Is It Safe To Have Intercourse During Periods? Expert Decodes

This question has been asked several times and here is what we think about it. You can definitely have it while you are on your period. There are many hormones gushing in your body while on your period. You might have the urge to have intercourse with your partner.

Dr. Madhushree Vijayakumar, Consultant Obstetrician And Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Bengaluru, told HerZindagi that "it totally depends upon what your partner and you are comfortable with. It is perfectly normal to have sex and enjoy it while on your period. There is no medical reason which might stop one from period sex. There is nothing wrong or dangerous about having sex during your menstrual cycle. If either one of you does not like the idea, then drop it."

Here are some benefits and drawbacks shared by the Doctor that you must understand first.

Benefits

There can be several benefits to having sex while on your period.

• Orgasms release hormones like- oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins which happen to benatural pain killers for your cramps.
• Increased libido (which is also known as sex drive). Many report fluctuations in their sexdrive somewhere around and or before their menstrual cycle.
• Orgasms can also cause the uterus to contract, which can get rid of the lining of your womband shorten the time of your periods.
• There is a natural lubricant.
• Many women are prone to having headaches and migraines during their periods. Havingintercourse might help with menstrual migraines.
• Sometimes engaging in other activity, here sexual intercourse, can take your mind offperiods and cramps.

Risks Involved/Side Effects

Every coin has two sides and having sex while on your period also has a flip side.

• Increased risks of STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)- Blood-borne diseases like HIV orhepatitis are more likely to be transmitted during your period.
• Since there is blood involved there is a chance that some kind of bacteria might betransmitted (or growth of bacteria). Might make both the partners uncomfortable.
• You might become self-conscious about the fact that you are bleeding. The stress ofbleeding and making a mess might lessen the fun of having intercourse.
• If you wear a tampon and forget to take it out. It may get pushed up while having sex. Thiscan create problems and you might have to may visit your doctor to get it removed.
• On periods the cervix is more open and therefore there are more chances of infections anddiseases to travel from one partner to another.

Can You Get Pregnant?

There are several rumors that go around that say, one cannot get pregnant while on their period.This is not true. Although the chances of getting pregnant might be lesser there is always a possibility of getting pregnant if you have unprotected sex. What you perhaps did not know is that sperm can live in the body for up to 7 days. This can cause unwanted pregnancy, especially if you ovulate early.

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Do You Need To Use Protection?

One should always wear a condom whether on your period or not. But some people feel that if youare on your period there is no need- but you should take precautions. Either use condoms or use birth control pills if it is recommended for you. The blood flow can be a carrier of viruses, so it is a good idea to use a condom.

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Tips

If you do go in for having intercourse while on your periods here are some tips to follow, so that you do nothave a bad experience.

• Maintain hygiene.
• Both partners must cleanse their privates after intercourse.
• Have protected sex- this will keep infections at bay and will reduce your chances of gettingpregnant.
• You might want to put a towel down to avoid messing up your bed.
• Communicate with your partner about any issues/problems that you are facing.
• Keep wet wipes and tissues handy for any clean-up.
• If you are wearing a tampon, get rid of it before having sex.

So, if you do feel that it is a good idea to have sex when you are menstruating then go ahead and dotake precautions for it.

Stay tuned to HerZindagi for more on feminine hygiene and sexual health with expert inputs.