Natracare’s 5 Top Tips for Having Period Sex - Guest Blog

When you’re on your period, your hormones fluctuate, and your emotions might be affected by this. For some this might mean feeling teary or easily agitated, for others it might mean feeling more aroused. Increased arousal during your period can stem from many different reasons – whether that’s needing intimacy and closeness, wanting to get rid of period pains, or just wanting to feel good. For a long time, sex during menstruation was seen as unclean or even ‘disgusting’, but no one should be made to feel ashamed about their sexual preferences, their period, or intimate health.

Whether or not you want to experiment with sex during your period is totally personal preference. If you don’t want to try it, there’s no reason to have to. But equally if you do, that’s fine too and there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy sex at any time of the month! If it’s your first time exploring period sex, here are five tips for making the most of it:

1. An old towel is your new best friend

We all know that periods can be messy (period leaks, we’re looking at you!), then add sex into the equation and whilst all the rolling around and enjoying yourself in the throes of passion is great, you’ll probably need a clean-up afterwards. To save yourself from any distractions or extra laundry, we recommend laying down an old towel or using dark sheets. This might not always be available, or the heat of the moment might mean you forget, so try to remember that a little period blood stain never hurt anyone!

2. Take it slow

For some people, period sex can be a great pain relief method thanks to the release of endorphins. But for others, it can make PMS symptoms worse. If you suffer from headaches, sore breasts or back pain, period sex might not be enjoyable for you, and that’s ok. If you do want to experiment with it, start slowly and ease your way into it on the first time, communicating clearly with the person you’re having sex with about what feels good and what doesn’t. If the sex isn’t enjoyable because of pain (or any other reason for that matter), stop. You can always revisit when you’re feeling a little better if you want to.

3. Penetrative sex isn’t your only option

If vaginal penetration during your period doesn’t appeal but you still want some stimulation or an orgasm, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy sex! Whether that’s through masturbation, oral, massage, anal, or any other forms of affection that you enjoy. If you’re having anal sex, we recommend using the YES organic and natural anal lubricant –YES BUT

4. Protect yourself

While you’re not ovulating during your period, you should still use contraception if you don’t want to get pregnant. While less likely, it is possible to get pregnant while you’re on your period, so it’s best to be safe and sure. What’s more, you’re still at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection during your period, and it’s important to protect yourself from these too. If you use condoms for contraception, make sure you choose a water-based lube as these are condom compatible, while oil-based lubricants are not. 

5. Do what feels good

Period sex can be quite polarising; some people swear by it, while others would rather just use their bed for catching up on sleep during menstruation. Whatever your preference, that’s fine either way. Just remember, period sex is not gross, and it can be really fun or liberating. But if it’s not for you, it doesn’t make you any less of a feminist. Doing what feels good for you and the person you’re having sex with, mutually, is the most liberating thing you can do in the bedroom!

Natracare started in 1989 when founder, Susie Hewson, created the world’s first 100% organic cotton tampon. Since then, Natracare has been designing and producing products that are kind to our bodies and the planet. Natracare products are plastic free, biodegradable, and compostable, just the way they should be!