Should you have sex on your period? - Experts say there is nothing wrong with it

"Ah, period sex -- the final frontier of sex magic *heaven*. Yes, you read that perfectly correct. H-E-A-V-E-N," is the way the article titled 'Period Sex is Actually the Best Sex,' written by Arielle Egozi in 2018, started.

Sex is a hot topic, but sex while a woman is menstruating is a taboo topic. According to Egozi, it is the best thing a woman can do during her time of the month, as it has great health benefits such as alleviating cramps, helping with migraine and is the best natural lubricant.

Gynaecologist Dr Michael Abrahams told THE STAR that having sex while a woman is on her period has its pros and cons.

"Because you will be shedding the lining of the uterus, you are going to be more vulnerable, you are more at risk of transmitting or getting infection, if either partner has an infection. But if you have a monogamous relationship and none of you have an infection, it ought not to be a problem. If you have an orgasm during that time, it can help with menstrual cramps," he said.

Abrahams said that this does not apply to all women because some may feel more pain during that time of the month as people's bodies react differently in every situation. He said that people should realise that menstruation is nothing nasty and should be aware that some women during this time get aroused more than usual.

"Every woman is different so what works for some may not work for the others. I am very much about educating women and showing them that period is not nasty because the same lining that you are grossed out about is the same one that if you get pregnant will nurture your baby," he said.

"To each his own, so I am not telling people what they should accept and what they should not, but people need to understand period is not a nasty thing. It is a normal process, even though we are socialised to think it is nasty," he continued.

PAIN RELIEVER

Amanda MacMillan, in her article, '5 Reasons You Should Have Sex on Your Period' said orgasms can be a powerful pain reliever and it can reduce stress and help you sleep.

Sex educator Shelly-Ann Weeks said that many people, especially those from religious backgrounds, believe that having sex while a woman is on her period is unclean and sinful. She said that in many cases people will get physically violent even at the mention of such an act.

"There are health benefits she can get for having sex while on her period, but culturally it is something that is frowned upon. What I tell people is that it is an acquired taste. It is something that you have to want to do. Once you don't have a problem with it, and your partner don't have a problem with it, do what you want," she said.

Weeks said that a conversation of this nature is not one that is oftentimes mentioned, and many people will not admit to wanting to do or even enjoy doing something like this.

"You have what people do and what people admit to do. So there are persons that will try it, they will enjoy it, but even if there is a gun to their head they will never admit that it is something they actually do, want to do or enjoy. Some people are concerned about the mess, and in that case they just go in the shower and it will wash away the mess and they just enjoy themselves and get on with their lives," she said.