By Susan Reznik (text) & Silja Elsener (illustration)
Even though we're finally talking about it more publicly, menstruation is still quite taboo. Sex during your period? Double taboo!
Taboos and myths surrounding period sex
We all know stale jokes like “A real pirate also sails into the Red Sea”. This subtly expresses disgust towards sex during periods. In addition, there are still many myths surrounding the topic: a survey by Strawberry Week from 2017, for example, still showed that 53% of young participants in the They believe that menstruation serves as a method of contraception.
Sex is good, even during your period
Many menstruating people feel a great desire for sex, especially during their period. One of the reasons for this is that during our period the vagina and clitoris are better supplied with blood and are therefore more sensitive to touch.
Sex during your period also has positive side effects: orgasms can provide relaxation for menstrual cramps. And the ability to orgasm is even increased due to the increased blood flow throughout the entire uterine area. In addition, pain is inhibited, at least temporarily, by the release of happiness hormones. If you experience heavy bleeding after sex, there is no need to worry. This can happen because it encourages the shedding of the uterine lining. This can also cause periods to become shorter.
Our 4 tips for relaxed period sex
1. Communicate openly
Tell your partner that you are currently on your period. So you can decide together whether and how you want to live out your desire.
2. Find the right tools
If you and your partner feel like it, you can put a fluffy cloth underneath so that your bed linen doesn't have a red speckled look.
But if you want to leave it completely unstained, then a soft tampon is a good option.Soft tampons are actually not a new invention when it comes to cycle products.The soft counterpart to the traditional tampon has been in use among sex workers for a long time. This is because a soft tampon, thanks to its soft nature, enables penetrative sex and absorbs the bleeding at the same time. The tampon is not noticeable for both partners and prevents blood stains.
3. Consider alternatives to the bed
Perhaps you would like to try out the bathtub or shower as a place of pleasure? The warm water can do you extra good during your period and any blood can be easily washed away.
4. Find the right position
Shortly before your period, the cervix slips deeper into the vagina and becomes hard. That's why deep penetrative sex may hurt a little. So find the right position that feels good for you. Maybe the spooning position for a lot of security? And nothing presses on your stomach.
Whether you feel like it or don't like it. Both are completely okay and normal!
Maybe you don't feel like having sex during your period. This is of course completely normal and okay. Because while some have a great desire for intimacy during their period, for others just the idea of it makes them run away.
Last but not least: solo sex
Oh yes, when we talk about sex, we also mean solo sex. So if you feel like it but don't want to share it with anyone else or don't have anyone to help you, just do it yourself! ;) (Perhaps with our