We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Though period sex can be a bit messy, it is safe. Orgasms may relieve menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps are a result of your uterus contracting to release its lining.

W e talked with Tara Ford, a physician assistant at the Medical Center for Female Sexuality in Purchase, New York, to learn everything you should know about having sex during menstruation — the good, the bad, and the slightly messy. Arousal is different for every woman, and some may be too distracted by their period and its annoyances to actually get in the mood for sex. But for others, menstruation could actually be a turn-on of sorts. Plus, your flow can serve as extra lubrication during sex, which can also increase pleasure. If you typically use a store-bought lubricant to help with dryness during sex , this may be your week to go natural.

If you still feel a little weird about having period sex, one thing might ease your mind: lots of men are into it — in part, because some think it's a worry-free pass for unprotected sex. That's so not true. Before you toss your condom to the side, here's everything you need to know about the likelihood of getting pregnant on your period, according to an ob-gyn. The first step of knowing if you can get pregnant on your period is understanding your menstrual cycle , which is Most women's cycles last around 28 days — but that's not always the case and things can change from month-to-month.