Why You’re so Ridiculously Horny on Your Period

Among the many period symptoms you’ve probably gotten used to by now, one of them may be this insane, soul-crushing urge to just get hot and heavy with someone! Sure, it doesn’t happen to everyone, but many women can experience a surge in libido during that time of the month.

If this sounds like a silver lining, it may very well be (I mean just look at the other symptoms!) So, if you’re wondering why you suddenly turn into this sex demon when you’re probably feeling your worst, just keep reading.

Why are you feeling so horny on your period?

Well, it’s best to get this out of the way first. Scientists aren’t exactly sure of the reason behind this, but there are a few theories that can explain why.

• Your hormones - This one seems obvious, really. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels rise and fall during your cycle and, as it happens, estrogen and testosterone are responsible for your libido, while progesterone keeps it low. A few days into your cycle, your estrogen levels start to rise after the initial drop while progesterone remains low. This can contribute to an increase in libido, along with a small surge in testosterone, which is the main hormone responsible for your libido.

• Natural lube - During your periods, your vagina stays lubricated naturally with your menstrual blood, which can make a lot of people feel aroused.

• More stimulation of nerves - As your uterus expands during your menses, it can end up putting pressure on a lot of surrounding nerves in the pelvic region. This can end up making you feel more aroused. Besides, more blood flow to this and the genital region can also trigger arousal.

• Lowered stress of pregnancy - Since a period signals you’re not pregnant, and also because this is the time when you’re least likely to conceive, the lowered stress around an unwanted pregnancy can make you feel more relieved, and thus more aroused.

Will birth control have an effect on your libido during your period?

Well, yes and no. Birth control can be of various types and it can depend from one individual to another if it will end up affecting their libido, both during or outside of their period. Different types of birth control contain different compositions and while one may affect your sex drive, another one might have no effect whatsoever.

So, is it okay to have sex during periods?

Now, let’s come to the actual sex part. If you’re wondering if it’s okay to get down and dirty, then absolutely yes! Period sex - whether with a partner or solo - can be great depending on your level of comfort (and that of your partner’s).

In fact, period sex has a few benefits that you may be interested in:

• It soothes cramps - According to some research, orgasming while on your period can release endorphins, which is the hormone that eases pain. So, sex during periods can actually help those nasty cramps!

• Gives you a mood boost - Sex can end up releasing a lot of happy hormones which can counter your period blues and boost your overall mood.

• Relieves headaches - Period headaches are a real thing for many, and according to a study, having sex during this time can help ease your headaches.

How do you go about period sex?

Now that you’re up to date with all the benefits of period sex, you may be interested in it. So, here are a few tips to go about it:

• Communicate with your partner - Communication is key, so talk to your partner about how you’re feeling and if you’re both comfortable with the idea and a little mess, you can go ahead and do it!

• Prepare for the mess - The best way to manage the mess is to hit the shower and have sex in there. But, if you don’t feel like having bathroom sex, you can also use a towel or any piece of cloth on the bed and use it as protection for your sheets.

• Use protection - Even if your chances of pregnancy are low, it’s still possible to get pregnant during your period. Besides, STIs are still a threat on top of the fact that you’re more susceptible to getting a vaginal infection during your period. So, using a condom is a good idea during period sex (and sex at any time in general).

• Take your tampon or cup out - It can be quite painful for both you and your partner if you forget to take your tampon or cup out during period sex. So, always remember this step no matter what. You also increase your chances of TSS if you have sex with a tampon inside.

• Try a menstrual disc - Menstrual discs are a type of period product that goes inside and sits at the base of your cervix. They are a type of invasive period product that allows you to have mess-free period sex.

Bottom line

Feeling horny during your period is completely normal and is the case with many people out there. So, if the mood hits, just have the basics covered and enjoy with yourself or a partner - however you prefer it!