Here's how period sex can cure cramps - Gynaecologist explains

Regardless of a person's period archetype, increased sexual desire is pretty common before and during menstruation. It doesn't happen to everyone, but the phenomenon of feeling hot and bothered during that time of the month is not uncommon.

Although period sex is usually perceived as nasty and abominable, having sex can be more fun than your regular routine. Yes, you heard right: Once you know how to have sex on your period, your time of the month won’t stop you from enjoying the best of life.

Having penetrative and non-penetrative intercourse while menstruating is totally fine, as long as you’re comfortable and in the mood. For centuries, women have struggled with shame surrounding both their sensuality and menstruation.

There is no biological reason to feel bad about either of these things together or separately. In fact, there are many mental and physical health benefits to engaging in period sex if you and your partner are comfortable with it.

Gynaecologist, Dr Isaac Tettey has highlighted some benefits of having sex during menstruation.

According to him, contrary to popular claims that period sex is nasty and abominable, having them is actually good and healthy.

"There is a huge number of people whose libido increases during menstruation and when you experience this increase in libido, it only means that the chances of having satisfactory intercourse will be higher. So denying such people sex means that menstruation will be quite challenging for them," he said.

He added that "For some people, having intercourse during their period help reduce pains. That's what's term as dysmenorrhea ( severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain during your period). So, having intercourse help release some chemicals called endorphins and they help reduce the pain. For some people, the pain is severe that sex becomes a direct therapy."

5 period sex tips for beginners

Wondering how to have sex on your period and not sure where to start? In addition to talking to your partner to decide what’s comfortable for everyone, here are a few tips and tricks.

Use a towel

No one likes to stain their sheets. Luckily, that’s easily solved with a towel. Simply lay a towel down on your bed before you get started and throw them in the washing machine afterwards. We would recommend choosing a dark-coloured or red towel

Try period sex in the shower

Not interested in any mess at all? Try period sex in the shower. Unlike regular period sex, during which the vagina’s natural lubrication can wash away, menstrual blood will provide just the right amount of lubricant. Since you’re in the shower, the blood will be a lot less visible, and no clean up necessary.

Use birth control and practise safe sex

Just because you’re menstruating does not mean that you cannot get pregnant. Though the chances of pregnancy are lower than at other phases in your menstrual cycle, over 30% of women have irregular cycles. This means that you may not know exactly when you are menstruating and when you are ovulating. Please speak with a gynaecologist to find the right birth control for you.

Keep in mind that not all birth control methods prevent STI transmission. Again, check with a licensed medical professional on how to practice safe relations - whether or not it’s period sex.