SEXUAL HEALTH
6 Best Positions for Period Sex
Published: OCTOBER 1, 2020
| Updated: AUGUST 17, 2021 09:33:31
Old Aunt Flo likes a roll in the hay too. These positions work well during "that time of the month" and make sweet, sweet, hormonally-fueled period sex even better.
There is such a weird stigma surrounding period sex or "period play." This perfectly natural monthly occurrence has been given a bad rap, and I’m putting my foot down and not buying it.
I’m waaay more into sex when I’m bleeding and have no interest in benching my vagina one week every month because shedding my uterine lining is too "messy" or unsightly—for some. No thanks.
As long as you’re comfortable and in the mood, it’s OK to have period sex. Hell, it's MORE than OK. It's pretty damn incredible. If you're worried, there are ways, like using a menstrual cup from Satisfyer, to minimize potential mess and maximize pleasure.
Here are a few tips and positions that work well when you're bleeding to make sweet, sweet, hormonally-fueled period sex possible.
Warm-up With an Orgasm
Board-certified sexologist, certified sex coach, and sexuality educator, Dr. Lanae St.John’s tip isn’t so much about intercourse during menstruation or “period sex” so much as it’s “pro-orgasm” when someone has their period.
“Self-induced is just as valid if that works best for you,” says St. John. “An orgasm first as a ‘warm-up’ (focusing on manual or oral stimulation before penetration) can help alleviate menstrual cramps and could make intercourse more enjoyable.”
Side-lying Spooning
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While everyone’s body is different, many will find the side-lying spooning position more comfortable for period sex. “Lying sideways lessens the depth of penetration, which may be uncomfortable as you get closer to your cervix,” says Sarah Melancon, PhD., Sociologist, Clinical Sexologist, and Sexuality and Relationships Expert for SexToyCollective.com. If you are wearing a menstrual cup, shallower penetration lessens the chance that the giver will knock against it.
It can also be less messy than other positions. “Imagine an open water bottle laying on its side,” says Melancon. “If it’s super full, some will spill out, but a significant portion will remain happily inside.” She also notes that spooning sex can feel intimate and snuggly. “Given that it’s common to feel more emotional on your period, the closeness may be an added benefit.”
Modified Missionary
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Carol Queen, PhD, Good Vibrations Staff Sexologist, suggests a missionary position variant where the insertive (top) partner does not put their weight on the possibly already-sore pelvic area of the person on the bottom. Queen has seen this done with the top partner keeping more weight on their arms to prevent lying directly on their partner, and also a version where they kneel up and draw their partner’s pelvis closer—what some like to call the Rocking Horse Position.
“This is a position that allows for a fair amount of pelvic motion, even while the person on the bottom lies there,” says Queen.
![Rocking Horse Lesbian Sex Position]()
“The insertive partner can thrust pretty hard from this position (or go way slower). The partner below can also thrust up if desired.” This position also allows plenty of space between the partners for clitoral stimulation, which is especially good for increasing orgasmic contractions and helping to reduce pain by up to 50% if you have cramps.
Slip Sliding Away
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Standing positions can sometimes be uncomfortable for people with menstrual cramps, but not always. You might want to give it a go with something like the Ballerina Shower Sex position pictured above (bonus points for spicing it up with the Satisfyer Wand-er Woman.)
Still, relationship therapist, Megan Harrison, says shower sex is a great solution when you want to have period sex, but without the mess.
“The hot water can also help relax and soothe aching back cramps,” she says. If you plan to get frisky in the shower, she reminds that water isn’t a good lubricant, so be sure to have plenty of lube on hand.
The Shoulder Holder
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The shoulder holder position is another one to put in your period sex playbook. In this penetrative position, the vulva-haver lies on their back, with legs straight up and over their partner’s shoulder. Since the vagina-haver is lying on their back, it eases the pelvic muscles and helps alleviate cramps.
When it comes to period sex positions, Amy Olson, sex expert at The Absolute Dater, is partial to the Betty Boop, a variation on the shoulder holder where the receptive partner crosses their legs over there partner's shoulders rather than holding them straight.