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Unless you’re especially squeamish or have a fear of blood, there’s no need to avoid sexual activity during your period. Though period sex can be a bit messy, it is safe. Period sex is one of those taboo subjects that no one wants to talk about, but deep down, everyone wants to know the deets – so what’s the real deal?

Can You Get Pregnant?

According to Heathline.com, your odds of conceiving are lower during your period, but it’s still possible to become pregnant at this time.

You’re most likely to get pregnant during ovulation, which happens about 14 days before your period starts. However, every woman’s cycle length is different, and the length of your cycle can change monthly. If you have a short menstrual cycle, your risk of getting pregnant during your period is higher.

The NHS official website states that, “while it’s very unlikely, it’s still possible to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex during your period. This is because some women ovulate early, and sperm can survive inside a woman’s body for up to 7 days.”

To reduce your odds of getting pregnant and catching an STI, have your partner wear a latex condom every time you have sex. If you or your partner are allergic to latex, there are other forms of protection you can use. You can also ask your pharmacist or doctor for recommendations.

Viruses like HIV or Hepatitis live in the blood, and they can spread through contact with infected menstrual blood, therefore you’re at a higher risk of contracting them when on your period, so use condoms to avoid this also.

How to Enjoy Period Sex

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Not everyone enjoys period sex, so talk to your partner ahead of time and find out how they feel about it. Some religions and cultures don’t believe in having intercourse while a woman is on her period, and it is important to respect your partner’s feelings and beliefs. Any concerns should always be discussed beforehand so both partners know what they’re expecting, and can consent.

Research suggests that some women tend to find their libidos are highest at around the time they ovulate, while some say they notice heightened arousal during their periods (or right before). If you’re horny, a bit of blood shouldn’t stop you from having fun sex just like any other day, so get to it!

If you’re concerned about things getting messy, put a dark coloured towel down or go in the shower. Whatever makes you feel more comfortable. As for sex positions, missionary is probably the best for period sex as lying on your back can lessen blood flow. If your partner doesn’t feel comfortable entertaining foreplay whilst you’re on, make them get a toy out!

You shouldn’t have to lack pleasure because it’s your (perfectly natural) time of the month, that means head shouldn’t be off the cards either. To all you men out there reading this, you can eat pussy with a tampon in btw… Just make sure the tampon is taken out before intercourse, or else that will cause medical complications. The clitoris still works just fine too… don’t forget that!

However, the same rules apply to period sex as they do for any sex. Not into it? Don’t do it.

Period Sex *Confessions*

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“When my ex was going down on me, he stopped briefly and looked at me. There was blood on his chin and I was like, “Oh my God -you’ve cut yourself!” Then I looked down and there was more blood and I didn’t realise where it came from until it hit me… My period decided to start at that very moment and I had never been so embarrassed.” K, 23, Brighton.

First of all, getting your period is nothing to be embarrassed about – it is perfectly natural. However I understand that coming on your period sooner than expected is a worry every woman faces, especially when it comes to the bedroom. However, if it’s a regular partner you should feel comfortable just jumping in the shower and continuing in there. These things happen! So to anybody else that has experienced this, or is fearful of experiencing this, remind yourself that periods are a perfectly normal thing and if your partner is a decent person – they won’t make you feel bad about it. Keep calm and carry on!

“So we were having sex in the dark and everything was great until the curtain opened a little and we saw the bloodied hand prints all over both of us – and the wall. It turns out I had come on my period and we hadn’t noticed. He decided we were already covered so f*ck it… carry on! Then my nose decided to start bleeding so I was dripping blood from my nose on his chest as I was on top and bleeding from my vagina. Nice!” A, 27, Bristol.

This is a great confession, because besides the point of what happened – you just carried on! In most instances my advice is to just carry on as normal, a little bit of blood shouldn’t stop you from receiving and enjoying pleasure or else you’d spend a solid minimum of 25% of your life in chastity.

Things can get messy, but sex is messy! Sex isn’t perfect, and neither are humans. SHIT HAPPENS!