Breaking the Stigma of Having Sex on Your Period
Whether you’ve started having sex, you’re thinking about it, or you’re just curious, it’s normal to have questions about how periods might affect things. And we do have to talk about it.
This is a guest blog written by Molly Fenton, a young activist and the founder of the Love Your Period Campaign.
Breaking the stigma
There’s a lot of awkwardness and confusion around periods and sex, understandably! Both topics are shrouded in so much stigma that has been around for a long time.
This blog is here to break it down in a way that answers the questions and helps you overcome some shame by giving you the information you need.
Can you have sex on your period?
Yes! It’s a personal choice, and it’s totally fine to say yes or no depending on what feels right for you.
For some people, period sex can relieve cramps and help with mood because endorphins are released! Those are your happy hormones.
Other people might feel uncomfortable, messy, or just not into it. That’s okay too.
Talking about it matters. Whether that’s finding your boundaries, taking it slow and reviewing along the way, or letting your partner know you want to wait until your period is over.
Remember that consent is always key. Your partner should always respect your choice, and vice versa, whether you want to have sex or not, on or off your period.
Does period sex change anything?
Having sex on your period doesn’t change your body, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Protection is still important. You can still get pregnant (a common myth is that you can’t) or catch an STI, even during your period.
Hygiene matters. Using a towel, washing up before and after, and being open about comfort levels by having conversations beforehand can be helpful for all.
Be conscious of infections such as toxic shock syndrome (TSS). If you use tampons or menstrual cups, make sure to remove them before sex to reduce the risk of any infections.
It’s your body!
Your body is your own. Whether you feel confident, curious, embarrassed, or totally not interested, your feelings are valid. The most important thing is knowing the facts, trusting your instincts, and never doing anything you’re not 100% comfortable with.
Support from Meic
This blog has been written by Molly Fenton, a young activist and founder of the Love Your Period Campaign. Read more blogs from the campaign.
Meic want to amplify young people’s voices across Wales, using our platform to co-produce meaningful content that truly reflects their experiences and helps drive positive change. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Love Your Period to create our “Love Your Period” campaign.
The Love Your Period Campaign aims to end period poverty by ensuring free access to menstrual products and to combat period stigma through better education and open conversations. It strives to make periods a normal, accepted topic, ensuring everyone has dignity and support during menstruation.
Affected by anything you read about in this blog? Reach out to our friendly advisors on the Meic helpline. Meic is there for children and young people in Wales to get free information, advice, and advocacy every day from 8am to midnight. We’re someone on your side.
