Benefits, risks, and tips for safe sex during menstruation & bull; hello healthy

For some people, having sex during menstruation is feared because it is still considered taboo. But it turns out, there are many interesting facts about having sex during menstruation that maybe not many are known about. Instead of just guessing, here are the things you need to know about sex during menstruation.

Benefits of having sex during menstruation

Making love has many health benefits. Likewise, if having sex during menstruation. However, the benefits you can get may be a little different.

Relieve cramps

Stomach cramps are a symptom of PMS most women who are menstruating. Cramps occur because the uterus contracts to shed its lining.

Well, the facts in the field say that orgasm can relieve menstrual cramps. This is because the uterus also contracts during sex to shed its tissue. However, you will not feel the usual pain because your mind is distracted by the pleasure of sex.

At the same time, sex triggers the brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are happiness-giving hormones that can take your mind off the moderate pain you are feeling.

Menstruation is shorter

When you regularly have sex while menstruating, the uterine muscles will contract more often. The uterine contractions are especially intense during orgasm.

This condition allows the lining of the uterus to shed more quickly because it is continuously stimulated to release. As a result, your usually long period ends faster than usual.

Relieve headaches

One of the symptoms that often appear during menstruation is headaches. Well, having sex can help relieve headaches when you're menstruating.

This is evidenced by research published in The Journal of Headache and Pain. Menstrual women who experience migraines report feeling lighter headaches after sex.

Although the relationship is not clear, endorphins are thought to play a strong role in this.

Sex doesn't hurt

The key to painless, enjoyable sex is lubrication in the vagina. When the vagina is "wet" enough, it will be easier for the penis to enter without causing pain or cramps.

During menstruation, blood can be a natural lubricant for the vagina which makes the surrounding area more slippery.

Risks of having sex during menstruation

But besides the benefits, having sex during menstruation also has risks that cannot be ignored.

1. Risk of disease transmission

Having sex during your period by forgetting the principles of safe sex can put you at a higher risk of catching and transmitting infections.

Sexually transmitted diseases related to menstruation are types that are transmitted through blood, such as HIV and hepatitis. The two types of viruses can live in body fluids, both blood and natural fluids from the vagina and penis.

If you don't have the disease but your partner is positive, you are at risk of catching the disease from him if you have sex during your menstrual period without a condom. This is because your cervix will open slightly during your period, which allows the virus to pass through.

In addition, the pH level of the vagina during menstruation will be higher than blood, which makes disease germs multiply faster.

Conversely, if you are positive but a healthy partner, he can catch the disease from you. The virus can be spread through contact with infected menstrual blood.

The route of transmission of sexually transmitted infections from sexual intercourse during menstruation can also be through oral, vaginal, anal, or anal sex. Therefore, always use a condom when having sex to keep it safe and at least risky. Condoms help protect yourself and prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections through blood or other body fluids.

2. Dirty the bed

Besides the risk of passing on the infection, sex during menstruation will be more troublesome than usual. The reason is, blood can stain the mattress, sheets, blankets, and even hit the partner's body. Especially if you have sex when menstrual blood is heavy.

Many people avoid having sex during menstruation because they are worried about menstrual blood that has spilled everywhere. This in turn can make sex less enjoyable.

Can having sex during menstruation make you pregnant?

Maybe you are wondering, can you get pregnant when having sex during your period? The answer can be. However, the chances were indeed slim.

You have a very high chance of getting pregnant if you have sex during ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs in the middle of the cycle, which is about 2 weeks before menstruation starts. When it is menstruation, it means that ovulation is complete.

However, the cycle length of each woman is different and can change every month. Then the chances of getting pregnant cannot be completely predicted. There is still the possibility of getting pregnant from having sex during menstruation, so you still need to be careful.

Sperm that have entered the body can also stay alive for about seven days. If you, for example, have the shortest cycle of 21 days and ovulate after your period, your chances of getting pregnant are higher. The reason is, there is a possibility that the egg will come out while the sperm is still in your reproductive tract.

Tips for having sex during menstruation

So that sex during menstruation is more enjoyable and you and your partner avoid unwanted problems, here are some tips:

Remove the tampon first

For those of you who use tampons, don't forget to remove them before having sex during menstruation. A tampon that you forgot to remove can be pushed deep into your vagina. This can make it difficult for you to get it out.

If tampons stay in your body for too long, you are at risk for a variety of problems ranging from abnormal vaginal discharge to infection. In addition, you also need a doctor's help to remove it.

Choose a time when menstruation is not too heavy

Having sex during your period requires several strategies. One of them is so that sex becomes more comfortable, try to do it when menstrual blood flow starts to a little.

You can do this in the days leading up to the end so that sex won't dirty the bed. In addition, you also will not feel anxious about menstrual blood that may be messy.

Line the mattress

Using a mattress pad helps to keep the bed clean and free from blood stains. Use a mattress base such as perlak which can hold the liquid so it does not seep into the mattress. Also prepare a tissue near you so that it is easy to take whenever needed to wipe the blood or sperm fluid that comes out.

Choose a comfortable sex position

Missionary sex position is a position where men are on top and women are below. This position can be used as an option to help reduce blood flow that comes out during intercourse during menstruation.

However, you also need to limit yourself so you don't penetrate too deeply. The reason is, too deep penetration can hit the cervix. This is because the cervix is positioned lower and more sensitive during menstruation.

Don't hesitate to tell your partner when sex starts to feel painful or unpleasant. If it can be continued, ask your partner to move slowly.

Try other sex variants

Sex does not always have to be through vaginal, oral, or anal. You can also engage in other sexual activities such as making out, kissing, or cuddling. You can also make your partner aroused by playing with his penis.

In addition, another way you can try is having sex while you shower. This means that you and your partner bathe together while making out without worrying about dirtying the mattress. If you have bath tub, You can soak together to still feel the joy of making love.

Using condoms

Condoms are one of the items that should be used when having sex whether you are menstruating or not. The reason is, condoms can adequately protect you and your partner from the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

To be effective, you and your partner need to know how to use condoms correctly. Make sure to buy a product that is the right size, not too small or too big. Then, use it according to the directions listed on the packaging.