Julie Medical Advisor
Period sex, explained by a doctor
The Truth About Period Sex: Benefits, Risks, and Tips
It’s time to talk about period sex (aka sex on your period). Is it possible? Is it painful? Who should you have it with, and are there any benefits? We’re breaking down all your period sex questions with Doctor Tessa Commers.
Having sex while menstruating is not only perfectly safe and normal, but it can actually have some benefits. Though there are some precautions to keep in mind, you can have comfortable, enjoyable, safe sex while on your period. Learn more about the benefits and risks of period sex below (as well as a few other tips and tricks).
Can You Have Sex on Your Period?
Yes—you can absolutely have sex during your period. If you and your partner are in the mood, there is no reason–practical or medical–to hold off on having period sex.
Some people might be confused about how sex works while fluid is coming out of the vagina, while others might be uncomfortable with the idea of blood getting in the mix of things. The truth is that sex happens essentially the same way as it does when there is no period blood. At the end of the day, it’s really up to the participants as to whether or not they’re in the mood and if they’re prepared for the possibility of a little extra cleanup.
Does Period Sex Make You Attached?
One common rumor is that having sex during your period can create stronger emotional attachments to your partner. While there haven’t been any specific studies to verify this, sex of any kind can cause the brain to release oxytocin (sometimes called the “love hormone”) which can make people feel more connected to their partners. In addition, it’s common for some people to experience more intense emotions while menstruating. Put these two occurrences together and it makes sense that period sex comes with more intense sexual feelings. However, the attachment felt between two partners is dependent on countless additional factors, so it’s unlikely that period sex alone will have a significant impact on a relationship.
Remember that any sexual activity should be consensual and based on mutual desire and respect between partners. Period sex is no exception to this rule.
Is It Bad?
No, period sex is not bad for you. There are certainly social and cultural views of period sex that may influence someone’s perspective, but–medically speaking–period sex is a healthy activity. As with all types of healthy sexual activity, open communication and preparation are beneficial. To ensure you’re practicing safe sex, it’s still recommended to take precautions to protect yourself and your partner from STIs and unwanted pregnancy. This includes barrier protection, knowing your STI status and using birth control (if you aren’t trying to conceive).
Benefits of Period Sex
Not only is there nothing wrong or harmful about period sex, it can actually have some benefits, including:
Increased Sex Drive or Arousal
Natural hormonal fluctuations regulate the cyclical events of the menstrual cycle. However, these hormones have additional side effects, including emotional changes. One emotion that many experience is heightened sex drive during a period.
Increased Sexual Pleasure
The increased blood flow to the private area during menstruation brings blood to all areas of the vulva, including the clitoris and vagina. This increased blood flow has the potential to enhance your sexual pleasure.
Less Need for Lubrication
One advantage of period sex is the presence of a natural lubricant (blood) which reduces or eliminates the need for additional lube during sex. This may not be the case if you’ve used a tampon up to the point of penetration as tampons soak up most of the blood. However, using an additional lube is still safe to use while on your period.
Less Painful Cramps
Menstrual cramps are the worst. They happen when the muscles of your uterus contract to release its lining (what we see as period blood and clots). But good news–orgasms can help! Orgasms release endorphins, which are natural pain relievers that can help you feel better and provide some relief from cramps.
Shorter Periods
Some people may also experience shorter periods thanks to period sex. Since orgasms cause your uterus to contract and release, the extra release can help you shed more of the uterus lining and reach a quicker end to your period.
Will It Affect My Period?
Changes to your period can happen for various reasons. Aside from the possibility of ending it earlier (thanks, orgasms), period sex doesn’t influence the timing of your menstrual cycle. Your period can change slightly from month to month, but sex doesn’t cause substantial differences to your cycle.
The main way sex can delay your period is if you become pregnant. Other factors like stress, weight extremes, exercise, puberty, perimenopause, changes in birth control, or shifts in routine can also cause changes in your menstrual cycle. However, sex itself (including sex on your period) is not a factor.
What Are the Risks of Period Sex?
Period sex is perfectly healthy and normal. While there’s nothing dangerous about it, there are some potential risks (just like with any type of sexual activity). These include:
You and Your Partner May Get a Little Bloody
Blood can get on you, your partner, and whatever surface you’re having sex on. But that doesn’t need to get in the way of you having sex. Be sure to communicate and prepare in advance. Lay out a towel or opt for a location that’s conducive to a quick clean-up, like a shower.
Sexually-transmitted infection (STIs)
Period sex does not protect you from passing or contracting an STI. For those with female anatomy, the vaginal pH level tends to be slightly higher than usual during menstruation, which could potentially make you more prone to infections. For those with male anatomy, the risk of spreading an STI is the same whether or not your partner is menstruating.
