A few light tears after sex are fine, but if they persist and become heavy, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. They may want to do a pelvic exam or, if you’re postmenopausal, an ultrasound to check on your cervix.
It’s also worth noting that you’re most likely to conceive right after ovulation, so having sex just before your period is probably not ideal.
1. Use a latex condom
Using a condom is the best way to protect yourself from pregnancy and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’re allergic to latex, don’t worry – there are plenty of other options. Look for condoms that are made with polyurethane or nitrile, which are safe for people with latex allergies. There are also non-latex male condoms that are compatible with all types of lubricant and a few female condoms available that have no latex and can be used with all kinds of lubricants.
There’s no scientific evidence that having sex while on your period harms your health, but it’s important to practice safe sex and use protection. Many women report an increased libido during their periods, thanks to hormonal changes. Plus, menstrual blood can act as a natural lubricant.
If you’re having sex right after your period ends, it’s unlikely that you will get pregnant because ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from the ovary) usually happens about 10 days after bleeding stops. But if you’re not sure about your ovulation date, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’re unsure about your ovulation date, consider buying a package of emergency contraception, like Plan B One-Step, ahead of time to have on hand. It’s easy to use and available for anyone over age 18.
2. Have sex in the shower
If you and your partner are both comfortable with it, having penetrative sex in the shower can make things a lot more fun. It’s less messy, and the water can help wash away any blood that ends up on your partner’s penis. Plus, the warm water may trigger orgasms that can make having sex during your period even more exciting.
Just be careful about getting soap in the wrong places, and make sure you have a wet washcloth or wet wipes by your bed to clean up afterwards. Also, spreading a dark-coloured towel on your bed can prevent any bloodstains from showing.
Bleeding after sex is usually nothing to worry about, but sometimes it can be a sign of STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. It’s important to get checked for these infections if you bleed after sex, so talk to your gynecologist or sexual health clinic about it.
During your periods, it’s normal to have light bleeding and spotting after sex. But don’t let that stop you from having sex! Orgasms can help relieve menstrual cramps and even shorten your periods, since muscle contractions cause your uterus to empty out faster. And, if you use a condom and avoid STIs, sex during your period can be lots of fun. It’s a great way to spice up your relationship, and it might unlock some new fantasy plays that you can both enjoy.
3. Spread a towel on your bed
Having sex when you’re on your period is normal and can even feel great (orgasms can help relieve menstrual cramping). But blood can stain sheets, mattresses, and furniture. Spreading a towel on the bed before you have sex can minimize the mess and make you or your partner feel more comfortable about it.
A lot of the time, bleeding after sex is caused by vaginal penetration from something like a penis or a sex toy. If the bleeding is very heavy and accompanied by pain, it could be a sign of an infection such as herpes, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. Bleeding after sex can also indicate cervical cancer or certain types of uterine tumors.
Postcoital bleeding can also occur if you’re having an orgasm and accidentally nick or scrape your vaginal wall. This can cause a small amount of blood to drip from the laceration and onto your crotch.
The best way to know if you’re having an orgasm or bleeding during your period is to ask your gynecologist. She can check you for signs of STIs or an infection and give you a clear answer about whether you’re having a regular menstrual cycle or if the bleeding is related to sex. You should also let your gynecologist know if you’re having more frequent or heavier bleeding or if you’re noticing any other unusual symptoms.
4. Keep a wet washcloth or wet wipes by the bed
Bleeding that happens after sexual activity isn’t always a sign of something serious, but it’s important to check in with your ob-gyn. Vaginal bleeding or spotting that occurs during or after sex could indicate an infection like chlamydia, gonorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical polyps or cancer. It might also be a sign of a medical condition such as endometriosis, cervical cancer, fibroids or endometrial hyperplasia.
The most common cause of post-sex bleeding is tears in the cervix, which is the end of your uterus that sticks out into the vagina. These usually happen from dryness or vigorous sex, especially if you have an IUD, implant or low-dose birth control pill that can make the cervix sensitive. But “if it’s bright red and profuse, then that’s not normal,” Millheiser tells INSIDER. If you’re not sure if the bleeding is from a tear or a bigger problem, your gynecologist will run tests, including a pelvic exam, Pap smear and visual examination with a colposcopy to determine what’s going on.
If you’re pre-menopausal, light spotting during or after sex on rare occasions isn’t necessarily a big deal, especially if the spotting is very mild or short-lived, according to Mayo Clinic experts. But if the bleeding is regular, doesn’t stop or get heavier or is accompanied by symptoms like pain, it’s worth talking to your doctor about.