Having sex during your menstrual period can help you shed menstrual blood faster.
Organism causes the uterus to contract, pumping out menstrual blood at an increased rate, which could shorten the menstrual period by a few days. Having sex during the menstrual period is safe and may provide some health benefits, but normal safe sex practices should still be observed.
Other practices that trigger uterine contractions, such as those recommended for inducing labor naturally, may also help to shed the uterine lining faster.
Benefits of Having Sex While Menstruating
Endorphins released during orgasm can provide pain relief from menstrual cramps. According to Kellie Flood-Shaffer, MD, associate professor and division director of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, "Menstrual blood actually makes a very nice lubricant and may enhance sexual satisfaction for some couples."
Couples in long-term committed relationships may feel comfortable omitting condoms during menstruation sex if they would otherwise use them as protection against pregnancy. Although you can still contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD) during your period, according to Dr. Flood Shaffer, "generally speaking, this is a very safe time to have intercourse if you’re trying to avoid pregnancy." However, she adds that, although rare, there are reported cases of pregnancy in couples who only had sex during the menstrual period.
According to Susan Perry and Jim Dawson, authors of The Secrets Our Body Clocks Reveal, female athletes have reported improved physical performance during their menstrual periods. The authors cited exercise, in general, as a factor in reducing the monthly menstrual flow.
On the other hand, according to Perry and Dawson, some studies suggest that women are more susceptible to viral infections during the second half of their menstrual cycles from ovulation through end-of-the cycle bleeding.
Concerns with Safety and Cleanliness
If letting the menstrual flow flow during sex is unappealing to the couple, they can use several methods to make less of a mess:
- Place a towel underneath,
- Keep a moist cloth nearby for clean up afterward,
- Take a shower afterward,
- Have sex in the shower, or
- Wear a cervical cap or diaphragm during sex.
Herbs to Reduce the Menstrual Flow
For reducing overall blood flow, herbalists have traditionally recommended Cramp Bark to treat heavy menstruation and menstrual cramps. The bark relaxes the uterus and reduces the flow of blood. Shepherd's Purse constricts blood flow to the uterus and is used to control excessive bleeding during menstruation and the postpartum period after childbirth. Chasteberry affects female hormonal levels and is used to treat menstrual disorders.
Using herbs could have undesirable side effects and should only be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Having sex during your period is generally safe and can provide relief from menstrual cramps and a shorter period of bleeding.
Perry, Susan and Jim Dawson. The Secrets Our Body Clocks Reveal. Scribner, 1998.
Russo, Juniper. "Herbs to Shorten the Menstrual Cycle." LiveStrong.com, May 2010.
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