# Sex on your period

> Totally okay if you both want to. A few things to know.

Category: Period care · 4 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/period-care/period-sex

## Quick answer

- Period sex is safe and normal if everyone is comfortable.
- Pregnancy is less likely but still possible, so use contraception if you need it.
- Use condoms to lower STI risk.

Having sex on your period is a personal choice. Some people love it, some would rather not, and both are completely fine. If you and your partner are into it, here is the practical stuff.

## Can you get pregnant?

**Yes, it is possible.** It is less likely, but not impossible. The NHS says sperm can survive in the body for up to 7 days, and that it is possible (though not very likely) to get [pregnant](https://splash.care/learn/fertility-ttc/early-pregnancy-signs) soon after your period finishes if you [ovulate](https://splash.care/learn/phases/ovulation) early or have a short cycle. In one study of 221 women, the [fertile window](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/fertile-window) was hard to predict from the calendar even when cycles were fairly regular. Bleeding around [ovulation](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/ovulation) can also be mistaken for a period.

## What about STIs?

Periods do not protect against infections. Some infections may pass on more easily when blood is present, so condoms are still the best way to lower your [STI](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/sti) risk. Condoms also lower the chance of pregnancy, but are not a perfect shield from either.

## Making it comfy

- Lay down a dark towel and keep tissues or wipes nearby.
- The shower can be a low-mess option.
- Take a tampon out first. A tampon pushed up by accident can turn sideways and be hard to remove. Advice on cups and discs differs by brand, so check the packet before wearing one during sex.
- Talk about it first, and stop if anything hurts.

> **Splash says:** some people find that sex or orgasm eases their cramps. There is not much formal research, but if it feels good and is wanted, it is a harmless extra.

**Myth:** You cannot get pregnant on your period.

**Fact:** It is less likely, but possible. If you do not want to get pregnant, use contraception every time.

### When to see a doctor

See a GP or sexual health clinic if sex hurts, if you bleed after sex outside your period, or if you have unusual discharge, sores or pelvic pain. The NHS says bleeding after sex should always be checked.

## Sources

1. [NHS: Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/fertility-in-the-menstrual-cycle/)
2. [Nemours KidsHealth: Could I get pregnant if I have sex during my period?](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/sex-during-period.html)
3. [Wilcox et al. (2000) The timing of the "fertile window" in the menstrual cycle, BMJ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11082086/)
4. [NHS: Periods](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).