Features
Sex and the Campus: Sex, Period.
By Kate Cieplicki ’16
October 1, 2015
Being on the rag doesn’t mean you can’t bag.
TMI moment of the week: I often feel extremely unsexy during my period. My stomach bloats, my skin breaks out, I crave odd foods and I get emotional about odd things including, but not limited to work, school, how adorable farm animals are and the Despicable Me movies. Though sometimes I feel thoroughly not myself during my period (thanks, hormones), one thing about me stays the same: I like having sex.
Though periods can be unsexy, I’ve learned that sex on my period doesn’t have to be. I encourage all of my menstruating readers not to shy away from sexual urges during “that time of the month” and instead explore period sex in a relationship or hook-up setting. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so for religious and/ or personal reasons, that’s chill, and the information in this article probably won’t appeal to you. You have been warned.
There are certainly some benefits of going with the flow, so to speak. Having an orgasm while menstruating not only feels amazing and distracts from period woes, but the oxytocin, dopamine and endorphins released during orgasm can allegedly ease cramps. I think it’s worth testing this theory.
Menstrual blood also provides a convenient (though, of course, a messy) natural lubrication. Yes, it sounds icky, but throw down a dark towel and take a shower after, and you’ll have all the benefits with only a little of the risk. If you’re really worried about the mess, get frisky in the shower!
If some of you shy away from penetrative sex during “that time of the month,” you can leave in a tampon and rely on clitoral stimulation from either yourself or a partner to get off. Make sure the string isn’t awkwardly rubbing and you’re good to go with all of the pleasruable benefits and none of the mess!
Though period sex is healthy and safe, there are a few health-issues to keep in mind. Women can still get pregnant on their period so an effective use of birth control is still absolutely essential. Another legitimate danger of period sex is that women are more susceptible to STDs during their period because the cervix is more open. So unless you and your partner both have clear STD records, play it safe and use a condom. Female condoms during this time of month can help stem blood flow so consider adding that to your routine.
Experimenting with period sex may seem easier in a relationship (someone who has seen you scarf an entire Chipotle burrito can handle a little blood); however, period sex can also happen in a casual hook-up setting. In either case, transparency is key. As things get hot and heated, a short warning: “I’m on my period but I want to do X, Y and Z” is highly effective (and not a total mood killer). Either your partner will be down (likely) or weirded out (less likely). If your sexual partner is not ready to get off at menstruation station, they are the one missing out and probably less adventurous in other aspects of bed.
No matter what your sexual choices are on your period, remember this: menstruation is natural and nothing to be ashamed of. Though natural, periods can certainly bring down a week with bloating, breaking out, cravings and mood swings. These side effects are enough inconvenience, so I encourage you all not to let menstruation interfere with your sex life as well!