Using a barrier form of protection like a condom, female condom, or dental dam can help reduce the risk of spreading an STI. Regular testing and treatment (when indicated) is also part of healthy sexual activity.
Vaginal Dryness
Increased lubrication is a benefit of period sex for some but not all, especially if you use tampons. Tampons are very effective at soaking up blood, but they can leave the vaginal canal dry immediately after removal. Using lubricant can help prevent any discomfort or friction during sex.
Tips for Better Period Sex
Remove Your Tampon or Pad
Before having sex, be sure to remove your tampon or menstrual cup to prevent discomfort. If you use tampons, have a water-based lubricant on hand to avoid vaginal dryness.
Pee Afterwards
Use a pH-balanced wipe or a wet towel to clean yourself after sex. Also, be sure to urinate (pee) after sex to help expel other bacteria.
Try Different Positions
The right position can make period sex more relaxing. Try different positions to see what feels best for you and your partner. If blood leakage is a concern, consider positions that place you beneath your partner, like missionary. Talk to your partner and explore what works best.
Communicate
Open communication is key for period sex. Discuss any concerns, preferences, and boundaries before engaging. Being on the same page with your partner will make the experience better for the both of you.
Use a Towel
You can place a towel under you to catch any blood that might otherwise reach your sheets (or whatever surface you’re having sex on). This will also make clean-up quick and easy.
Can You Get Pregnant from Period Sex?
Yes, you can still get pregnant from period sex. Though the chances are low, it’s still possible. If you’re not on a consistent form of birth control (like hormonal birth control pills, the IUD, shot, patch, or ring) don’t rely on period sex as a regular go-to for preventing pregnancy. Using a barrier method, like condoms, reduces your chances of becoming pregnant while also protecting yourself and your partner from STIs. Emergency contraception like Julie can also help prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Although the information above may be useful, it shouldn’t replace the advice of your healthcare professional. For questions about emergency contraception or birth control, please talk to your healthcare professional.
There are a few medications that may interact with the morning-after pill. The most common medications include:
-Some anti-HIV medications
-Some anti-seizure medications
-Rifampin (an antibiotic mainly used to treat tuberculosis)
-Griseofulvin
-St. John’s wort
If you have concerns about a medicine you are taking potentially interacting with the morning-after pill, please consult with a pharmacist or medical provider.
No, studies have confirmed that taking two pills will not change the effectiveness of the morning-after pill, even for those with higher BMIs.
Essentially nothing. Julie is not an abortion pill and it will not harm or end an existing pregnancy. Julie helps prevent pregnancy by stopping or delaying ovulation, but if you’re pregnant, then there’s no ovulation to stop. The medication, levonorgestrel, won’t harm you or your fetus if you do end up taking Julie while pregnant. This makes Julie a great option for people who want to be safe after unprotected sex—if you aren’t pregnant yet, it may stop a pregnancy from occurring, and if you are already pregnant, it won’t impact the fetus.
No. The morning-after pill only stops ovulation short-term. When you take it after unprotected sex, it reduces your chance of getting pregnant now. When you start a new cycle next month, you’ll go through a brand new ovulation phase, which is a new opportunity to get pregnant. So if you’re planning on having babies in the future, rest assured your chances of getting pregnant won’t be affected by Julie.
After taking Julie you can continue on with your regular birth control method if you have one (for example, continue taking birth control pills).
You will know Julie has been effective when you get your next period, which should come at the expected time, or within a week of the expected time. If your period is delayed beyond 1 week, it is possible you may be pregnant. You should get a pregnancy test and follow up with your healthcare professional.
Julie is a backup or emergency method and should not be used as a regular birth control method. Consult with your doctor about a birth control method that makes sense for you.
Please know that taking a dose of Julie will only protect you from one instance of unprotected sex, it will not prevent pregnancy from unprotected sex over the coming days or weeks. If you have unprotected sex in the future and want to prevent pregnancy, be sure to take a new dose of Julie and talk to your doctor about the best birth control options for you.
Your menstrual bleeding patterns may change temporarily after using levonorgestrel. If you find that your period is more than a week late, take a pregnancy test to confirm whether the contraceptive has worked.
Technically, no. Julie can be used by anyone with a uterus regardless of weight. However, studies have shown that the effectiveness of the morning-after pill does decrease in people who have a body mass index (BMI) over 25. For those with a BMI under 25, pregnancy risk after taking the morning-after pill is less than 2%. For those with a BMI over 29.9, the risk of pregnancy increases to 5.8% - meaning that out of every 100 individuals with a BMI over 29.9 who take Julie, six may become pregnant.
Why? Unfortunately, we don’t really know. There is only preliminary research testing the efficacy of the morning-after pill on people with a BMI over 25 and 30. Read more here.
Julie is not an abortion pill and will not harm an existing pregnancy nor will it be effective if a woman is already pregnant.
