“The best thing for your cramps”: 19 Fashion Journal readers share how they feel about period sex

“I feel super in touch with my femininity and womanhood when I’m on my period, so having sex at this time is super empowering.”

If we’re in the age of sex positivity, why is the period shag still so taboo? While the internet has opened up conversations about sex, gender and our bodies more than ever before, there’s still a stigma around getting it on during menstruation. It might be the deep-rooted culture of shame surrounding periods (let’s not forget the Bible’s claim that menstruation is “unclean”), or the slightly messier sexual logistics.

Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.

It’s been proven that vulva-owners are often hornier during the week of their period, and sex can help alleviate cramping pain, boost lubrication and even make menstruation shorter. We want to know how you (and the people you sleep with) feel about having sex at that time of the month.

Jude*, 21, she/her

I’m scared of period sex! I feel like the thought of blood being involved in sex is a bit scary to me. Although, I would be open to shower period sex… maybe.

Olive*, 22, she/her

I am all for period sex, albeit messy. I’m always the horniest during my period so it’s kind of a no-brainer for me. Guys who don’t want to have sex with you on your period are lame. Meeting adjourned.

Nathaniel*, 23, he/him

Period sex is horny and fun. It can be messy but I wouldn’t describe it as disgusting or off-putting.

Myha*, 30, she/her

I think it depends on the flow and genitalia. I am bisexual and have never minded sex with other genders but will only engage if I am not at a heavy flow. If it is strictly penetration with either gender, then I do not mind at all engaging in sex. Generally the first day of my period I am not interested in sex as I do not feel sexy or horny.

Lou*, 47, she/her

It depends with each period how I am feeling but I’m up for it if the mood calls. I prefer usually closer to the end of my period as mine are very heavy and painful at the beginning. My fiancé is not put off by it. If we are both feeling very sexual it can be an amazing time to have sex and also can help with period cramps. It also helps if you have dark towels and an ensuite handy to jump in the shower after and get cleaned up.

Abbey*, 28, she/her

Period sex is the best thing for your cramps. The way it relieves your pain – no medicine can replicate that. But what I hate about it is that it’s too messy!

Marie*, 30, she/her

I don’t have a problem with it unless the other person does. Once the other person finds it gross, that seems to become my view too.

Nina*, 37, she/her

While it’s taken some time to shake off the religious biases taught to me in my childhood, I now find sex during my period to relieve some of the discomforts of menstruation including bloating, back pain and anxiety.

Stephanie*, 26, she/her

At a younger age, I was sleeping with partners who perhaps weren’t into period sex so by default, I thought I wasn’t. As I’ve grown and matured, the people I sleep with have as well. My current partner is a big fan of it, and I feel as though it brings an air of extra tenderness, love, intimacy and care to our sex life.

My senses are heightened, certain things feel more sensitive and as a whole, I feel closer to him in that moment than at any other phase of my cycle. I feel super in touch with my femininity and womanhood when I’m on my period, so having sex at this time is super empowering.

Freya*, 44, she/her

Oh god no! I am already cramping like crazy and feeling a bit gross in my body, the last thing I want to do is have sex. And to be honest, it makes for a nice excuse without having to say “no” and hurt anyone’s feelings! Also, I don’t fancy the mess.

Charlie*, 23, they/she

I love it! Especially in the context of queer sex, I think it’s super hot.

Emilia*, 29, she/her

I’ve only begun having sex during my period consistently in the last 12 months. I’ve found that it’s completely liberating and most of the time, the people I’m interacting with are open to it and for some, it’s even hotter. There’s something about being fully in your body and embracing all of you that makes the experience more elevated for me and the other person.

I’m seeing someone at the moment and we refer to it as our ‘hot time of the month’ because we fully embrace it. There’s also a mental play element when you have your period – the tease of “should we, shouldn’t we”.

Megan*, 25, she/her

Absolutely no judgment to anyone who wants to do it, but it’s not for me. When I’m on my period I feel bloated, am in pain and just not in the mood at all! In saying that I’ve never tried it, even if my period wasn’t giving me grief. I think in general, a lot of men still think periods are gross… so even if I did want to try it I don’t think a lot of men would be up for it and might even be rude about it!

Leanne*, 46, she/her

I’ve never been into it. I just don’t feel that horny when I’m bleeding profusely! Maybe the end or very beginning, but I’m definitely not interested when it’s full flow!

Zo*, 29, she/they

I feel positive about it. My partners have always made me feel sexy irrespective of the blood, and it’s only blood. Relax.

Rahel, 27, she/her

I feel confident, feminine and loved. My partner and I enjoy period sex, mainly because of the intensity of the orgasm I get during period sex. My partner (he/him) being comfortable with period sex has increased the intimacy in the bedroom and it makes me feel so protected and safe. I can embrace my femininity openly with him and feel sexy and proud!

Holly*, 25, she/her

I love it, I don’t get grossed out or feel it’s unclean or really even that messy. My only qualm is my ex-boyfriend always found the blood gross or scary. My partner now is all for it and it’s always really good.

Verity*, 25, she/her

I’m indifferent! I’ve done it before and it felt great. Obviously, it’s a bit messy but you just prepare for that a bit better. There are some things I wouldn’t feel comfortable with, such as being eaten out, but general penetration whilst I’m bleeding doesn’t phase me! If I was super crampy though I don’t love it, but that’s just based on the fact I’m just feeling off in general.

Mia*, 28, she/her

When I was younger I used to do it without any problem. I didn’t mind making a mess or if the other person was uncomfortable. Now it has become more complicated for me because three years ago, I decided to stop using contraceptive methods… my period arrives more painful, uncomfortable and with moods that do not help with wanting to have sex. I think the subject is taboo because it feels and looks dirty, however, the sensation is no different than when you are without a period and can even be more pleasurable because there is more lubrication.

*Names have been changed.

For more on periods and sex, head here.