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Sexual activity is one of the keys to harmonious couple life. It is believed that doing this regularly can strengthen inner and emotional relationships. However, what if you are menstruating? Is intercourse during menstruation allowed?
Having sex during menstruation is taboo in several traditions, cultures and religions. So, what about from a medical perspective? Come on, see the complete review below!
Is it okay to have sex during menstruation?
Medically, there is nothing wrong with having sex while menstruating. Even though it’s a little uncomfortable, having sex during menstruation is still relatively safe.
In fact, there are several benefits that can be obtained by engaging in sexual activity while menstruating. Even so, you also need to pay attention to the risks or bad effects that can arise.
Benefits of having sex during menstruation
Having sex during menstruation may be a challenge in itself. However, this activity can have a number of positive effects on the body, including:
1. Helps relieve cramps
Having sex during menstruation can actually help relieve cramps caused by menstruation, you know. When you reach climax or orgasm, the uterine muscles will contract and the lining of the uterine wall will fall off. This can relieve the pain and cramps that appear.
Apart from that, sex can also trigger the release of chemicals called endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel happy. The release of endorphins can help relieve discomfort during menstruation.
2. Shortens menstrual period
Menstruation is the ovulation process that occurs when there is no fertilization of the egg. As a result, the lining of the uterus will thicken and shed, then blood will come out through the vagina.
Muscle contractions during orgasm can push the contents of the uterus, including the shed lining, to come out more quickly. This can shorten the duration of menstruation.
3. Increases sex drive
Sex drive or libido will increase when the ovulation process takes place. Hormonal changes are the main reason. Libido will start to rise two weeks before menstruation and tends to be stimulated during the menstrual cycle.
4. Relieve headaches
If you are someone who often has headaches during menstruation, having sex might be a solution. Sex is believed to help relieve headaches, including migraines.
It is not yet clear what influenced this. The release of endorphins is said to have a major contribution to reducing headache pain.
Risks of having sex during menstruation
Even though medically it is relatively safe, having sex during menstruation has a number of risks that still need to be considered. Carrying out sexual activity during menstruation can be troublesome, because blood can stain the sheets, bed and your partner’s body.
The main concern about having sex during menstruation is the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). As is known, most viruses that trigger STIs are easily transmitted through blood and contact with the genital organs. Some of these STIs include:
- Chlamydia
- Genital warts
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- Herpes
- Syphilis
- HPV
- Trichomoniasis
Can having sex during menstruation cause pregnancy?
Having intercourse during menstruation can still cause pregnancy, although the chances are lower compared to when you are not menstruating. The fertilization process can still occur during the ovulation process. This condition can be different for each woman.
If you don’t plan to get pregnant, use a condom during sex. Sperm can still live for days in the uterus after being released through ejaculation.
Tips for having sex during menstruation
Having sex during menstruation can be a challenge in itself. Quoting from Medical News Today, there are several tips that can be applied to ensure that sexual activity remains enjoyable, namely:
- Use a towel to cover sheets and other surfaces to avoid getting blood on the bed
- Prepare a wet cloth or tissue next to the bed to clean your body
- Having sex in the bathroom
- Use condoms to minimize the risk of STI transmission
- Apply missionary style or lie on one side.
Does having sex during menstruation require protection?
According to an explanation from the Healthline page, there is no harm in using protection or protection because it can also protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
Not only can you contract infectious infections during your menstrual period, but you can also more easily pass them on to your partner because viruses like HIV live in menstrual blood.
Have your partner wear a latex condom every time you have sex to reduce the chances of getting pregnant and contracting an infection. If you or your partner are allergic to latex, there are other forms of protection that can be used. You can also ask a pharmacist or doctor for recommendations.
Preparing to have sex during menstruation
There’s no denying that having sex during your period can get a little messy. Therefore, with a little preparation, you can reduce the need for the cleaning process after intercourse
1. The right time to have intercourse during menstruation
You need to know that days 3 to 5 of your menstrual period are lighter, try having sex on these days. However, if sex on the first day of menstruation doesn’t bother you or your partner, do it.