Julie is a progestin‑only emergency contraception product that helps prevent pregnancy before it starts when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Julie is a backup method of preventing pregnancy and should not be used as regular birth control. Use as directed.
The medication in the morning-after pill, levonorgestrel, temporarily blocks or delays ovulation, which is when your ovary releases an egg. It essentially puts the emergency brakes on your ovaries so an egg can’t be released. If there’s no egg, then there’s nothing for sperm to fertilize, which means a pregnancy can’t develop.
Read more about how the morning-after pill works here.
The morning-after pill, like Julie, is 89% effective when taken within 72 hours (or 3 days) after unprotected sex. The golden rule is the sooner you take it, the better it will work.
One thing to note: Weight does impact the effectiveness of the morning-after pill. If your BMI is over 25, Julie may not be the best option for you, but there are other options if you have access to a medical provider. Ella® is another type of emergency contraception pill that works more effectively for women with a BMI under 30. Like Julie, it’s a one-time pill but it does require a prescription from your provider. Copper and hormonal IUDs are the most effective form of emergency contraceptive and are not affected by weight at all. However, they do need to be inserted by a healthcare professional up to 5 days after having unprotected sex.
Learn more about how weight impacts Julie here.
You do not need to see a doctor before or after taking Julie because the pill is available without a prescription. However, there are a few reasons you might want to speak with a doctor after unprotected sex. The first reason is that unprotected sex carries the risk of catching sexually-transmitted infections. The second reason is that the morning-after pill is not as effective as regular birth control. A doctor will be able to counsel you on better options if you plan to remain sexually active.
Since emergency contraception can affect the length of your menstrual cycle, your period might come about a week later or earlier than usual after taking Julie. If your period is more than one week late, consider the possibility of pregnancy.
No, the morning-after pill (including Julie) and the abortion pill are two very different medications. The morning-after pill prevents a pregnancy from starting by stopping an egg from being released. If there’s no egg, there’s no chance of pregnancy. Plus, it’s FDA-approved and legal in all 50 states.
On the other hand, the abortion pill ends an existing pregnancy, which is something that the morning-after pill cannot do. If you’re already pregnant, the morning-after pill and the medicine within it, levonorgestrel, cannot end the pregnancy or impact it in any way.
See more common morning-after pill myths here.
No. No one needs a prescription to purchase Julie or EC. However, some insurances require a prescription for reimbursement. Some pharmacies and places where EC is sold may tell you that you need a prescription. You do not.
The morning-after pill—like Julie— is one of the most common and convenient forms of emergency contraception. It’s an over-the-counter pill found at retail chains like Target, CVS, and Walmart nationwide. The morning-after pill is made of the hormone levonorgestrel, the same hormone found in many birth control pills and is FDA-approved and legal in all 50 states. When used correctly, it can significantly reduce your chance of getting pregnant. It doesn’t require a prescription, ID, or credit card, and can be purchased easily by anyone (you, your partner, your friend, or the nice guy from GoPuff). Learn more about the morning-after pill here.
The morning-after pill is a backup method of preventing pregnancy and should not be used as regular birth control.
You should take Julie if you had unprotected penis-to-vagina sex and:
- You didn’t use any form of birth control
- Your birth control method failed—e.g. the condom broke or slipped off
- You missed 2 or more doses of your regular birth control pill
- You’re not sure if he pulled out in time
Remember to take Julie ASAP to have the best chance of it working. It’s 89% effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but can be effective up to 120 hours after. Learn more about Julie here.
No. No one needs a prescription to purchase Julie or other brands of the morning-after pill. However, some insurance companies require a prescription for reimbursement. Some pharmacies and other places where emergency contraceptives are sold may tell you that you need a prescription. You do not.
Take the Julie tablet orally (swallowed). It is preferable to take it with water, and you can take it with or without food. Do not insert Julie vaginally.
Julie can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. The sooner it’s taken after unprotected sex, the better it works. Learn more about the morning-after pill effectiveness here.
No. We know this is a common misconception so let’s break it down. Using Julie (no matter how many times you take it) does not affect your fertility — and it will not prevent you from becoming pregnant in the future. You should feel free to use Julie whenever you think it’s necessary. Julie (and all EC) is not recommended as an ongoing form of birth control because it’s not as effective at preventing pregnancy as birth control methods like the IUD, patch, pill, ring, or shot. Also, frequent use of EC may cause periods to become irregular and unpredictable. That’s it!
You can get Julie at your local CVS, Target, Walmart or on our website.
No, that’s not recommended. Emergency contraceptives, like Julie, work when you take them after sex. That’s because emergency contraception prevents pregnancy by delaying when you ovulate, which is when an egg is released from the ovary. Sperm can live inside you for up to 5 days, so if you take Julie and then have unprotected sex, the medication might not be able to delay ovulation for the entire length of the sperm’s life, creating a potential for pregnancy.
