Why these women enjoy sex during their period

Alison really enjoys having sex during her period.

Not only is she "definitely hornier" at that point in her cycle, the 35-year-old from Brisbane doesn't see why she should miss out.

"When we're younger, we buy into the false narrative that our periods are dirty," she says.

"Period sex can be hot because part of our brain sometimes still equates it to being kind of taboo."

Georgia Grace, a certified sex coach, says the stigma around period sex exists because it's "two taboos coming together".

It's not for everyone — and that's OK. Cultural reasons, for example, can influence someone's lack of desire for period sex.

But Ms Grace says shame and misinformation hold many people back.

She points out that for people who bleed, most are "taught how to manage it; maybe given a few tampons or pads in school if they're lucky".

"But there is nothing around what you can do to actually still enjoy your body and experience pleasure even when you're bleeding."

The shame around sex while bleeding

Although she and her partner regularly have sex during her period, Alison wasn't always into it.

"When I was younger I definitely didn't have the confidence or even the notion of having sex on my period.

"My teenage boyfriend and I — bless our absolute idiocy — would call it 'blowjob week' or 'shark week'."

Ms Grace says many have been conditioned to believe period sex is shameful.

"Most people will have had an experience where they have been caught out [during their period].

"Whether it's bleeding in public or during sex. We carry that shame around with us."

With age, Alison has become more comfortable with her body, and for the most part, partners have been receptive to that.

But people who don't bleed can also have internalised taboos.

Megan from Perth has had sexual partners who have avoided the suggestion of period sex.

"I have had a couple of men flippantly suggest anal when sex and my period have been brought up in the same conversation," the 31-year-old says.

She says she can judge someone's maturity by how they view periods. Either simply as a bodily function, or something disgusting or a "problem".

Ms Grace says if a partner is resistant to the suggestion of having sex during your period, try to approach it with curiosity rather than judgement.

"Ask them: 'What is it about period sex that made you respond in this way? What has informed that?'

"[But] also protect yourself and make sure you're not having to endure or take on any of their shame or ideas that aren't useful."

Benefits and misconceptions

Alison says orgasms help relieve her period cramps, and there's anecdotal evidence that is true for other people who bleed too, says Yasmin Tan.

Dr Tan is a gynaecologist with the Women's Health and Research Institute of Australia.

It can also act as a mood lifter, says Ms Grace.

She says people also love that it acts as a natural lubrication.

But some misconceptions around period sex could be holding you back from these benefits.

"It's absolutely something people do — and enjoy. It's perfectly natural, healthy and sexy," Ms Grace says.

She says people often limit their definition of sex to penetration, but broadening that definition gives you more options.

You don't even need a sexual partner. Many people who menstruate enjoy masturbation during their period to experience the benefits it brings, Ms Grace says.

And it's also not always as messy as you may think, depending on your cycle.

Ashley, 29, from Sydney says she used to tease her ex-boyfriend about the mess left behind.

"I used to joke around with him and say, 'Oh my god, it's a crime scene' to wind him up.

"My period is pretty light, so it's not actually that messy. I'd just have baby wipes nearby and clean up after."

Ms Grace says messy sex is natural and healthy, even when period fluids aren't involved.

Sexual health and pregnancy risks

You can still get pregnant during your period and people who don't want that should protect against it with birth control, says Dr Tan.

"It's probably less likely for the majority of people, but not an absolute rule.

"Sometimes bleeding is not actually proper menstrual period, it's just irregular bleeding, so ovulation could be occurring. Sometimes people's cycles are shorter or longer than they expect, and sperm can last a number of days in the pelvic cavity."

You are also still at risk of STIs during your period, so practising safe sex is important.

Dr Tan says there are some concerns that because blood is involved, there could be an increased risk of blood-borne viruses like HIV and hepatitis.

"Have your partner wear a condom or dental dam so you can reduce the odds," Ms Grace says.

Practical tips for enjoying period sex

Alison's tips for great sex while bleeding include putting down a dark towel, showers and communication.

"I am more comfortable with the lights off … I still feel a little squeamish sometimes thinking there might be some sneaky huge blood clot somewhere.

"And I do preface sex with 'I do have my period right now, just so you know' and my partner doesn't care."

Sometimes she will have sex in the shower, or head there after.

Megan says her height makes penetrative sex in the shower a challenge, given her partners are generally the same height or taller.

"I have a set of black sheets which I bought to go with the aesthetic I wanted for my bedroom, then upon reading an article that suggested black sheets for sex while on your period, I kept it in mind."

Ms Grace says some menstrual cups are designed to be used during sex, which can be helpful if you are concerned about smell or mess.

If you are wearing a tampon, you should remove it before having penetrative sex to avoid it getting lodged somewhere.

"If you're having outercourse you can still wear a tampon, you could even keep your undies on."

She says there are waterproof and washable period and squirting products available that prevent mess on sheets too.

"The main point is sex doesn't have to involve penetration … really expand how you're thinking of sex so you can still experience pleasure."