Cdear doctor,
Can I have intercourse during menstruation?
C.
Doctor Monica Calcagni responds
I’m there Doctor Monica Calcagni, Surgeon specializing in Gynecology and Obstetrics. For over twenty years I have accompanied women in every phase of their lives with competence, listening and passion. I graduated with honors fromUniversity of Rome “Tor Vergata”where I also obtained a specialization in Obstetrics and Gynecology with honors and a II level Master’s degree in Aesthetic Medicine, as well as various specialist certifications.
In my job I deal with everything related to gynecological health: from prevention to contraception, from pregnancy to birth assistance, up to obstetric and gynecological ultrasound. I’m a non-objecting doctor and I have always been committed to protection of women’s health and rights.
Alongside my clinical activity, I also carry out my educational activity, with scientific publications and three books aimed at the general public. I have written three books: My journey alongside women (Maggioli Editore, 2025), More woman, less break (Sperling&Kupfer, 2024) e Women’s things (Sperling&Kupfer, 2022).
For info and contacts call 3397247140-3737375627
Or for online consultations you can book directly on the platform Doctorium.
Doctor Monica Calcagni.
Can I have intercourse during menstruation?
Yes, it is possible, but it is important to know your body and its reactions well on those days. There are no absolute medical contraindications: if both partners agree and the right hygiene and contraceptive precautions are adopted, making love during menstruation is absolutely safe. Indeed, many women report an increase in desire on those days: the body is more sensitive, hormones determine greater vascularization and natural lubrication can make intercourse more pleasant. Some also notice a reduction in menstrual pain, because orgasm causes uterine contractions which facilitate the expulsion of blood and release endorphins, the so-called “feel-good hormones”.
Increases the risk of contracting or transmitting infections
However, there are some things to consider. During menstruation, the cervix is more open and the vaginal mucosa is more fragile, which slightly increases the risk of contracting or transmitting infections. For this reason it is always advisable to use a condom, which protects against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B and C) and any bacterial infections.
Is there really a risk of pregnancy?
Another often underestimated point concerns the risk of pregnancy. Although rare, it is not null: sperm can survive up to 5 days in the female genital tract, and in those who have very short cycles or early ovulation, the Fertilization can also occur immediately after the end of menstruation. So, if you don’t want to get pregnant, it’s a good idea to maintain protection even during menstruation.
How to choose the right time
From a practical point of view, small measures can be adopted to experience intimacy in a more serene way: choose moments in which the flow is lighter, use dark towels, or try more comfortable and less “messy” positions. The important thing is that both partners feel at ease: the period must not be experienced as a taboo, but as part of female physiology. Making love during your period is a personal choice, not right or wrong in itself. Every woman can decide freely, listening to her body and respecting its times and signals. Talking about menstruation naturally is already a way to free yourself from ancient prejudices and experience sexuality with more awareness, harmony and freedom
Follow mine “Conscious Cycle” course if you want to learn more about your body and your periods.