The Truth About Period Sex
Traditionally, many of us have stayed away from having sex during our menstrual cycle because we feel like it will be messy and ugly.
We've even seen plenty of scenarios where a woman says she can't get busy because she's on her period. And in most cases, we are that woman.
I know I've been guilty of being super self-conscious; wondering if I have that "period odor" or if I'll leave a gross, bloody mess behind and completely ruin the vibe. But in reality, period sex does wonders for the body in more ways than one. So, instead of letting our period block us from experiencing a sensational high that we've been craving, we can embrace the idea of it actually enhancing our sexual experience, and bodies as a whole.
Get you some!
Ease Those Cramps
It turns out an orgasm is quite the remedy for period cramps; which we all know are the worst. Apparently, when we reach our sexual peaks during an orgasm, our bodies give off oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins that make period cramps a little less painful and more bearable. It might even be great enough for you to replace your cramp medicine with good, old-fashioned sex. I'm here for it!
You’ll Want It Even More
Once you get past the awkward moment of having your first sexual experience during your period, don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to do it even more. Having period sex boosts the desire to, well, have more sex while on the cycle. There's a variety of things that play into this, from hormone levels to physical changes our bodies experience while on our period. But either way, it looks like going for it could work out better than waiting for your period to end.
Sex More, Stress Less
Yes, period sex can even reduce stress! If anything, this serves as an excuse to get it on as much as possible during our cycles, because we all know that stress can get out of control. According to Very Well, a study conducted by Arizona State University showed that the women in the study who had affection and sexual behavior with their partner had less stress and were in a better mood the following day. Enough said.
Treat Headaches
Along with cramps, one of the most irritating side effects of being on our period is having headaches. Thankfully, having sex while on the cycle can also help alleviate that. And it's not always just for the time being. According to a study obtained by PopSugar, 70% of people who suffered migraines said they felt "moderate to complete relief" concerning their headaches while having sex. That's a good of a reason as any to enjoy intercourse while on your period.
Your Period Can Get Shorter
Isn't that ironic? All this time a lot of us have been worrying about having sex during our period, when doing so can actually reduce the number of days we're actually on our cycle. Here's how it works: Whenever you have an orgasm, the uterus tightens and shrinks; its lining diminishes even quicker. Along with making your period shorter, which is a score in itself for some, period sex can also push out the particles in the uterus that make us get cramps.
Help Get Your Cycle On Track
For the ladies who have an irregular cycle, research has shown that period sex can help you have more steady cycles. But the reason why is so bizarre, sis. Women's Health reported that "frequent boot knocking" (their words not mine) can help you get more up close and personal with the sweat of your male partner's armpit. Legit, and you don't actually have to smell his armpit. Here's a fun fact: While being on our period has taken the slack for not wanting to have sex, the actual hormone that does this is at its all-time low during your cycle.
Catch More Zzz's
Apparently, period sex can actually put you to sleep; which is a huge bonus for those of us who stay up tossing and turning in search of a pillow to put between our legs. Sex creates more oxytocin and lowers the amount of cortisol (reducing stress) – enhancing hormonal changes that help your body relax even more. On top of that, there is even more estrogen in the body than a typical day, which causes us to fall into an even deeper sleep.
No Need For Lube
If you're someone who is typically drier down there during sexual moments, your fluid from your period can actually serve as an amazing and natural lubricant. Keep in mind that, according to Hello Flo, women typically lose four to 12 teaspoons of fluid during their period. And it's not all blood. Still, this fluid not only cancels out the need of interrupting the moment to apply a lubricant, but it also improves and heightens the overall level of satisfaction that you and your partner can experience.
It Improves Overall Intimacy
When you let go of the worry of having sex during your menstrual cycle, it can actually enhance the intimacy between you and your partner. You'll want it more, your sex drive will be at a very high peak (if not the highest), which will result in turning on your partner even more. Plus, it can probably make your significant other feel even more special because you trust them enough to have this moment despite feeling awkward about it initially. It's like the circle of life.
Featured image by Getty Images.
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I Tried Whoopi Goldberg's Weed Products for Period Pain – Read More
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Charmaine Patterson is a journalist, lifestyle blogger, and a lover of all things pop culture. While she has much experience in covering top entertainment news stories, she aims to share her everyday life experiences, old and new, with other women who can relate, laugh, and love along with her. Follow Char on Twitter @charjpatterson, Instagram @charpatterson, and keep up with her journey at CharJPatterson.com .
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Vivica A. Fox Gets Candid About Her Dating Life As Her 60th Birthday Approaches: ‘I’m Taking Applications’
Vivica A. Fox says she’s on the market!
During a recent appearance on Today with Hoda & Jenna, the Set It Off actress spoke candidly about her dating preferences amidst modern dating culture.
"I’m wanting to date, it’s just limited resources out there, right? Because I’m not getting on an app. I’m old-fashioned," Fox said. "I need to meet you and sparks happen because I just believe people make up stories, saying who and what they are."
The actress, 59, expressed her desire for a partner and isn’t shy about the traits she hopes her future soulmate will embody.
"When I say a partner, I want someone who’s going to be fun, who’s not intimidated by who and what I am, that likes to travel, and is gonna let me go shopping," she illustrates.
Fox continued, "I’m taking applications, so if you got a friend, I’m good. And I don’t discriminate. I’m not against different nationalities, so you can know that too. You gotta leave your options open."
With the Not Another Church Movie star’s 60-year-old birthday approaching this summer, Fox humorously reflects on how it feels to reach this milestone age. "Well, I'm not going to lie, my knees someday are like, ‘Let’s go get a little help there.’ Some shorts, or something. But I’m so comfortable in the skin I’m in."
Vivica A. Fox has had a notable dating history with high-profile relationships with rapper 50 Cent in the early 2000s and has been romantically linked to Dennis Rodman and was previously engaged to Omar "Slim" White.
Fox adds that she’s living her best “booked, busy, and blessed” life and is grateful for the fulfilling opportunities that have come to her in this chapter of her life.
"I never expected this chapter of my life to be so booked, busy, and blessed — literally in that order. I’m finally getting quality, I’m getting projects that I love doing," she says.
"I’m all about girl power and lately women have been giving me the most wonderful opportunities. ... The blessings have just kept growing, and finally, everyone’s giving me my flowers. It’s about time, and I’m taking them."
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Featured image by Carol Lee Rose/Getty Images