Our hormones play a decisive role when it comes to desire. And throughout the cycle, various ones determine how horny we feel. Not into sex during your period? Hmm—maybe you should reconsider…
Summary
- Estrogens increase libido.
- Progesterone is considered a libido suppressant.
- Sex during your period can lead to faster orgasms.
Table of Contents
1. The First Half of the Cycle
Our sexuality is intertwined with our hormones. That’s why our desire changes throughout the cycle. Many women feel more lust for “sexy time” during menstruation. But why? The hormones present in the first half of the cycle are estrogens.
In this first half, which lasts about 14 days, the uterine lining is built up to prepare for a potential fertilized egg to implant. Estrogens support this process—and a known side effect of the hormone is that it increases libido. More sexual desire!
Did you know? A damp panty before your period doesn’t necessarily mean arousal! Many women experience this.
2. The Second Half of the Cycle
Estrogen accompanies us through the first half of our cycle but leaves us during the second phase.
The second phase prepares the uterine lining for implantation. The hormone progesterone (also known as the pregnancy hormone) comes into play here.
When progesterone increases, estrogen levels drop. Progesterone acts as a libido suppressant. That means less sexual desire!
3. During Ovulation
If you’ve been following carefully, you might have guessed already. Estrogen increases desire, while progesterone suppresses it—where one hormone yields to the other, something happens. Not an explosion, but mid-cycle is definitely a high point. The peak of sexual desire.
Mid-cycle means…? That’s right—ovulation. During ovulation, estrogen levels are particularly high. So logically, we feel more desire. Apart from the evolutionary sense—after all, the egg wants to be fertilized… desire isn’t just dependent on biology and hormones. Psychology plays a role too.
During menstruation, you’re normally not fertile. (Warning: pregnancy is still possible, so contraception shouldn’t be taken lightly or forgotten.) Because of this increased safety, some people feel especially free during period sex and can enjoy it more or let their desire run wild.
4. Sex During Your Period
Sex during menstruation—isn’t that unhealthy? Nope, not at all. First off: it’s your body, your decision. You decide if and when you want sex—period!
In fact, sex during your period is not only medically harmless, but it also offers some benefits. Good news for anyone who feels horny during their days: the vagina is very well supplied with blood during menstruation—which makes orgasms easier to achieve. That’s obviously great for you, but even beyond that—an orgasm has potential…
To avoid stains on the sheets, mattress, sofa, or wherever else you're doing it, we recommend using a waterproof pad, such as a large so called 'Love Blanket'. This will keep everything clean and dry. More information is available here.
The cramp-relieving effect of an orgasm can help alleviate menstrual pain.
It doesn’t always work for everyone—and it might not work every time—but if you're in the mood, why not try it…?