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.
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.
What about getting sexually aroused during the period without having intercourse. Would that have the same possible negative effects?
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.
I had sex while on my period a week ago. And now my period came back. Should I be worried?
Hi Celina, try to see if your bleeding seems like residual blood from the previous period or it’s another period, and if this happens again. It could be a cause of concern if it is recurring. Otherwise, don’t worry too much.
My husband and I had sex on the last day of my period for the first time. (We normally wait 2 days to ensure I am completely done.) However, I was cramping and read sex could ease cramps. I regret it! I am bleeding 3 days longer with dark blood. We’ve been married going on 20 years and I’ve never had sex on a last period day. I believe I disrupted my body’s natural flow. Sure the cramps ceased but not worth the days of extra bleeding 🙁
I have sex with my girlfriend at her period time with out any protection and for some minutes my body got so hot and letter stop, will it cause any harm in body?
It shouldn’t harm your body.
I had period sex with my girlfriend it was our first time having period sex but after a couple hours i started feeling weak and now i get pains around near my ribs, should i be worried??? Help!!
What if I had sex with my gf multiple times in her periods without using any precautions , what would I lead to and is there any medicine that we should take ?