Learn more about how Julie works here.
Yes. You are not alone. Often times, people who buy EC are feeling stressed out, concerned, embarrassed, confused or ashamed. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone, you have nothing to be ashamed about, and the Julie community is here to support you. By taking Julie after unprotected sex, you are taking control of your future and taking a safe, effective, approved method of preventing pregnancy.
Julie and other over-the-counter morning-after pills contain a high amount of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that’s also in some birth control pills. The extra amount of this hormone can affect your menstrual cycle and cause some side effects. Most side effects come and go within hours of taking the pill, but some can last up to a couple of days. Learn more about Julie's side effects here.
No. Levonorgestrel, the hormone in Julie, only pauses ovulation for a very short period of time. Over-the-counter morning-after pills like Julie won’t impact your ability to get pregnant later. Check out more myths about the morning-after pill here.
- Bleeding/spotting between periods
- Temporary changes to a period cycle (the next period comes early or late)
- Heavier or lighter next period
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
For more information about Julie side effects and how long they last, read this.
Side effects like nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue can start within a few hours of taking the morning-after pill. If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if you should take another dose.
Most side effects are easily manageable, but sometimes they can be annoying. If that headache just won’t go away or your breasts are super tender, it’s safe to take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or any over-the-counter pain reliever—they won’t interact or interfere with levonorgestrel.
Listen to your body. After all, you’ve just taken a pill that affects your hormones. Feeling a little weird is normal. Rest, keep yourself hydrated, and give yourself some extra compassion.
No. Julie is not what is commonly called “the abortion pill” or “medication abortion”. The active ingredient in the abortion pill is mifepristone. Pregnancy needs a hormone called progesterone to grow normally. Mifepristone blocks your body’s own progesterone, stopping the pregnancy from growing. Julie does not and will not impact an existing pregnancy, and works by delaying ovulation before there is a pregnancy.
The FDA recently made an update in December 2022 to remove any language suggesting that Julie may prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. We are currently working on removing this outdated disclaimer but you may still see it present on some of our packaging in the meantime. Please disregard these statements because they are out of date. Julie will not impact an existing pregnancy.
Your cycle might be temporarily affected after taking Julie. That’s because there’s a higher dose of levonorgestrel compared to what’s found in daily birth control pills. It’s likely to impact your body’s natural hormone levels for a short period of time. This might result in an earlier or later period.
If your period is delayed beyond one week, it is possible you may be pregnant. You should get a pregnancy test and follow up with your healthcare professional if positive. Your period might also be lighter or heavier than usual, or you might experience spotting in between cycles. If your schedule is impacted beyond a month or two, it’s worth checking in with your medical provider. Read more about how Julie might affect your period here.
No! The most common side effects are changes in your period, nausea, lower stomach pain, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness. These symptoms typically go away within a few hours and shouldn’t last more than a couple of days. If you have any side effects that bother you, call your healthcare professional. Read more about Julie's side effects here.
Yes. You are not alone. Oftentimes, people who buy EC are feeling stressed out, concerned, embarrassed, confused or ashamed. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone, you have nothing to be ashamed about, and the Julie community is here to support you. By taking Julie after unprotected sex, you are taking control of your future and taking a safe, effective, approved method of preventing pregnancy. If you want to share your experience and talk with others in our community, head to our Tik Tok, Instagram, and Quora space, After Sex, where all sex questions and commentary are welcome.
It depends. Some people get their period a few days earlier or later than they were expecting, while some have reported a delay in menstruation beyond a week. Stress can also delay your period, which can be heightened when taking emergency contraception. If your period is more than one week late, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re pregnant, but it is recommended to take a pregnancy test.
Waiting for your period to arrive can be stressful, especially after taking emergency contraception, but just know that it might be totally normal. A delayed or early period is actually one of the most common side effects of taking the morning-after pill. Levonorgestrel, the hormone in Julie, delays ovulation, which can move the timing of your cycle back a few days. Your period might also be lighter or heavier than usual, or you might experience spotting in between cycles. If your period is delayed beyond one week, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re pregnant, but it is recommended to take a pregnancy test. You can read more about how Julie might affect your period here.
The best thing to do after taking Julie is to rest and hydrate. If you’re feeling any side effects, you can take over-the-counter painkillers to make yourself feel more comfortable. A heating pad or hot water bottle can also help if you’re having stomach pain or cramping. If you can, a day on the couch with Netflix or a good book often does the trick. Read more about managing Julie side effects here.
Typically just for one menstrual cycle. Most people notice that their period starts either a few days early or a few days late, though some people have reported a two-week delay in menstruation. If you are not pregnant, your cycle should return to normal the next time you get your period. If changes last beyond a month or two, it’s best to check in with a doctor.
Read more about changes to your period after taking Julie here.
