For many women, Valentine’s Day and romantic moments can come with one big question: Can you have sex on your period?

The simple answer is yes. Having sex on your period is completely normal, safe for most people and nothing to feel awkward about. Yet, period sex is still treated as taboo even though menstruation is a natural part of life.

At Evana®, we believe intimacy isn’t cancelled by your cycle. Confidence comes from understanding your body, embracing your flow and doing what feels right for you.

Is Period Sex Normal?

Let’s start by saying it clearly - period sex is normal.

Your period doesn’t make you unclean, unattractive, or off-limits. Menstruation is a healthy bodily function, and it doesn’t have to put your sex life on pause.

Many couples choose to continue intimacy during menstruation and for some, sex on their period can even feel more comfortable than expected. The key is open communication, consent, and comfort.

Having Sex on Your Period: Why the Taboo Needs to End

Despite being completely natural, periods are often surrounded by shame, silence, and misinformation but your body deserves better than outdated taboos.

A Bodyform survey of 2000 people found that nearly half of UK adults say they would never have sex during a period, showing just how strongly cultural stigma still shapes attitudes today.

Having sex on your period shouldn’t be something to feel embarrassed about. It should be a personal choice, made with comfort and consent, free from judgement.

Can You Have Sex on Your Period Safely?

For most people, sex during your period is safe. However, there are a few important things to
keep in mind:

• Pregnancy is still possible, especially if you ovulate early or have a shorter cycle.
• STIs can still be transmitted so using protection is important if you’re not in a mutually
  monogamous relationship.
• Sensitivity can vary and some people may experience increased cramps or discomfort,
  while others find that sex can help relieve period cramps.

Benefits of Period Sex

Believe it or not, having sex on your period can actually come with benefits.

May Help Relieve Cramps

Orgasms release endorphins, which may help increase your pain threshold and make cramps
feel less intense.

Increased Natural Lubrication

Menstrual flow can act as extra lubrication, making sex feel more comfortable for some.

Your Libido Might Be Higher

Hormonal shifts during menstruation can increase desire for certain women.

Emotional Intimacy and Confidence

Choosing intimacy during your period can be empowering and a reminder that your cycle
doesn’t define your desirability.

Tips for Having Sex on Your Period Comfortably

If you’re curious but unsure where to start, these tips can help:

• Talk openly with your partner beforehand
• Use a towel or have sex in the shower
• Try darker bedding if it helps you relax
• Go at your own pace (comfort comes first)

Period sex should never feel pressured. It should feel safe, consensual, and right for you.

Try Evana® Heavy Period Relief

If your flow is particularly heavy, Evana® Heavy Period Relief Tablets may help you feel more comfortable. They contain Tranexamic acid and are available to buy online and over the counter at your local pharmacy.

Tranexamic acid works by supporting your body’s natural blood-clotting process. When you bleed, your body uses a protein called fibrin to form clots and help stop the bleeding. Normally, these clots are gradually broken down through a process called fibrinolysis to prevent them from building up.

Tranexamic acid is an anti-fibrinolytic, meaning it helps prevent fibrin from being broken down too quickly. This allows clots to stay in place where they’re needed, helping to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.

However, you should seek advice from a GP if:

• Your periods have been heavy for an extended length of time
• You can experience severe pain during your period
• You bleed between periods or after sexual intercourse

Love Your Flow, Every Day of the Month

Periods are normal. Period sex is normal. And intimacy doesn’t stop because your body is doing what it was designed to do. This Valentine’s (and every day) let’s stop treating period sex as taboo.

Love your flow. Love your body.

Sources:

• Bodyform. (n.d.) Full Period Sex Survey Results. Available at:
  https://www.bodyform.co.uk/break-taboos/our-world/period-sex-survey/ (Accessed: 29
  January 2026)
• NHS. (n.d.) Common questions about tranexamic acid. Available at:
  https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tranexamic-acid/common-questions-about-tranexamic-
  acid/
• Sprouse-Blum, A.S., Smith, G., Sugai, D. and Parsa, F.D. (2010) ‘Understanding
  endorphins and their importance in pain management’, Hawaii Medical Journal, 69(3),
  pp. 70–71. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3104618/
• van Anders, S.M., Goldey, K.L. and Bell, S.N. (2022) ‘Hormonal underpinnings of the
  variation in sexual desire, arousal and activity throughout the menstrual cycle’, The
  Journal of Sex Research. Taylor & Francis Online. Available at:
  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224499.2022.2110558