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.
Related Articles:
Men Admit Period Sex Is Not A Turn Off – Read More
The Best Period & Ovulation Tracker Apps In the Game – Read More
I Tried Whoopi Goldberg's Weed Products for Period Pain – Read More
You're Not Crazy: 9 Ways Your Body Changes In Your 20's – 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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I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line CÉCRED & Here's My Honest Review
Beyoncé is snatching our wallets yet again with her latest business venture CÉCRED. In 2023, the Texas native hinted at a potential haircare line when she posted this photo causing fans to speculate that her next project would be focused on her famous tresses - they were right. Her haircare line Cécred launched on February 20 with her first drop called The Foundation Collection which focuses on haircare first, and I can only assume that a style product line for colored-treated hair will likely follow since Beyoncé is known for slaying various shades of blonde.
As a super fan since the early 2000s, it was only right that I give an honest review of the full line and purchase the Super Fan Bundle (retailed at $265) which includes the full product line of the 8 products, as well as a branded cosmetic bag. If you’re thinking, “Girl that bundle is too pricey for me,” I can assure you that for the value you're getting, the price is quite reasonable. This bundle was an intentional and marketable way to allow consumers to experience every Cécred product.
The brand messaging surrounding Cécred has been salon-inspired, and rightfully so as an ode to Beyoncé’s upbringing growing up in her mother’s hair salon in Houston. This line is backed by science and licensed cosmetologists showing that she’s done her research and appointed the experts. Cécred's IG feed has been filled with images and videos inside of hair salons including some videos of Ms. Tina herself assisting in the styling of beauty experts who visited Cécred's private salon to have the VIP treatment!
Now, have I seen influencers, consumers, and beauty stylists using the Foundation Collection at home? Yes, but I thought it was best to experience Cécred with my go-to cosmetologist who also happens to be my Auntie Tawana. She has been my educator and go-to for hair knowledge since I was a child and has had a hand in my mom's hair health which has always been goals for me. As a little girl, my Saturdays were spent sitting in her hair salon while my mama got her hair done as I patiently waited reading Jet and ESSENCE, ever so carefully eavesdropping on the conversations of the ladies who were coming for much more than just a beauty routine, but an experience.
I’d fall asleep on the plush couch in the waiting area flipping through magazines while listening to the sultry sounds of Maxwell. And I had my first lesson in breakup empowerment when I heard Sunshine Anderson’s “Heard It All Before.” So there was no other place for me to go than to see her, and because I’m her niece, I was able to visit her private salon in her home that she calls The After Hours where upon arrival I was greeted with my favorite Black-owned sparkling Rosé, candles lit, and my aunt’s breakdown of Cécred.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
But let me refocus and share my salon experience as I tried Cécred for the first time.
If You’re Wondering…Who is Cécred For?
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
When news of Beyoncé potentially launching a beauty brand hit the internet, there were a bunch of predictions of what and who the line would be marketed towards and if she’d have any wig care products as she’s known for slaying her units! But she went in a totally different direction which I love, and I’m going to tell you why. Critics have questioned if Beyoncé should be venturing into the haircare industry because she is often seen in weaves and wigs, but true Beyoncé fans know that she has healthy hair and that, like many Black women, experiments with various styles.
Cécred was created for all hair types and textures, including straight to coily, virgin, color-treated, chemically processed, and heat-styled. As a Black woman who has worn wigs, had chemically processed hair, heat-styled, natural, and color-treated hair, let me tell you, this was no easy feat! The amount of money I’ve spent on my hair through its various changes just on product alone, forget styling has been astronomical.
Cécred is serving the needs of various hair types in textures and I truly believe that this is going to make Beyoncé a true competitor in the hair industry amongst brands that are comparable such as OUAI and Olaplex. Both competitor brands have similar items at a higher price point and unlike Cécred, their products and brand messaging haven’t always felt inclusive to Black women and other hair types.
Cécred has been tested inclusively and the reviews from various hair types and backgrounds of consumers are allowing the brand to stand out.
I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line Cécred: My Honest Review
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
My hair has never felt cleaner and it shined for well over a week following the styling (but the oil should be used sparingly if like me, oil can weigh down your hair.) Immediately when my hair touched the sink, my aunt told me that she saw all the dirt and oils lifting from my hair when she applied the clarifying shampoo. As a girl who loves my curls, I am often judgy when I use any other shampoo and conditioner aside from Pattern, but not this time.
When my aunt guided my hands across my hair, she showed me how my curls weren’t tangled, and how she didn’t need to comb out my curls before applying the moisturizing deep conditioner or the deconstructing treatment mask.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
She applied each step with care and walked me through the process, and to my surprise, the hair mask wasn’t thick - but through trial and error as a natural girl, I’ve learned that a thick mask doesn’t always equal what’s best for your hair. She styled me with a silk press that left my hair with shine and I can honestly say that each step of the line is needed especially if you are someone who changes up your hair and deals with breakage. If your hair is healthy, you can opt out of the reconstructing treatment mask but I recommend taking the product line to your salon, having a discussion with your stylist on where your hair health needs improvement, and then purchasing based on that.
We know ourselves better than anyone else, but your stylist knows your hair better than you do. I like to lead with their knowledge first and then incorporate what my hair goals are. If you’re a girly who’s committed to hair health and has either the discipline to incorporate each step at home or can bring your products to the salon, Cécred is for you no matter if you’re a silk press or a wash-and-go naturalist.
Give Cécred a try, I’ll be using the line for my hair appointments until it runs out and if I see long-term results, it will be added to the beauty regimen indefinitely.
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Featured image courtesy of CÉCRED