Being on periods is one of the most dreadful parts of the month. The cramps, mood swings, acne, excessive hair growth are just synonyms for the misery that comes with periods. However, while we’re feeling all those feelings, it is believed that many women tend to feel romantic or sexual while they’re on periods.
It might seem strange, but we’re here to tell you that it’s completely normal! There are several aspects to why women feel romantic during periods. It can be hormonal, psychological, or just the craving for an emotional connection.
During the menstruation cycle, our hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA go haywire, which causes us to have mood swings. As per studies, the cyclical rise and fall of these hormones significantly affect our libido or sex drive and promote it to heighten.
At the beginning of periods, the estrogen level drops and then increases gradually, affecting our sex drive positively. At the same time, progesterone starts to drop, in the absence of which women might feel even more turned on.
Psychology is also believed to be a cause for increased sex drive and feeling romantic during periods. As per studies, women are less likely to feel sexual when they are chronically stressed.
Getting periods can be a relief for women who might be stressed about irregular or delayed periods. This relief can result in the development of sex drive in those women.
Another reason why women feel this way is that the blood flow to our pelvic and genital areas increases during periods. Those areas are prone to become sensitive due to increased circulation, causing an increased libido.
Is Sex During Periods Safe?
The answer is yes. Sex during periods should be performed just as it is done while not on periods. As per studies, most women find it perfectly normal to act on their feelings and engage in sexual activities while they’re on periods, either to relax or fulfil an emotional connection. Sex during periods should be performed just as it is done while not on periods.
Following are a few key takeaways from engaging in sexual activities during periods.
1) Natural Lubrication
Though the menstrual discharge supposedly provides enough lubrication in the area for seamless intercourse, you may use a water or silicone-based lubricant if needed.
2) Shorter Periods
Having intercourse can help in speeding up the process of shedding the lining from the uterus and menstrual discharge, which means shortened periods.
3) Relaxation and Stress Relief
During that time of the month, having intercourse can be very relaxing. Orgasms are known to release endorphins like oxytocin and dopamine, which can help you get relief from stress, anxiety, or depression.
4) Cramp Relief
When the uterus contracts to shed its lining, cramps are caused. However, orgasms help relax the contract muscles in the uterus, which can ease the tension in that area.
5) Migraine relief
Many women suffer from migraine when on periods. As per studies, engaging in sexual activities can relieve headaches and migraines.
6) Messy Affair
Intercourse during periods will always be a messy affair due to obvious reasons. Therefore, you should always keep towels and tissues handy, re-work the foreplay, use a menstrual cup for oral sex, and most importantly, be verbal with your partner about the functionality.
7) Risk of Contracting STIs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
It is very much possible to contract STIs like chlamydial infection, genital herpes, syphilis, etc., during periods. Therefore, you should not risk having unprotected intercourse.
8) Possibility of Pregnancy
Many women make the mistake of assuming that they can’t get pregnant during periods. You should always use protective or contraceptive measures during intercourse to avoid pregnancy unless you're trying to conceive.
Feeling romantic or sexual during periods is normal. But most women suppress that feeling instead of being vocal about it or acting on it. It is normal to think that our partner might not be into it, but we’d never find out if we don’t talk to them about it. And there’s always the option of going solo.
References
- Stefan Evers, Oliver Summ, April 2013; The impact of sexual activity on idiopathic headaches: an observational study - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23430983/
- Katherine R Allen, Abbie E Goldberg, December 2009; Sexual activity during menstruation: a qualitative study - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19350441/
- Lisa Dawn Hamilton, Cindy M. Meston, July 2013; Chronic stress and sexual function in women - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4199300/
