Having sex when you have menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it may not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or menstrual cramps start, many people enjoy sex to ease menstrual cramps, experience more pleasure, and reap other benefits. Learn more about sex during menstrual cramps and how it can help your body.

Defined menstrual cramps

Menstrual cramps refer to cramps in the lower abdomen during the three days before or during the menstrual cycle. This pain occurs in 75% of women by the age of 25.1, but it can continue after this age if your period is heavier.

Before your period begins, your body produces prostaglandins that stimulate uterine contractions,2 or shed the uterine lining as menstrual blood. la pela pill When the cramps are tolerable but uncomfortable, you can have sex to manage them before using other remedies, such as over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or heating pads.

It's worth noting that some people have more intense menstrual cramps than others. Any discomfort that makes your body tense up, feels debilitating, or makes you nauseous will likely respond best to over-the-counter pain relievers instead of sex. Hormonal imbalances can cause this extreme discomfort along with intense mood swings3 and infertility.

If you are concerned about the severity of your period cramps, talk to your OB-GYN. They may discuss your other symptoms and medical history to identify potential diagnoses such as endometriosis.

Benefits of using sex to reduce menstrual cramps

Some people avoid sex during cramps because they think that stimulating the muscles and nervous system could make their pain worse. However, sex can reduce menstrual cramps when they are less of a discomfort. The biggest downside is the potential for more mess – contracting your uterus and cervix during orgasm can loosen your shedding lining and lead to early menstrual bleeding.

These are some of the main benefits of using sex to reduce menstrual cramps:

Reduced menstrual cramps: For some, sex can ease premenstrual or active menstrual cramps. The Theo Mei technique encourages women to have one or more orgasms3 during contractions to release a rush of endorphins into their bodies. Endorphins are a natural pain-relieving hormone.

Greater independence: Although you can use penetration to create a pain-relieving effect, you don't need it to experience relief. Theo Mei's technique emphasizes how orgasm leads to beneficial endorphins. Self-stimulation to orgasm can produce the same results if you live alone, don't have a partner, or don't prefer penetration.

Increased sex drive: When you have sex, your brain releases dopamine5 because your body is doing something pleasurable. Dopamine is a feel-good hormone, so it's natural to want to repeat any activity that produces more of it. You can increase your sex drive by having sex more often, especially if it combines pleasurable sensations with pain relief.

Natural lubricant: Although the vaginal canal can lubricate itself, having sex to reduce menstrual cramps can make your period start a day or two earlier. Muscle contractions before and during orgasm can loosen your shedding uterine lining.2 The resulting blood provides extra lubrication, which can be a significant benefit if you experience vaginal dryness due to hormonal imbalance.

More tips for sex during menstrual cramps

Here are some other recommendations for sex right before or during your period that can improve your comfort and pleasure:

Communicate your comfort levels: Communication is essential for premenstrual or menstrual sex. Some people may experience discomfort due to the intensity of the spasms, which may change after physical stimulation begins. It is important to let your partner know if your pain worsens so that sexual activity stops. If severe cramping occurs with each period and prevents you from trying this form of pain relief, talk to your doctor. It could mean that you have a condition such as endometriosis and need treatment.

Use protection: As with all sex, it is important to use protection to prevent accidental pregnancy or transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy6 and 71-80%66 at preventing STD transmission. Other resources, such as dental dams, also prevent sexual partners from transmitting sexually transmitted diseases if used correctly.

Remove tampons: You should remove tampons or menstrual cups before having menstrual sex after your period starts.

Prepare for the mess: Preparation makes cleaning easier. You can put the towels away or keep washcloths and napkins for later.