If you’re like a lot of women, your period days are off-limits as far as sex goes. And we get why. Period sex can be messy, and not everyone is comfortable dealing with bloody sheets or getting naked during what tends to be a bloated, crampy, unsexy time of the month.
However, there are also plenty of reasons to look past those issues. Period sex has some big advantages—and most importantly, it can help you feel good and sexy if you’re otherwise feeling crappy. (And certain positions actually minimize the mess while maximizing your pleasure.)
In fact, sex can actually help with menstrual cramps. During an orgasm, your pelvic muscles contract and release, which may reduce the pelvic pain and cramping associated with menstruation.
Some women say sex on their period feels even better than usual, and that they don’t need to worry about dryness or use a personal lubricant. It can feel really great for both partners because it makes things naturally slippery and wet. It’s a good argument for making shower sex your go-to period sex style, since water is not a good lubricant on its own.
Along with relieving cramps, orgasms can also be a remedy for the overall discomfort and fatigue that can come along with having your period. Orgasms prompt the release of powerful chemicals called endorphins, which can ease pain and boost your mood—a big plus if your flow makes you feel draggy, easily irritated, or just crummy in general.
A landmark study in the journal Pain in the 1980s found that women’s pain tolerance thresholds increased significantly (by nearly 75%) during orgasm. More recently, a 2013 study in the journal Cephalagia showed that sexual activity could lead to “partial or complete relief” of migraine and cluster headaches in some patients.
Having sex during your time of the month can even reduce stress and help you sleep. Those endorphins are also amazing at lowering stress levels: Studies show that couples who have sex more frequently have fewer blood-pressure spikes and healthier reactions to stressful situations. Getting it on with your partner is also a great way to feel closer, strengthen your bond, and feel good about yourself and your body.
Orgasms also prepare your body for sleep by releasing the hormone prolactin, which may help you get more restorative shut-eye (one thing you should still stress about, though? Using protection. If you’re not currently on hormonal birth control, it is possible to get pregnant. You may also be at a slightly higher risk for sexually transmitted infections while you’re on your period, so always remember to stay safe, ladies).
Not all women feel sexy or ready to go at it during their period, but considering its benefits, I definitely recommend you give it a try.