Physiologically and medically, nothing prevents you from having sex during your period. For some women, the desire is sometimes even more intense. But what risk? Can you get pregnant? Should you use a condom?
Why do we sometimes want to make love more during our periods?
Generally speaking, most women admit that they do not like having sex during their period due to pain, cramps, nausea, headaches or even heavy periods. Many men also do not want to have sex with their partner during this time, simply because of the blood. However, some people want it. The priority is then to respect the choice of both partners and not to make the sexual act during menstruation an obligation for one of them. Women may feel this urge because of hormonal changebut also because they know that they feel more pleasure during this period. “Some women have increased desire during menstruation, others, on the contrary, have no desire at all. It’s the same thing during pregnancy, some have increased desire, others absolutely not.“, explains Dr Pia de Reilhac, president of the National Federation of Colleges of Medical Gynecology and gynecologist in Nantes.
Are there any risks of getting pregnant?
“A priori, there is no reason to be pregnant at this time, because this period is far from ovulation in theory. But from time to time, ovulation can be ‘capricious‘”, continues Dr Pia de Reilhac. In this case, it is then possible to be pregnant during the period. But it is relatively rare.
Should you use a condom?
In case of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yes, you must use a condom. These diseases are even more easily contracted during menstruation, because the blood can promote the transmission of the infection. It is therefore important to protect yourself even during your period. The condom actually prevents contact with blood.
Is it medically contraindicated?
From a strictly medical point of view, period blood does not constitute a contraindication to the sexual act, except in cases of sexually transmitted infection (IST). During menstruation, the female genital tract does not undergo any physiological changes making a sexual act impossible: it is neither swollen nor shrunk. He also does not present any particular sensitivity. However, periods that are too heavy or pain can sometimes prevent relationships. However, “some cultures forbid sex during menstruation“, recalls Dr Pia de Reilhac.
Are there any risks for humans?
If he wants it, and if his partner does not have an STI (in this case, wearing a condom is essential), “there is no risk for humans“, concludes Dr Pia de Reilhac.
Thanks to Dr Pia de Reilhac, president of the National Federation of Colleges of Medical Gynecology and gynecologist in Nantes.