Does Sex Affect Your Menstrual Cycle? What You Need to Know

Disclaimer: In this article, we’ll address a common query among menstruators: “Does sex affect your menstrual cycle?” The information provided here is drawn from diverse studies and health resources. For personalized guidance, we strongly advise consulting your healthcare provider.

“To sail or not to sail the red seas?” Ah, the age-old debate on period sex! Some embrace it with open arms, while others squirm at the mere thought. Then, some are on the fence, worried about how it might impact their flow. Will it make it heavier? Delay the next one? Let’s find out.

Does Sex Affect the Menstrual Cycle?

The straightforward answer is no— having sex during your period generally doesn’t affect your menstrual flow. Now, concerns about sexual activity altering your cycle are common, but rest assured, your body’s natural rhythm remains largely unchanged.

You might have come across articles claiming that having sex right before your period can make it arrive earlier due to uterine contractions. However, experts suggest that this is more likely a coincidence. If you were already expecting your period within a day, and it starts a few hours after sex, those contractions might have given it a little nudge. But if your period is still days or weeks away, sex isn’t going to fast-track its arrival.

What Factors Can Affect Menstrual Cycle

You might be wondering, what factors actually affect the menstrual cycle? Well, it can be influenced by a variety of causes, such as the following:

1Hormonal Contraceptives

If you’re currently taking hormonal birth control, such as birth control pills, implants, injectables, and hormonal IUDs, it’s normal for your cycle to change. They work by altering the levels of hormones in your body, specifically estrogen and progesterone, to prevent ovulation. This hormonal interference can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle, such as lighter, less painful periods or, in some cases, the complete absence of periods.

2Eating Disorders

People who have eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, may experience changes in their cycle. Malnutrition and severe weight loss can disrupt the balance of hormones necessary for a regular menstrual cycle and put your body into a state of conservation.

If you or someone you know is currently struggling with these disorders, please get help from mental health professionals, as they are equipped to provide the support and treatment necessary for recovery.

3Excessive Physical Activity

If you engage in intense physical training to keep yourself in shape or prepare for a competition, excessive exercise can have an impact your menstrual cycle.

Intense stress and low body fat percentage can lead to exercise-induced amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), in which the body diverts its focus on maintaining vital functions and muscle repair, leaving insufficient energy for reproductive processes. That said, balancing physical activity with adequate nutrition is crucial for maintaining a healthy cycle.

4Female Reproductive Health Issues

Various female reproductive health issues can affect the menstrual cycle, like Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). In this condition, the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40, resulting in irregular or missed periods. Women with POI may also experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

Another condition that could affect your cycle is perimenopause. It’s the natural transitional period before menopause, typically occurring in the late 40s and early 50s. During this time, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, leading to changes in the menstrual cycle. Periods may become irregular, heavier, or lighter, and women may experience other symptoms like hot flashes, bladder issues, mood swings, and libido changes.

There’s also the Asherman’s Syndrome or Uterine Scarring. This condition happens when scar tissue forms inside the uterus, often as a result of surgical procedures like dilation and curettage (D&C). The person affected may experience lighter periods, missed periods, or infertility.

5Other Health Conditions

Non-reproductive health conditions can also affect your cycle. For example, a person with hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can disrupt the balance of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Hyperthyroidism can cause lighter or less frequent periods, while hypothyroidism can lead to heavier and more frequent periods.

Unmanaged diabetes and Cushing’s syndrome(overproduction of cortisol or stress hormone) can also have an effect on your period, as these conditions disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for a regular cycle.

Downsides of Period Sex

Though period sex doesn’t affect your menstrual cycle, it still comes with some cons. Here are some of the things you should consider before getting it on during your red days.

1You’ll be dealing with extra mess.

The number one disadvantage of period sex is the mess. Unless you’re wearing a menstrual disc, blood will keep on flowing during the deed.

However, remember that this additional messiness is a natural aspect of menstruation and is nothing to be overly concerned about. It’s normal to feel self-conscious or worried about potential stains on the sheets due to your flow. In such cases, open communication with your partner is key. You can ask them if they’re comfortable with period sex and reassure them that the messiness is temporary.

To address concerns about staining bedding, consider using waterproof or dark-colored sheets that are less likely to show stains. Placing towels underneath you before engaging in intercourse can also help minimize mess and protect your bedding.

2There’s still the risk of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

A common myth about period sex is you don’t need to use condoms or any contraceptives. There’s some truth to this, as the first and second days of your menstruation are your least fertile state. However, it’s still possible to get pregnant when you have unprotected period sex after those days. The sperm can also survive in the uterus up to 5 days after the deed.

Not only that, but you can still contract sexually transmitted infections during your period of sex. To keep things safe, just put a rubber on it or use your preferred birth control method.

3Your genitals are extra sensitive, so you may feel discomfort in some moments.

Does your vulva and vagina feel extra sensitive during your red days? This could be a good thing, as you’ll feel more pleasure during period sex.

However, there are cases where too much action down there can lead to discomfort instead. That said, make sure to start with a slow and sensual approach when having period sex for the first time. You can then increase the pace and intensity as time goes on. You can also try non-penetrative activities like oral sex, fingering, and mutual masturbation.

Benefits of Period Sex

Though period sex has its drawbacks, we still highly recommend trying it. Trust us, the benefits outweigh the cons. Below are some of the reasons why you should give it a go.

1No lube? No problem!

One of the biggest concerns during any sex is lubrication, but you don’t have to worry about that when you’re on your period. How so? Because you can use your menstrual blood as additional lubrication! It can make spontaneous sexcapades more feasible and enjoyable without the need for lubricant.

2Orgasms are known to reduce menstrual pain.

Do you get those pesky menstrual cramps? Period sex can be a natural remedy to that.

When you climax, your body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. These endorphins can help alleviate the discomfort of cramps and other menstrual symptoms. Plus, the uterine contractions that occur during orgasm can help expel menstrual blood more quickly, potentially shortening the duration of your period.

3You may feel more pleasure during the deed.

As mentioned earlier, your genitals can feel extra sensitive during your period. And while other people may feel uncomfortable having sex because of that, some peeps actually see that as a win! Some people feel more pleasure when having sex during their period due to the heightened sensitivity.

Meanwhile, if you don’t feel extra sensitive during your red days but would want to experience just that, try stimulants. There are clitoral and vaginal gels, creams, and lube in the market that provide tingly, warming, and cooling sensations, making it sensitive to touch.

4It will improve your sleep quality.

Having some trouble sleeping during your period? Sex can be a fantastic way to combat that. The physical exertion during sex helps your body relax, and the release of hormones like oxytocin and prolactin after orgasm can promote better sleep. These hormones help you feel calm and content, making drifting off into a restful slumber easier. Orgasms also help relieve other symptoms, such as headaches and menstrual cramps that may distract your sleep.

5It will lighten up your mood.

Feeling irritable or sad during your red days? Consider doing the deed! The release of endorphins and oxytocin during sex makes you feel good, removing the bad juju in your mood. Being intimate and cuddly with your partner provides additional comfort, giving you much-needed good vibes.

Prefer to Skip Period Sex? Relax with Hormony

For those who aren’t interested in period sex and prefer to relax during those days, that’s totally okay! Don’t feel pressured to try something just because it’s been hyped up or because your partner is curious. Your body, your rules!

Now, for those looking for reliable pads and tampons, check out Hormony, a fantastic Philippine-based brand offering organic options. Not only are they great for your body, but they’re also kind to the planet with their biodegradable materials. Click here for more details and make your period care both comfy and eco-friendly!