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You are here: Home / Health and Healing / Menstrual Health / Sex During Period: The Potential Side Effects

Sex During Period: The Potential Side Effects

Last updated on March 6, 2019 By Jing J. 72 Comments

Is it safe to have sex during period? Even though the medical community has given a green light on this practice, there are potential side effects you should be aware of. 

side effects of sex during period

Growing up I was told that it was a bad idea to have sex during your period.

The reason my mom offered was that during menstruation, women’s reproductive systems are quite sensitive and vulnerable, and hence more susceptible to infections.

Having discovered that many of the things my mom told me when I was young were neither true nor accurate, I questioned this belief, as well, then Googled and visited a number of reputable health sites.

Consensus: It’s Safe to Have Sex During Periods

It seems that in America there’s a consensus on this subject: that it’s absolutely safe to have sex during your period, though there is still a chance you may get pregnant, unless you’re taking precautions.

There are also plenty of tips on how to get comfortable with the idea, and how to keep menstruation sex less messy, etc.

So that’s the last word on the subject, right? Not quite…

Potential Side Effects of Having Sex During Period

As a student of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I’m learning that having sexual intercourse during one’s period is an important cause of disease in women.

It can cause blood stasis and lead to amenorrhea (no period or scanty period), dysmenorrhea (painful period), menorrhagia (heavy and prolonged period), or irregular periods.

Here’s why…

During your period, your blood and Qi (energy) naturally move downwards.

With sexual arousal, though, your Qi moves upwards.

As these two opposing movements clash, they can cause a stagnation of both Qi and blood in the uterus.

And this stagnation interferes with the natural flow of menstrual blood, which can cause the various problems mentioned earlier.

I used to reject the notion that sex during your period was dangerous, even though I don’t personally enjoy it.

I thought it mostly came from cultural and religious taboos that we should be liberated from in the 21st century.

Now, however, as I’m studying Chinese medicine, I’ve begun to appreciate the reasoning behind it.

I’ve learned that during menstruation women’s bodies are more susceptible to external pathological influences, so it’s a good policy to exercise caution and take good care of ourselves during these vulnerable times.

I recognize that this is a controversial topic since most believe it’s perfectly all right to have sex during one’s period. I’m open to your thoughts and opinions. Please share them by leaving a comment.

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Hi, this is Jing. I created Cycle Harmony to share what I've learned to live in harmony with my body - and my life. Join us and share yours @facebook.com/cycleharmony!

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  1. ngufan says

    April 7, 2022 at 12:20 pm

    I recently discovered that the bible says not to have sex during one’s period, and i have found through personal experience, that the bible tends to be right about things. so i remembered that years ago i read that orgasm during the period could cause blood cells to potentially wind up outside the uterus causing endometriosis (which i suffer from), apart from other things.

    I have not discovered the reasoning why the bible says so, but i have decided to steer clear of it until i understand more. It may turn out that it was just a cultural thing, or a restriction that no longer applies, (like going outside town to poop) but i will wait till i learn more.

    Reply
  2. Jessie says

    March 29, 2019 at 2:08 am

    Sex is wonderful if done in the right and safe way. This is what the article emphasizes, and I totally agree with it. Sex is supposed to feel great as evolution designed us to fulfill our biological duties involving it, and sex will only feel great, again – if done in the right way.

    Reply
  3. Lettie says

    January 23, 2019 at 5:28 am

    Hey I also have the same problem which l never thought it would be first time having sex in my period last month now I started last week to menstruate it’s today it hasn’t stopped painful period pain heavy flow how do I deal with this please help?

    Reply
    • Jing says

      February 4, 2019 at 7:22 pm

      Hi Lettie, here are some resources for you to check out:

      10 Simple Natural Remedies to Relieve Menstrual Cramps

      Top 5 Reasons for Excessive Menstrual Bleeding

      Cypress Oil for Heavy Periods

      Hope you find them helpful. Take care!

      Reply
  4. Claire says

    August 21, 2018 at 12:19 pm

    What about getting sexually aroused during the period without having intercourse. Would that have the same possible negative effects?

    Reply
    • Jing says

      August 21, 2018 at 7:18 pm

      Hi Claire, that’s interesting. I’ve heard some women feel more sexually aroused during period. I don’t think there will be any side effects without intercourse.

      Reply
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Jing Jin and her community. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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