Is it weird to feel hornier than usual during my period?

Dear menses maiden,    

You and your friends are definitely not “just weird”: Although not everyone experiences menstruation the same way, it can be common for hormonal and physical changes to make you feel extra horny on your period. Continue reading to unpack why your ”time of the month” might also be prime time for sex and self-love.  

How are sexual desire and the menstrual cycle related?  

There are many reasons why you might feel sexual desire, but one of the reasons for the boost in your drive could be your hormones. The hormones in your body fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, which is why you might feel more hot and bothered at specific points in your cycle.  

Estrogen, which is a hormone that increases towards the beginning of your cycle and peaks during ovulation, can increase energy and sexual desire. This is why it’s common for people to feel more turned on around ovulation, when their estrogen levels are highest. Progesterone, which increases after ovulation, can have the opposite effect. Because of this effect, when progesterone production drops at the beginning of their cycle (when the period starts), some people might experience an increase in sexual desire.  

Are there other reasons why you might feel more sexual desire during your period? 

Yes! Sexual desire is influenced by a lot of different factors, like your personal history, sexual preferences, mood, and physical state. Some other factors that could be making you feel more passionate on your period include:  

• The increase in blood flow to your genital area – When you’re on your period, your body pumps more blood to your pelvis and genitals, increasing sensitivity. This is similar to increased blood flow that triggers an erection in a penis.
• Natural lubrication – Period blood can feel like the arousal fluid that can be produced when you’re “wet,” or turned on.
• Decreased stress – Many people find that it's easier to get aroused when they’re less stressed and in a better mood. If you deal with pre-menstruation anxiety or mood swings, your period might bring relief to these symptoms.  

Are there any benefits to having sex on your period?  

Just because your uterus is shedding doesn’t mean your sex drive has to! If you’re feeling particularly turned on during your period, you might consider acting upon your desires, either alone or with a partner. Having sex or masturbating on your period could even make your period less painful and shorter by:  

• Relieving cramps – The feel-good endorphins released during sex are natural pain-relievers that can minimize pain from cramping.  
• Providing natural lubrication – Your menstrual blood can act as a natural lubricant, which can make penetrative sex less painful and more pleasurable.
• Managing headaches – Headaches can be a pesky period side effect, but some people report that sex can help reduce headache pain. There’s no clear evidence why that’s the case, but some scientists think that endorphins may be working to numb headache pain.
• Shortening your period - There’s some evidence that muscle contractions during sex can help shed your uterine lining faster, potentially leading to a shorter period. 

Are there risks to consider if you decide to have sex on your period?  

Period sex can be helpful when dealing with menstrual side effects. However, there are some things like pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that you might consider before parting the red sea.   

The risk of pregnancy is lower when you’re on your period, but it’s still possible to get pregnant, depending on when you have sex, the length of your cycle, and when you ovulate. This is because sperm could still be living in your body during ovulation if you ovulate a few days after your period ends.  

In addition, some STIs, like HIV and hepatitis, can be spread by the blood. This can put both you and your partner at greater risk of STI transmission if either of you are menstruating during sex. You can practice safer period sex by using a barrier contraceptive method, like a condom or dental dam. These can help to protect against both pregnancy and STI transmission.  

What are some other considerations when having sex on your period?   

Although some people experience pain relief during period sex, that’s not the case for everyone. Even though it might sound counterintuitive, some people experience vaginal dryness during their period, which could make having sex more painful. Consider using a water-based lubricant if you’re noticing friction or pain during sex. When you’re on your period, your cervix may also be lower and more sensitive than usual. If you’re having penetrative sex, deep penetration might be more painful than you’re used to.  

Before having sex with a partner, you might consider discussing with them both of your comfort levels around blood and period sex. If you want to reduce the likelihood of mess and stains, you can also lay a towel under you or wait until the end of your period, when your flow is a bit lighter. You might also consider opting for a menstrual disk or cup which can help collect menstrual blood and reduce it from leaking out during penetration.  

Best of luck riding the crimson wave!