Can I Have Sex on My Period?

It’s not something we see often in sex scenes of our favourite TV shows or movies. It’s not even something that we see or talk about when we’re learning about sex education in school.

Sex and menstruation as separate topics may already feel stressful to discuss with friends or a partner—or even think about yourself—so pairing them together in conversation can be extra awkward or uncomfortable.

Why might this feel awkward?

Due to the traditional norms in our society that have shaped how women relate to their bodies and think about their menstrual cycles, many of us may feel embarrassment or shame associated with bleeding during our period. Shame that we are unclean or impure.

Unfortunately, these norms have also affected how some women are taught to think about sex—that their pleasure should not be prioritized, and that enjoying sex is improper or “unladylike.”

Therefore, when it comes to sex during menstruation, this perceived impurity can become even more pronounced.

Obviously, we have issues with what these ‘norms’ have caused in the world—we, at Vira, do not believe in them, and we are actively trying to reframe and change them.

Since period sex is not often “officially” taught as something that is even a possibility, some people might not even think it is something possible—let alone normal, safe, or sexy.

So, is it okay to have sex during your period?

The short answer is: yes! If you want to have sex, then no matter what cycle of your period you are in, you can have sex.

Many women find that having sex on their period can relieve cramps and tension, and be a relaxing, pleasurable experience.

Hormonal changes during menstruation may increase natural lubrication and sexual desire, which might make sex more fun, playful, and help you feel more deeply connected to your partner.

Things to think about before having period sex

1. Consent: You and your partner should both feel comfortable, without any pressure. Share with your partner that you’d like to have period sex and open up the conversation to learn about each other’s comfort levels. For example, you might both be comfortable with having penetrative sex, but not with oral. Or vice versa!

2. Hygiene: You might be worried about things getting messy because of bleeding during one’s period. Having a shower before you have sex, laying down a towel, or having tissues nearby are some examples of things that might make you feel more comfortable.

3. Protection: This is still important. Even on your period, you could still get a sexually transmitted infection, so still take precautions to be safe. And you can still get pregnant while on your period, so if that’s not your goal, use protection. The chances are slim, but they're not zero. It's a little more likely if you have irregular or short menstrual cycles, where the fertile window can overlap with menstruation. Use a barrier method like a condom, female condom, or dental dam for oral sex.

4. Non penetrative sex: There are many different ways to have sex, and these don’t have to involve penetration. This might be the time to explore clitoral masturbation or use sex toys with your partner. 

Listen to your body and your desires.

Period sex, like any intimate act, should be grounded in mutual consent, trust, and personal comfort. If it does not feel right to you, it is perfectly fine to not have period sex. We would never tell you what you can do.

But if period sex does feel right to you, you deserve to know that it is not dirty, wrong, or shameful.

It is pleasurable, freeing, and though it might get a little messy, that can sometimes be fun.

A Spiritual Connection

While many cultures have framed menstrual blood as something to hide or feel ashamed of, others have embraced it as a powerful, even sacred, aspect of life. And this extends to having sex while one is menstruating. 

In some Indigenous and Eastern traditions, menstruation is seen as a time of heightened intuition, renewal, and spiritual strength. Sex during this time isn’t always taboo and it can be considered an act of deep connection, healing, or honouring the feminine body.

Some practitioners believe that sexual union during menstruation can intensify spiritual bonding, unlock deeper emotional intimacy, and even be used in rituals for empowerment or fertility. 

While this may not be mainstream in many societies, including in Thai society yet, these views exist and we’d encourage you to explore them.

Let us know if you have any questions by DMing us on Instagram @viracare.

With love,
Vira