Your doctor will want to know how often you have sex because sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a risk and some people have a hymen that can tear.
However, there is no evidence that having sex makes your period worse. In fact, orgasms may relieve menstrual cramps. The muscle contractions of orgasms may also help your uterus shed its lining faster, shortening your period.
1. Hormones
Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by sending signals through your blood to cells, organs and other tissues. They control vital processes such as growth, development, metabolism – how your body gets energy from the foods you eat – sexual function, reproduction and mood.
Sex and intimacy stimulate the release of a hormone called oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, which promotes bonding with your partner. The release of this hormone, along with other feel-good hormones such as dopamine and serotonin can be why sex can boost your mood. This is why many people feel happier and more relaxed after sex.
Other hormonal changes that occur during sex include the release of estradiol, a type of estrogen; prolactin, a hormone that makes you sleepy; and insulin, which helps move sugar into fat cells so it can be used as fuel. Studies have found that sex also raises levels of immunoglobulin A, a substance that protects the body from infections like human papillomavirus.
Having too little or too much of a particular hormone can cause problems. A medical professional will be able to test you for a hormone imbalance, if needed. Keeping your hormones balanced is key to feeling your best during and after your period. Eating a well-balanced diet, getting plenty of rest and avoiding stress can all help keep your hormones in check.
2. Stress
The body experiences a lot of stress, and that can have many different effects on the body. Stress can cause you to feel nauseous, or it may make your menstrual symptoms worse. It can also affect your mood, and that can have a direct impact on sexual desire. There are a few things you can do to combat stress. Exercise, eating well and taking care of your mental health are all great ways to relieve stress.
Some people think that having sex during your period will increase the risk of getting STIs, but that’s not necessarily true. If you take the proper precautions (like using a condom and spermicide), it’s very unlikely that you will get any STIs during sex. If you do get an STI, it’s important to visit your gynecologist immediately.
Another thing that can cause your menstrual symptoms to be worse is uterine fibroids. Fibroids are non-cancerous tumours that can grow in the womb and put pressure on your pelvic organs. They can also make your menstrual bleeding heavier, and they can sometimes cause pain during sex. If you have a fibroid, it’s best to talk to your doctor about treatment options. They can recommend different treatments that will help you manage the pain and prevent it from getting worse.
3. Muscle tension
Having sex isn’t a magical cure-all for period pain, but it can sometimes ease cramping, especially if you’re orgasming. This is because orgasms help relax your uterus, which can reduce period pain. This might also be the reason why some women report more sex drive during their periods, as orgasms can make you feel more aroused and sexually satisfied.
However, if you’re experiencing severe or persistent pain that won’t go away even after trying all of these things, you may have an underlying medical condition causing secondary dysmenorrhoea (period pain caused by another thing, such as endometriosis or fibroid tumours). If this is the case, it’s important to see your GP as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Does having sex while on your period make you bleed more? Generally, it doesn’t. In rare cases, though, period sex can cause more bleeding than usual because it jiggles the cervix, which can trigger a contraction and bring out any remaining blood more quickly. And of course, period sex can add a little extra lubrication, which is always a plus.
But the main point to remember is that the most common ways of becoming sexually active—kissing, touching, oral sex, intercourse and vaginal penetration—can make you bleed and could increase your risk of infection, so you need to take proper precautions. Plus, you should never stop using birth control.
4. Emotions
When we’re on our periods, we can be more emotional and have a harder time controlling our emotions. This is especially true for people with depression, who may have more severe symptoms before and during their period. During this time, it’s also important to do everything possible to boost serotonin (the hormone that gives you a good mood), including eating plenty of healthy foods, exercising, avoiding alcohol and caffeine and spending time with loved ones.
Serotonin is also the brain chemical responsible for arousal, which can be why many people feel more sexually active during their periods. Some studies have found that sex can help with cramps, headaches and other menstrual discomfort. However, it’s important to remember that sex can bring with it the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, so it’s essential to practice safe sex.
It’s a good idea to talk to your gynecologist about your feelings and concerns. They may be able to share their own experiences and give you tips on having safe, comfortable period sex. They can also recommend the best barrier methods for you to use. And don’t forget that Plan B and other oral emergency contraceptives are available without a prescription to reduce your risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex. They can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex, and they’re effective against STIs and some HPV viruses.
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