Typically, the only barrier to sex during a period is personal comfort.
Havingperiod sexmay be beneficial to the person menstruating; for example, it can reduce painful cramps throughorgasms.
Bleeding does not mitigate the risk.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Some viruses, likeHIVandhepatitis, live in the blood, so there’s a higher risk of STI transmission.
Contact withmenstrual bloodcarrying HIV or hepatitis can spread the virus.
How to Prevent STI Transmission
Everyone who is sexually active is at risk of contracting STIs.
In 2018, 26 million new cases were diagnosed in the United States.
Signs andsymptomsof STIs range in severity and length.
Other common genital conditions, likeyeast infections, allergic reactions, orbacteria vaginosis, share similar symptoms.
Some viruses won’t show up soon after exposure.
Besides understanding safe period sex practices, there are a few other things to consider.
The peak ovulation window is about 12 to 14 days before your period.
Potential Benefits
For some women, having sex during their period can bring heightened pleasure.
For starters, blood is a natural lubricant.
In theory, period sex also may help with migraines due to hormonal changes.
However, period sex does not exclude anyone from getting pregnant or contracting/transmitting STIs.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HIV testing.
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