Sex and your period

Can you have sex when you’re having your period? Yes, you can! But you don’t have to. Just go with what you feel. Have safe sex, because you can still get pregnant or catch an STI.

Nice or not nice?

Some wouldn’t dream of doing it, others think it’s actually great. What do you think?

Tip: think of other ways of making love. Maybe you don’t feel like having sexual intercourse (penetrative sex) but prefer fingering or masturbating. Or do you feel like playing with yourself, but not with your partner.

Safe sex

You can get pregnant if you have unsafe sex, even when you’re having your period. You can also catch an STI. Always have safe sex.

  • Are you having sex with a man? Then use a condom as well as the pill or another contraceptive.
  • Are you having sex with a woman? Use a dental dam.

Pill-free week

When you use the pill or other hormonal contraception, you usually have a pill-free week in which you have your period. You don’t take the pill for a few days but are still protected against an unwanted pregnancy.

Breasts

You develop breasts during puberty. This could start in a girl of 8, but also in a girl of 14. Age varies for all girls.

Menstruation

During puberty, a girl has her first period. For about 5 days, some blood, mixed with mucus, flows from your vagina. You can use tampons, sanitary pads or cups to soak up the blood and mucus.