by Carol Morris from Lunette
“Start by having an honest and upfront chat to your partner. There may be mess. There will be blood. But you’re horny as hell (and have cramps, a headache and blah mood) and want them to help you out *cue sexy face here*!”
Let’s face it when you’re curled up on the couch in your baggy trackies and licking the last bit of chocolate off your fingers before starting your next Netflix binge, period sex is the last thing on your mind.
Attitudes are slowly shifting and most of the population are still getting their head around #WeBleed and #PeriodPositivity. But embracing, and even promoting having sex on your period? Let’s talk about it!
Carol Morris from Lunette menstrual cups gave us the low down on why getting ‘down and dirty’ during shark week is a bloody good idea.
“In many cultures, periods have traditionally been seen as a time of cleansing and rejuvenation, and due to the ‘unclean’ attitudes towards the whole process the idea of sex during menstruation was a big no-no”, says Morris.
Attitudes are shifting though. In a survey by Simpatic.us of over 500 women, 30% said that they feel like having sex on their period more than at any other time. And what’s more, around a third of couples interviewed said they were keen to give it a (red hot) go!
And there could be some added health benefits as well. Menstrual symptoms are one of the most reported medical complaints to a GP from women, with up to 15% suffering from extreme period pain (called dysmenorrhea) requiring pain medication.
However, when you orgasm you improve blood flow to your genitals, and the rhythmic contractions of smooth muscle act like foreplay and sex can actually ease your cramps and headaches.
Have you experienced a slump in energy in the first few days on your period? Well, there’s a nice little hack here friends, enter period sex!
Reaching orgasm through either sex or masturbation relaxes your brain and releases the good stuff such as endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, which are all linked to making you feel happy and more in touch with yourself.
And the cherry on the cake – it also helps you have better quality sleep. And’s let’s face it, we could all do with more zzz’s.
“If you haven’t already embraced the joys and benefits of period sex, start gently,” says Morris. “The biggest hurdle to get your head around is the mess because of course there will be a certain amount of blood involved. Although completely normal, seeing period blood can be a bit scary to the uninitiated.”
Start by having an honest and upfront chat to your partner. There may be mess. There will be blood. But you’re horny as hell (and have cramps, a headache and blah mood) and want them to help you out *cue sexy face here*! Then head to the shower. While the shower water often washes away your natural lubricants and can make you dry, the period blood actually gives you more glide.
If you’re trying period sex for the first time in the bedroom, slip some dark towels under you and you might like to dim the lights, then simply pop the towels in the wash when you’re done. No squeamish freakouts needed!
If you’re not feeling it, period sex also doesn’t have to involve penetration. If you already feel like your cervix and your uterus is feeling a little too sensitive in the initial heavy days and can’t stand the thought of something else inside you, grab some clitoral sex toys instead. And if you use a menstrual cup you and your partner can enjoy oral sex instead, with no tampon strings in the way.
That way your menstrual cup can stay right where it is. No mess. No-fuss. But if things do get hot and heavy and you end up wanting penetration, make sure you remove your menstrual cup first!
If you don’t have a partner or just want to explore period play on your own? Go ahead and grab your favourite sex toy, pleasure yourself (whatever gets the job done), and make sure you’re relaxed! Spending a little extra ‘me time’ before bed will put a spring in your step and a smile on your face the next day!
“Listening to your body is especially important during your menstrual cycle, not everybody will want to get hot ‘n heavy and we all have our own ways to reach that “O” says Morris. However you do it, period sex is a beautiful way to connect with your boyf or girlf, so maybe it’s time to dial up the heat and get a lil messy.
