Many cultures have taboos about engaging in sexual intercourse, or any sexual behaviors, during menstruation. Orthodox Jewish women are required to abstain from sexual intercourse for 1 week after their menstrual period. After this time they engage in a mik — vah bath, following which sexual activity can be resumed.
Although many sexually active couples report avoiding sexual intercourse during menstruation (Hensel et al., 2004), research has found that this might have to do with personal comfort. Couples who feel more comfortable with their sexuality report higher levels of sexual intercourse during menstruation (Rempel & Baumgartner, 2003). From a medical standpoint, there is no reason to avoid sexual intimacy during a woman’s period. Of course, menstruation can make things a little messy, so a little preplanning is often needed. Some women use diaphragms or other specially designed products, such as the Instead Softcup™, to contain menstrual fluid. Others insert a tampon just prior to sexual activity and then engage in oral or manual sex.
How do you feel about sex during menstruation? It’s important to talk to your partner about this issue and decide what works best for you as a couple. As we’ve mentioned earlier, however, menstrual suppression might make this question obsolete.