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 as 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, and 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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Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Roscoe Dash joined xoMan host Kiara Walker to share the journey of his personal and spiritual evolution—from the party anthems that made him famous to a deeper life rooted in faith, family, and purpose. This episode offers an honest look at how the artist has grown beyond early fame, addressing fatherhood, masculinity, creativity, and healing.
Dash opened up about the internal transformation that has guided him away from chasing the spotlight and toward seeking peace. “Faith and fear can’t occupy the same space,” he said, underscoring his shift toward a more spiritually grounded life. Throughout the interview, he emphasized the importance of self-reflection:
“The most important conversations to me, honestly, outside of the ones you have with God, is the ones you have with yourself in the mirror.”
Dash is focused on the man he’s become. “I’m not the accolades I’ve achieved—I’m the person who achieved them,” he added, pointing to a broader understanding of identity and worth. A large part of that growth has come through fatherhood, especially raising daughters, which he said has deepened his understanding of love. “Love is unconditional and love loves to love no matter what,” he shared.
He also spoke candidly about the pressures of fame and its impact on creativity. “Chasing fame can kill your creativity as a musician,” he warns. Instead, his advice to other artists is simple but clear: “Keep your focus on your art form, whatever that may be, and stay passionate.”
The conversation also touches on gender dynamics and emotional safety in relationships. “Safe men make soft women. If she feels safe, she’ll melt like butter,” he said, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. Roscoe also offers wisdom on discernment and spiritual testing: “Sometimes the devil will give you what looks better than your blessing.”
Ultimately, Dash has learned to embrace peace over chaos. “All I can do is control what I can control. And that's how I respond to things and what I'm giving out,” he said. It’s a thoughtful, soulful side of Roscoe Dash that many may not expect—but one that leaves a lasting impression.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube