Despite all the progress made to dismantle various sexual stigmas, period sex is still taboo.

Period sex has long been stigmatized as disgusting or unclean, but thankfully attitudes are changing. According to a survey of over 4,000 people, 38% of men and 31% of women are interested in sex during menstruation.

Whether you’re nervous about venturing into the realm of period sex for the first time or you’ve been a fan for years (but still worry about the logistics) — don’t worry! There are a number of important reasons to enjoy sex on your period.

Many of us experience a surge of hormones during our period and are actually more aroused during our period. In a poll of over 500 participants, 30% of women said they wanted to have sex more during their period than at other times.

If you're craving a normal sex life during "that time of the month," as your mom used to call it, but you're not sure how to avoid some of the messier parts, we've got some tips and tricks for you.

Here's everything you need to know about trying period sex and helping your partner earn their "red wings."

Can you have real sex on your period?

First of all, many people still wonder if you can have vaginal sex during your period. The answer is a resounding yes ! And to top it all off, it can be REALLY fun.

Hormonal changes cause increased arousal and sensitivity during a period (such as increased estrogen and decreased progesterone levels). Your vagina is more open and receptive at this time, so if there was a position you tried that didn’t work in the past, now is the time.

…plus, there are health benefits!

One of the best things about period sex is that it can help with some of the annoying symptoms that occur during your period.

1. Relief from cramps

Because our bodies release oxytocin and endorphins when we orgasm (these are natural painkillers), it can significantly reduce menstrual pain and headaches!

So, as bizarre as it may sound, try to have an orgasm before you reach for ibuprofen to treat period pain and migraines! And once you get used to the idea of ​​'colored lube', menstrual blood can make for excellent natural lubrication.

2. Shorter periods

Having sex can shorten your period. Muscle contractions during orgasm push the uterine contents out faster. This can result in shorter periods.

3. Increased sex drive

Your libido changes throughout your menstrual cycle, thanks to hormonal fluctuations. While many women report that their sex drive increases during ovulation, which is about two weeks before your period, others report feeling more aroused during their period.

4. Natural lubricant

You can store the lubricant during your period. Blood acts as a natural lubricant.

The risks

Now, there are some risks involved. The pH of your vaginal fluid fluctuates during your period, upsetting the delicate balance.

One function of the cervix is ​​to protect your uterus from bacteria that can enter the vagina during intercourse. When you menstruate, it opens up a little. This opens a small gateway for bacteria to enter the uterus, increasing the chance of infection.

So even if you're in a committed relationship, you should still use barrier methods like condoms during period sex.

Oral sex is always an option

It is perfectly safe to have oral sex on your period. Your biggest fear is probably the mess, but luckily there are several solutions available, such as menstrual cups and menstrual discs.

If you want to avoid a mess or any contact with menstrual blood, stick to the clitoris. Just leave your tampon in and let your partner focus on the outside. There’s no need to cut the string or hide your period. Periods are a part of it.

Yes, you CAN still get pregnant!

Another thing to consider is the possibility of pregnancy and the use of contraception. Myths about not being able to get pregnant on your period are completely false.

While it may seem unlikely, your ovulation cycle is affected by several variables, and each cycle is different from menstruator to menstruator. Ovulation usually occurs 7 to 12 days after the start of your last period; however, sperm can survive in the body for up to seven days.

This means that you could ovulate while still carrying live sperm in your body.

So just to be clear, we'll say it again... Even though your risk of conception is low, you should still practice safe sex during your period to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.

There will be a mess. Accept it.

It always comes down to "the mess," right? Yes, people can have some pretty strange reactions to blood. The idea of ​​blood seeping out of a vagina contradicts the cultural narrative of "feminine hygiene."

But this comes with the territory when it comes to period sex! It doesn’t matter if you’re on your heaviest or lightest period—if you’re menstruating, there will be some menstrual blood. Accepting this fact is the first step.

Before you have period sex, it’s a good idea to talk to your partner about it. As natural as period sex should be, it can be quite shocking for both partners if you’ve never done it before. After you tell your partner, you can come up with a plan of action.

Keep the mess to a minimum with these period sex tips

Okay, so you'll be relieved to hear that you don't have to paper your bedroom in plastic like a scene straight out of Dexter, but there are a few things you can do to prevent the mess.

Use dark colored towels

This is a pretty simple fix. Lay a brown or black towel on the bed (don't forget to label these as your period sex towels and keep them in the back of your closet!)

Shower sex

Ironically, shower water makes your vagina less wet by washing away your body’s natural lubricant. However, there’s so much extra wetness during period sex that this problem is almost eliminated. Plus, the blood just washes away. No mess, no fuss!

Try using a menstrual disc

Unlike menstrual cups or tampons, menstrual discs can be worn during intercourse. The flexible discs are inserted into the vaginal canal like a tampon, but sit higher up in your vagina, at the vaginal fornix. This allows for penetrative sex without the blood.

Experiment with different positions

Some women experience increased pelvic congestion during their period, which [can] lead to increased arousal. This is why some women report wanting to have more sex during their period.

Gentle positions like spooning can be a great way to enjoy sex, but beyond that, experiment with depth of penetration and different angles to see what works best for you.

Be a little kinky

Explore some of the more surprising erogenous zones to get things going. By 'surprising' we mean the ears, hands, stomach, and even the bottoms of the feet.

You could even spice things up by using a blindfold to heighten every sense. You don’t have to go Fifty Shades of Grey kinky with all sorts of leather contraptions – use your shirt and place it over your partner’s eyes, then pin their hands down and tell them not to move or peek.

Every sense will be heightened... pure ecstasy!

Or you could embrace the mess!?

Blood has a primal, animalistic quality to it. If you and your partner are okay with it and can tolerate the sight of blood (or, conversely, if it turns you on, no judgement here!), then there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be business as usual . Sheets can always be washed or bleached!

And just in case you forget, your sex toys are washable, so there’s no need to leave them out of the action. All of our Pure Lust toys are made from high-quality materials that are safe to wash in warm, soapy water.

Adopt the 'try everything once' mentality

Trying period sex can be a great opportunity for many couples who haven't experienced it before to overcome their fear of the unknown. If you haven't tried period sex yet, you might find that you enjoy it.

You never know; you might like it (and if you don’t, you don’t have to do it again). But until you and your partner have gone on an adventure to part the Red Sea, you will never truly know or experience the depths of the beautiful promised land.

Either way, period sex is more popular than ever and bodies are messy and it's time we embrace it.