To avoid stained sheets (her patients’ biggest concern), she recommends putting a towel down on the bed, or getting busy in the shower. And don’t be concerned if you see dark red or brown clumps during or after sex; that’s just older blood and cells of your uterine lining, and it’s perfectly normal.
You might like it—a lot
Arousal is different for every woman, and some may be too distracted by their period and its annoyances to actually get in the mood for sex. But for others, menstruation could actually be a turn-on of sorts. That’s because your estrogen and testosterone are low on day 1, but they start to rise by day 3. “Some women report they feel more aroused and more sensitive around this time,” says Ford says.
Plus, your flow can serve as extra lubrication during sex, which can also increase pleasure. If you typically buy lubricant online to help with dryness during sex, this may be your week to go natural. And some research suggests that orgasms can even relieve menstrual cramping PMS.
Women shouldn’t assume their partner will be grossed out by their period. In fact, it’s often the person who’s menstruating who puts a stop to sex, not her other half, Ford says. Every couple is different, and some people will be more open to it than others. If you’re curious what your partner might think, however, don’t spring it on him or her in the heat of the moment—bring it up before things get hot and heavy. “Good communication can lead to great sex at any time during the month,” she says.
You can minimize the mess
Buy menstrual cup and wear it or a female condom online can help reduce the amount of blood that might come out during intercourse. If you're not comfortable using one of them, even a regular non-latex condom can make cleanup easier—for your partner, at least. Having sex in the missionary position, with the woman on her back, can also limit blood flow (thanks, gravity!), as can having sex toward the end of your period when your flow is lighter.
You’ve got options
If you’re not into intercourse during your period, there’s no reason you can’t still enjoy other sexual encounters (mess free!). “She can wear a tampon and the focus can be on the clitoris,” says Ford, and she can still help her partner orgasm with manual or oral stimulation.
Don’t forget protection
You can still get pregnant if you have sex while on your period. “Some periods last more than a week and sometimes a woman’s ovulation can overlap with menstruation.” Ovulation in a woman can easily be found once you buy ovulation test kits and use those which are available in the market. On top of that, sperm can live for 3 to 5 days. If you’re on birth control and taking it as directed, you should be fine—but if you aren’t, don’t chance it without another form of protection.
You’ll also need a form of barrier protection if you don’t know your partner’s STD status. Because the cervix is more open during this time of the month (which allows the blood to pass), you have a slightly higher risk of infection from exposure to a sexually transmitted disease during unprotected sex, Ford says.
There is one caveat, though:
Safe sex is even more crucial during your period. Your risks of sexually transmitted diseases and infections are higher than normal during this time because the cervix opens to allow blood to pass through. Unfortunately, this creates the perfect pathway for bacteria to travel deep inside the pelvic cavity. You are also more likely to pass on blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis to a partner during your period and more likely to develop yeast or bacterial infections because the vagina's pH during menstruation is less acidic. Finally, there is still a chance that you could get pregnant during your period (unless you're on the pill), so don't assume it's safe to forgo contraception.
Try other activities
If you aren’t in the mood for intercourse, don’t give in to pressure. However, you can still reap the feel-good benefits of orgasm through masturbation. You can even enjoy oral sex during your period; it’s perfectly safe and healthy when you buy best quality condoms online in India — although, as I said above, it’s very important to practice safer sex techniques (like using a dental dam).