2. Use a menstrual cup
To minimize the amount of blood in the vagina during sex, you can try using a menstrual cup, which is a relatively small and flexible device.
This tool is an alternative to tampons and sanitary napkins. Basically this tool collects blood as it passes through the cervix and makes the vagina relatively clean.
Most reusable menstrual cups need to be removed before sex, but soft disposable cups can be used. The partner should not feel the cup, and there is generally no leakage during intercourse.
However, some women may feel uncomfortable using this kind of device during sex because the vagina may feel tight or sore.
If you use a menstrual cup, confirm with your doctor that the type of cup you have has been proven safe to use during sex. You need to remember that this menstrual cup does not protect against pregnancy.
Another alternative
Another option to reduce menstrual flow is the vaginal contraceptive sponge. This alternative method traps blood in the upper part of the vagina like a menstrual cup.
While it may not be as effective as collecting blood, it is more convenient. And it also has the added benefit of preventing pregnancy.
Both the menstrual cup and vaginal contraceptive sponge should be removed after sex.
3. Prepare towels and tissues
Before sex, place several towels underneath to protect the sheets and mattress. Apart from that, also keep a tissue nearby so you can wipe yourself after you have finished having sex.
4. Missionary position
Lying on your back during sex can reduce blood flow. Be careful with deep penetration as the cervix is lower and more sensitive during menstruation. If things start to hurt, tell your partner and proceed slowly.
5. Foreplay
Using your hands during foreplay can be messy when you’re menstruating. If this bothers you or your partner, consider other ways to make each other horny.
6. Oral sex
Performing oral sex during menstruation is quite safe. To minimize the mess, you can use a menstrual cup, birth control sponge, or tampon. Remember to take whatever you are using after you have finished having sex.
If you don’t want to insert anything into your vagina, you can use a dental dam, which is a square piece of latex that you can buy or make by cutting a condom. Dental dams can also help prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Good sexual positions during menstruation
1. Missionary position
Lying on your back during sex can reduce blood flow. Be careful with deep penetration as the cervix is lower and more sensitive during menstruation. If things start to hurt, tell your partner and proceed slowly.
2. Spooning
This position works very well for couples during menstruation time. This position allows for shallow, quick penetration, thereby reducing the amount of pressure on her cervix, ultimately reducing some of the pain that may be caused by cramps.
It’s also a great way to reduce the mess during some pretty intimate sex like ear biting, throat kissing, breast fondling, and even clitoral stimulation.
3. On the edge of the bed
This is a pretty practical way to have sex and can really help reduce the mess associated with bleeding as well as making clitoral stimulation easier and penetration deeper for those who enjoy it.
This position is also much easier for the woman as she can control the amount of tension placed on her waist thereby reducing the possibility of cramps as well as any tension that may be felt during sex.
4. Sex in the shower
Having sex while standing in a warm shower can really relax muscles, relieve cramps and help get a decent orgasm. Apart from that, you and your partner don’t need to worry about bleeding.
5. Butterfly
This is a lovemaking position that provides maximum pleasure for both partners. This submissive-dominant move, also known as the butterfly, is a great position if you want to ignite the spark in your sex life.
Lie on your back on the edge of a table or bed. With the man standing in front of you, place your feet on his shoulders. Lift your hips with the help of your arms and reach the angle you want. Don’t forget to keep a towel underneath.
6. Reverse cowgirl
This is a great way to manage any spills that may occur during sex. This allows the woman to have more control over the entire action, meaning she sets the pace and pace.
That way, this position can be the best because women can estimate for themselves when they are menstruating.
It’s a good idea for you to discuss with your partner the best position so that it creates a feeling of comfort during intercourse during menstruation.
So, that’s a review about having sex during menstruation along with the benefits, risks and tips that you can apply. Before doing it, talk to your partner first so that you are both comfortable, okay?
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