I don’t feel comfortable? It is not supported by my religious beliefs or I find it unhygienic?
Growing up in Africa as a girl I have heard of many different reasons not to have sex during your monthly period; some were based on religious beliefs and some on culture. Most of these hinge on a consensus that women are unclean during that time of the month. I will like to discuss this from a physical and medical perspective, yes, you can have sexual intercourse when on your period, however you might want to consider these pros and cons:
PROS:
A possible benefit for some women with heavy-prolonged periods is that sex contracts the womb which MAY help lighten their period and stop the flow earlier than usual.
You can get pregnant even if you have sex during your period! Sperm stays for up to 7 days in your body and some women with short cycles of 21-25 days can ovulate a week after their period (A positive point to note for those trying for a baby)
CONS:
Bacteria and viruses totally love moist and warm places i.e. the vagina, during your period is perfect for them; this can increase the chances of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV
There is a special mucous that plugs the cervix (neck of the womb), during your period this comes off as the cervix opens to allow period flow. This can easily allow STIs in and lead to more complications of something called pelvic inflammatory disease which can lead to infertility ( I plan to cover this soon)
Whatever your reasons are for having or not having sex during your period, it should definitely not be from the feeling of being unclean, no woman should feel ashamed or unclean during their period which is a natural phenomenon. However please practice safe sex to protect you and your partner from STIs including HIV and unplanned pregnancy.
You may want to read: Why Do Women Talk with Hush Tones About their Periods and Menopause
Thank you for taking time to read this blog post.
Remember your body is amazing and you are made to live healthily, my Ebony Woman, much love.
