It's common for women to experience increased sex drive near their period. It may not happen to everyone, but it's not uncommon for them to feel hot and bothered around the time before their period.
1. Is it normal for women to have stronger sexual desires before their period?
It's perfectly normal to feel an increased sex drive in the days leading up to your period, whether it happens monthly or occasionally.
In fact, some studies have found an increase in sex drive around ovulation (about two weeks before your period starts), but there's very little research on how many people experience increased sex drive near their period. You just need to know that you're not alone in experiencing this.
2. Why do women have stronger sexual desires before their period?
Researchers haven't yet determined the exact cause of this phenomenon. However, estrogen and testosterone levels are thought to play a role, and hormonal changes are likely to cause an increase in sexual desire. Several factors are thought to increase sexual desire near the time of menstruation.
2.1. Reduce the risk of pregnancy before menstruation
Psychology is an important factor influencing sexual activity. The highest chance of pregnancy is when having sex one to two days before ovulation. Having sex in the days before menstruation is a safe period, reducing the possibility of pregnancy. It is probably the factor that makes you feel more comfortable and increases your desire for sex.
However, it is important to remember that it is still possible to conceive at this time, although the rate is very low. If you do not want to have children, taking birth control measures is necessary.
2.2. Vaginal discharge increases sensitivity
Vaginal discharge during your menstrual cycle is completely normal. Before your period, vaginal discharge is white and contains cells from the uterine lining that are being shed from the body. During the luteal phase, more vaginal discharge can help lubricate and reduce pain during sex. Increased vaginal discharge makes you feel wet quickly when aroused, making the vagina more sensitive than usual.
2.3. Lower abdominal bloating before your period can affect your G-spot
Many people experience symptoms of lower abdominal bloating when their period is approaching. Changes in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels can cause water retention, creating a feeling of bloating.
Although bloating can be uncomfortable, it can affect your G-spot if it is located in the pelvic area. And this pressure makes the G-spot more sensitive, which is part of the reason why you feel more aroused near the time of the month.
2.4. Sex helps ease premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
PMS usually occurs 5 to 11 days before your period. Symptoms range from cramps and fatigue to cravings and breakouts.
Orgasms are thought to relieve physical pain symptoms by releasing mood-boosting endorphins.
Sex doesn't just relieve cramps. According to a 2013 study, migraines, a symptom that can occur around the time of your period, are partially or completely relieved after sex.
3. Can you get pregnant if you have vaginal sex?
Pregnancy is unlikely if you have sex right before your period. As mentioned, your most fertile time usually occurs about 14 days before your period starts, when you ovulate.
However, this is especially true if your menstrual cycle is 28 days long. Some people have cycles that last as little as 21 days or as long as 35 days.
If you usually bleed every 21 days, you have a shorter time between ovulation and your period, which means you are more likely to get pregnant in the week before your period starts.
Pregnancy will occur during or a few days before ovulation because the egg only survives for about 24 hours after it is released, and sperm can live in the body for up to five days.
If you don't want to get pregnant, you should use contraception just in case.
4. Can sex start your period?
Your period is only likely to start after sex if it's about the time for it to come, meaning you have sex within a day or two before. When you orgasm, blood rushes to your genital area, and this can trigger the start of your period.
Studies suggest that hormones found in semen may soften the cervix, triggering menstruation. Another theory involves vaginal contractions during sex caused by the penis touching the cervix. When the contractions stop, the vagina relaxes, and the uterine lining may begin to shed.
5. What should you keep in mind when having sex before your period?
If you have penetrative sex near the start of your period, you will sometimes experience a small amount of bleeding. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the possibility of bleeding during sex.
- Wear a menstrual cup. There are now several types of menstrual cups that allow you to have sex while wearing them without any side effects.
- Use a condom. Although this will not stop bleeding, it will prevent the transmission of undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections between you and your partner. In addition, condoms are also a safe method of contraception.
- Use lubricant. No matter what stage of your menstrual cycle, use a water-based lubricant if you need a little extra lubrication. In addition to being the best choice for condoms, it also helps reduce friction during intercourse.
- Do not use tampons during sex under any circumstances.
- Communicate with your partner. If you are worried that your period will start during sex, tell your partner in advance. As long as you are both comfortable and using the necessary protection, there is nothing to worry about. Take control when having sex, and slow down if you are more sensitive than usual.
It is completely normal for women to have desires near their period; you should not feel embarrassed or self-conscious. Hormonal changes in the body are the reason why women have desires during their period. Sharing with your partner and using safe contraception will help you feel more comfortable during sex during these days.
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