actually get in the mood for s*x. But for others, menstruation could actually be a turn-on of sorts. That’s because your estrogen and testosterone are low on day 1, but they start to rise by day 3. “Some women report they feel more aroused and more sensitive around this time,” says Ford says.

Plus, your flow can serve as extra lubrication during s*x, which can also increase pleasure. If you typically use a store-bought lubricant to help with dryness during s*x, this may be your week to go natural. And some research suggests that orgasms can even relieve menstrual cramping and PMS.