Yes, you can have sex during your period if you want to. Menstruation doesn't automatically make sexual activity unsafe and there are several ways to manage blood during intimacy.
A dark towel, a shower or a menstrual disc or single-use sponge specifically designed for penetrative sex may help reduce mess. None can guarantee completely mess-free sex, so the best approach depends on your comfort, preferences and the type of sexual activity.
You don't have to have penetrative sex either. External touch, masturbation, oral sex or other activities may feel better, particularly if you're experiencing cramps, tenderness or fatigue.
Contents
- Is period sex safe?
- 6 practical tips for period sex
- Which period products can you use during sex?
- What about toxic shock syndrome?
- Can you use a menstrual cup during sex?
- Pregnancy and STI protection during period sex
- Aftercare
Is period sex safe?
For most people, sex during a period is a personal choice and can be enjoyed safely when everyone involved wants it and feels comfortable.
Menstrual blood is a normal bodily fluid. It isn't dirty or something that needs to be washed out of the vagina after sex.
There are still a few things to keep in mind:
- Comfort comes first. If you have cramps, tenderness, irritation or pain, change what you're doing or stop.
- Consent still matters. Check in with each other and respect boundaries without pressure.
- Pregnancy is still possible. Having your period isn't a form of contraception.
- STIs can still be transmitted. Period sex doesn't remove the need for condoms, other barriers or STI testing where appropriate.
If either partner has a known sexually transmissible infection (STI) or blood-borne virus and you're unsure about precautions, speak with a GP or sexual health clinic.
If sex is repeatedly painful, causes unexpected bleeding or leaves you with ongoing discomfort, see a healthcare professional rather than simply trying to push through it. Our guide to painful intercourse explains some possible causes.
6 practical tips for period sex
1. Talk about what feels comfortable
A quick conversation beforehand can make things easier for everyone.
You might talk about:
- what kind of sexual activity you're both comfortable with
- how you feel about seeing period blood
- whether you'd like to use a towel, shower or period product
- contraception and STI protection
You don't need to justify wanting period sex, and you don't need to justify not wanting it either.
2. Put a towel down
An old or dark-coloured towel can help protect sheets and make clean-up easier.
If period sex is something you enjoy regularly, a washable waterproof mattress protector can add another layer of protection without having to change your routine each time.
3. Try the shower
Some people prefer period sex in the shower because rinsing away blood afterwards is simple.
Take care on slippery surfaces and remember that showering doesn't prevent pregnancy or STIs.
Water also isn't a substitute for personal lubricant. In fact, shower or bath water can wash away some natural lubrication, so you may still want to use a suitable lubricant.
4. Choose an activity or position that suits you
There's no single best position for period sex.
If you want penetrative sex, a position that lets you control depth, pressure or pace may feel more comfortable, particularly if you're experiencing cramps or pelvic tenderness.
External stimulation, oral sex, masturbation or other forms of intimacy are options too. Period sex doesn't have to mean penis-in-vagina sex.
5. Use lubricant if you need it
Menstrual fluid may provide some lubrication, but it doesn't guarantee there will be enough to prevent friction or discomfort.
Add lubricant if you need it.
If you're using latex condoms, avoid oil-based lubricants because oils can weaken latex and make condoms more likely to break.
If you're also using a menstrual disc, sponge, sex toy or another product, check its instructions for lubricant compatibility too.
Browse our personal lubricants or read our guide to choosing the right personal lubricant.
6. Consider a product designed for period sex
Some menstrual discs and single-use sponge-style products are specifically designed to be worn during penetrative vaginal sex.
These products sit high enough in the vagina to leave more room for penetration while collecting or absorbing menstrual flow.
They may reduce the amount of visible blood, but they can't guarantee completely mess-free sex. Fit, flow, movement, anatomy and the particular product all make a difference.
Explore our Period Sex collection.
Which period products can you use during sex?
Not every internal period product is suitable for penetrative sex.
| Period product | Can it be worn during penetrative vaginal sex? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Menstrual disc | β Yes | Most menstrual discs are designed to be worn during penetrative sex. Check the manufacturer's instructions for intercourse, lubricant and contraceptive compatibility, cleaning and maximum wear time. |
| Single-use menstrual sponge or soft tampon | β Yes | Choose a product specifically designed for use during sex, such as Beppy or Joy Division Soft Tampons. Follow the product's wear-time and removal instructions and never reuse a single-use sponge. |
| Reusable natural sea sponge | β No | Not recommend for penetrative sex. Choose a purpose-made single-use sponge instead. |
| Standard menstrual cup | β No | Remove a standard menstrual cup before penetrative vaginal sex. It sits in the vaginal canal and can interfere with penetration or cause discomfort. |
| Standard tampon with a string | β No | Remove it before vaginal penetration. Penetration can push a tampon further into the vagina and make removal more difficult. |
Important: No menstrual disc, sponge, cup or tampon is contraception and none protects against STIs.
Some menstrual disc manufacturers also give specific advice about combining their product with contraception. For example, Saalt says its disc can be worn during vaginal intercourse but can't guarantee that using it with a condom won't affect the condom's integrity. Check the instructions for your exact disc rather than assuming every disc and contraceptive combination is the same.
If you're using a disc during sex for the first time, it can be useful to practise inserting and removing it before relying on it for intimacy.
Read our guides to using a menstrual disc, menstrual sponges and the menstrual disc comparison chart.
If you have an IUD, also read our guide to using menstrual cups or discs with an IUD and follow the advice of the clinician who manages your contraception.
