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Just because you’re on your period doesn’t mean that your libido disappears. How do you feel about sex on your period? Whether you feel up for physical contact or not, there are lots of ways to explore intimacy and seek pleasure, alone or with a partner.
Engaging in any intimacy (sans sex) or exploring mess-free period sex has its benefits. Like just feeling closer to your partner, even. But that solo masturbation (and partnered play, too) has lots of benefits.
What are the benefits of sexual pleasure on your period?
- Boost your mood
- Help relieve cramps
- Improve your sleep
- Can make for better lubrication.
So why not give it a try?
Diva contributor, Janu Yasotharan, wrote a piece about navigating intimacy and sex on their period for six years. Here are her top recommendations (as well as ours) for how you can engage in pleasure while on your period.
How to pleasure without physical contact
- Go out on a date (while enjoying up to 12 hours of period protection)
- Plan a date night in (just for you—the ultimate in self-care)
- Go to a movie or your favorite cozy restaurant
- Cook your favorite meal at home
How to find pleasure if you’re seeking physical contact
- Take a warm bath together
- Give or get a massage
- Cuddle up on the couch
- Spend time kissing
If you’ve been together awhile, sometimes going back to the basics can spark new intimacy and pleasure. And if you’re starting something new, take time to really enjoy all the steps that lead towards greater intimacy.
If you’re solo, engage in similar activities, like self-massages, cuddling up on the couch or taking a warm bath, to provide you and your body with the types of tender love and care you deserve.
Some people find that their libido increases during their period. If this is the case for you, don’t let a little mess prevent you from receiving and giving pleasure. Having skin-friendly protection and a hydrating lubricant on hand can make all the difference.
If you’re interested in mess-free penetrative sex on your period
- Get in the shower
- Put down a dark towel
- Close and easy positions can increase feelings of intimacy (and reduce mess)
- Use protection, like The Condom, which helps with clean-up and prevents the spread of bacteria while supporting comfort and trusted protection.
- Wear a reusable menstrual disc like the DIVA™ Disc
“The shame surrounding periods and sexual pleasure for anyone with a vagina deprives so many of us of our well-deserved O’s. Suppose you try it and don’t like it? That’s okay too.” says Janu.
Can you have sex with a menstrual disc?
Yes! The positioning of the Diva Disc in the vaginal fornix means you can enjoy mess-free penetrative sex while on your period. It’s perfect for all things intercourse. Always remember to wash your hands before you insert and remove your internal period products and empty it first before wearing the disc during sex. This will help prevent mess.
Can you have sex with a menstrual cup?
If we’re talking intercourse, the answer is no, due to its positioning in the vaginal canal. But the DIVA™ Cup is a great option for all things outercourse.
If you experience a heavy period, both cups and discs are great options for finding pleasure while on your period. Finding a period product that allows you to engage in mess free sexual activity means pleasure any time of the month.
Can you get pregnant on your period?
It’s considered unlikely to get pregnant during your period, but depending on which day of your cycle you have sex, the length of your cycle, and when you ovulate.
A safe way to avoid both pregnancy and STIs is by using a condom. The DIVA Condom was designed with your vaginal health in mind, and it pairs perfectly with The Lubricator, our organic aloe lube that never feels sticky. You can pair both with the DIVA Disc to support comfort, confidence, and connection at every phase of your cycle.
Pleasure and Sex on Your Period
If you’ve been looking for ways to explore pleasure and sex on your period, hopefully you’ve now discovered a few ways that feel comfortable and suitable for you.
“Period sex required vulnerability, for me at least,” says Janu. “The icing on the cake was just how relieving it was for menstrual cramps and what a mood booster it was.” Pleasure shouldn’t be off-limits because period sex feels taboo or you worry about making a mess. Try keeping a washcloth or pH-balanced wipes nearby for quick clean ups, as Janu recommends.
“I honestly feel like all you need is to feel safe and somewhat know what to expect, have consent—of course—and not see yourself as ‘gross’ or ‘messy’ when you are beautiful, magical and beyond worthy of feeling incredible. And I mean, when has good sex ever not been messy? Nothing a dark towel can’t fix.”
*Disclaimer: Menstrual cups and discs are not a replacement for birth control. They will not protect against sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy. For protection against sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy consider pairing your disc with The Condom.
