9 reasons why you shouldn’t ever be ashamed of having period sex

A lot of people feel squeamish, awkward, or even ashamed at the thought of having one particular kind of sex: Period sex. But that’s just the stigma talking. Period sex is *actually* a gift from heaven, bestowed upon us to relieve some pain and give us some joy during a pretty uncomfortable time of the month, and we at HelloGiggles are all for it. There are plenty of benefits to period sex. . . and plenty of reasons you should 100% never feel ashamed indulging in it.

1. It can shorten your period

If you have some really good sex, you actually could shorten your period. How? Because the endometrial lining may shed extra after a good orgasm. And really, no one should feel ashamed for attempting to shorten their period.

2. You are a human being who has bodily functions

Let’s get this one out of the way: Thanks to society’s sexist expectations, a lot of women feel like they must be hairless, smooth goddesses who *never* fart, burp, or make the occasional weird queefing noise during sex — which can make period blood seem like the most embarrassing thing in the world. But we are human beings! We bleed approximately once a month, and that’s nothing to be ashamed about. Blood is honestly *not* gross compared to all the other bodily functions humans have — so are we really gonna let that be a roadblock on the trip to Pleasuretown? No way.

3. It can relieve cramp pain

Endorphins are released during orgasm, which can ease the pain of cramps. Oh, and the stronger the orgasm, the stronger the pain relief, because the world is a beautiful place. So really, you and your partner are trying to alleviate your pain in a really, REALLY fun way.

4. It can ease your stress

Those lovely endorphins can *also* make you feel relaxed and less stressed out. And guys, periods can be really stress-inducing, so give yourself a break.

5. It’s often not even that messy

You may be visualizing period sex to be something like this:

But take it from someone who’s done it plenty: If you wear a tampon or menstrual cup during your period and take it out shortly before sex, there often won’t even be that much of a mess. But just in case, having sex in the shower or on a towel will help with the cleanup.

6. Doctors are all for it

“If the patient is comfortable with it, then it’s great to continue having sex throughout the month and not have to take a break,” Tara Ford, a physician assistant at the Medical Center for Female Sexuality, told Health earlier this month. “It’s perfectly natural and safe for both partners.”

Doctor’s seal of approval.

7. It can feel even better than regular sex

Have you ever noticed that your sex drive can get a little stronger around that time of the month? At first, it may seem like a cruel joke from nature, but if you’re willing to have period sex, it can be heavenly. A higher sex drive can lead to more sensitivity, which can provide a more mind-blowing orgasm — which will alleviate your cramps, make you feel less stressed, and shorten your period, as mentioned earlier. BEST SEX EVER.

8. You don’t need to use as much lube

Because your period = natural, free lube! Thank you, body.

9. 30% of people do it

Even if your friends won’t admit to it, odds are, they’re doing it. According to the period-tracking app Clue, 30% of people have period sex, which is pretty much a third. Maybe because there’s nothing shameful about it, and because it’s amazing? IDK, just spitballing here.

Just make sure to use protection, and have fun.