What about reusable menstrual sea sponges?
Reusable natural sea sponges are different from purpose-made single-use sponge products such as Beppy or Joy Division Soft Tampons.
Some single-use products are specifically manufactured for period sex. A reusable sea sponge should only be used during penetration if its manufacturer explicitly approves that use.
Period Shop's current Natural Intimacy reusable sea sponge instructions don't specify penetrative sex as an intended use, so we recommend choosing a menstrual disc or a single-use sponge designed for intimacy instead.
A sponge can also move higher during sex and may be harder to reach afterwards.
What about toxic shock syndrome?
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare but serious. It has been associated with internal menstrual products including tampons and menstrual cups, and some sponge-style tampon manufacturers also include TSS warnings with their products.
The practical rule is to follow the maximum wear time and safety instructions supplied with the exact product you're using. Don't extend wear time because you're out for the evening, sleeping or don't want to interrupt sex to change a product.
For example, Beppy instructs users not to wear its single-use sponge for more than 8 hours.
Possible symptoms of TSS can include:
- a sudden high temperature
- vomiting or diarrhoea
- dizziness or feeling faint
- confusion
- muscle aches
- a red rash
If you develop symptoms that make you concerned about TSS while using an internal menstrual product, remove it if you can do so promptly and seek urgent medical care.
Read our guide to toxic shock syndrome for more information.
Can you use a menstrual cup during sex?
A standard menstrual cup should be removed before penetrative vaginal sex.
Unlike a menstrual disc, which sits high around the cervix, a cup sits lower in the vaginal canal. That means it occupies the same space needed for penetration.
Trying to push a cup further inside to create room isn't recommended and may cause discomfort or make the cup more difficult to remove.
If you want an internal product that can stay in place during penetrative sex, choose a menstrual disc or single-use menstrual sponge whose manufacturer specifically permits intercourse.
You can continue using your menstrual cup normally at other times during your period.
Pregnancy and STI protection during period sex
Can you get pregnant during your period?
Yes. Having your period doesn't guarantee that pregnancy can't occur.
Sperm can survive inside the reproductive tract for up to about 5 days. If you have a shorter or irregular menstrual cycle and ovulate soon after your period, sperm from sex during menstruation may still be present when an egg is released.
If you don't want to become pregnant, use reliable contraception rather than relying on where you think you are in your cycle.
See our guide to contraception options in Australia.
Can you get an STI during period sex?
Yes. Sexually transmissible infections can still be passed on while you're menstruating.
Condoms and other appropriate barriers can reduce the risk of many STIs. Use a new condom for each act of sex and make sure any lubricant you use is compatible with the condom material.
Regular STI testing can also be an important part of sexual healthcare depending on your circumstances and partners.
What if a condom breaks or you have unprotected sex?
If pregnancy or HIV exposure is a concern, timing matters.
In Australia:
- Levonorgestrel emergency contraception: can be used up to 72 hours, or 3 days, after unprotected sex and works best when taken as soon as possible.
- Ulipristal acetate emergency contraception: can be used up to 120 hours, or 5 days, afterwards.
- Copper IUD: can be inserted by a trained healthcare professional within 5 days of unprotected sex and is the most effective form of emergency contraception.
- HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): needs to be started within 72 hours of a possible HIV exposure, and sooner is better.
Emergency contraceptive pills are available from pharmacies without a prescription. A GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic can help you work out which option is appropriate.
PEP is available through sexual health services and most public hospital emergency departments.
If you're concerned about STI exposure, a sexual health clinic or GP can also advise on appropriate testing and whether any other treatment or vaccination is needed.
Aftercare
After sex, check in with how you feel and remove or clean any period product according to its instructions.
You can gently rinse the external genital area, or vulva, with water if you'd like.
There's no need to wash or douche inside the vagina after sex. Douching can irritate vaginal tissue and disturb the normal vaginal environment.
Read Is douching healthy for your vagina? for more information.
Reusable products should be cleaned exactly as their manufacturer recommends. Single-use menstrual sponges or soft tampons should be discarded after use and never washed and reused.
See a GP or sexual health clinician if you experience ongoing pain, unusual discharge or odour, persistent irritation, bleeding that isn't your usual period or other symptoms that concern you.
The bottom line
You can have sex during your period if you and your partner want to. There's no need to treat menstrual blood as dirty or embarrassing, but comfort, consent, contraception and STI protection still matter.
If you'd like to reduce visible blood, a towel is the simplest option. For penetrative sex, some menstrual discs and purpose-made single-use sponge products can also be worn during intercourse.
Use only products whose instructions permit sex, follow their wear-time and cleaning directions and remember that no menstrual product replaces contraception or STI protection.
Explore our Period Sex collection or compare different reusable options in the Menstrual Products Comparison Hub.
Related blogs
- How to use a menstrual disc
- Everything you need to know about period sponges
- How to choose between a menstrual cup, disc or sponge
- How to deal with vaginal dryness
- Choosing the right personal lubricant
Sources and further reading
- healthdirect: Safe sex, emergency contraception and HIV PEP
- healthdirect: Condoms
- healthdirect: Emergency contraception pill
- healthdirect: Planning for pregnancy
- healthdirect: Toxic shock syndrome
- Saalt: Menstrual Disc instructions
- Beppy: Soft tampon safety and wear information
This article provides general educational information and isn't a substitute for individual medical or sexual health advice. Follow the instructions supplied with the products and contraception you use and speak with a qualified healthcare professional if you have concerns.