Many people have this concern: Can having sex during menstruation cause vaginal diseases? Is this true? Here, we provide a detailed explanation about whether sexual activity during menstruation is actually possible.
Sexual intercourse during menstruation is not uncommon. Historically, menstruation was often viewed as an unlucky occurrence: Westerners even believed that women menstruating could spoil sausages or sour wine;In some cultures, menstruating women were required to stay outside the village. In China, some men, upon discovering their bride was menstruating on their wedding night, would curse their bad luck, believing it would bring misfortune. They might even accuse the bride of deliberately causing trouble, resorting to violence, viewing the "red collision" as a deliberate attempt to bring them down. Thus, these superstitions naturally gave rise to the taboo against menstrual intercourse.In truth, such superstitions are entirely unfounded. Later, Western medicine added that intercourse during menstruation could potentially cause reproductive tract infections, as the presence of menstrual blood facilitates bacterial growth, and the shedding of the uterine lining creates a large wound surface susceptible to bacterial invasion. Furthermore, a woman's immune system function may change during menstruation, leading to reduced disease resistance. Others claim it can easily cause endometriosis and other conditions.Ancient Chinese texts similarly cautioned: "Engaging in intercourse while menstruation persists invites illness." Modern Western societies, however, generally do not uphold such strict prohibitions, viewing menstrual intercourse as harmless. Yet in recent years, concerns about HIV/AIDS have led to renewed caution, moving away from complete permissiveness. Current evidence shows no absolute link between menstrual intercourse and infections. With proper hygiene, infections or serious complications are unlikely, whereas poor hygiene during non-menstrual periods can still lead to infections.
Women often feel anxious or worried about menstruation approaching during honeymoons or vacations, which naturally dampens their sexual interest and causes inconvenience. However, this challenge can be easily overcome by using oral contraceptives to delay menstruation. Taking birth control pills also reduces heavy menstrual bleeding in women who normally experience it.
Of course, whether to engage in intercourse during menstruation is entirely a matter of personal preference—there is no need for rigid rules about what is or isn't acceptable. Research indicates that some women experience heightened sexual desire specifically during their period. This is a normal sensation, with reasons including:
(1) Increased pelvic blood flow during menstruation, which coincides with the pelvic congestion that occurs during sexual arousal.
(2) The complete absence of pregnancy risk creates a sense of security, allowing couples to fully enjoy intimacy.
(3) Estrogen levels are at their lowest, leading to a relative increase in androgen levels. Androgens are also the most important physiological basis for maintaining female sexual desire.
Additionally, some couples mistakenly believe that menstruation coincides with ovulation and only engage in intercourse during menstruation. They later discover during infertility treatment that their efforts were futile. This misconception requires special attention and timely correction.
Practice proper sexual hygiene during menstruation. In principle, intercourse during menstruation is not entirely prohibited. Some women may worry after experiencing this situation, but susceptibility to infection does not equate to guaranteed infection.However, special attention should be paid to the following:
(1) When menstrual flow is heavy, and the woman experiences symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, discomfort, or irritability, it is best to avoid intercourse;
(2) If the woman strongly dislikes intercourse during her period, the man should not force the issue and should exercise self-restraint.
Beyond these points, maintaining good hygiene generally poses no major obstacles. Experts also emphasize that while intercourse during menstruation is possible, this does not imply endorsement of such behavior.
The above addresses the question: "Is it true that sexual activity is permissible during menstruation?" We hope this provides clarity. Wishing you good health and happiness.