Is it OK and normal to have sex while you have your period?
- Kathleen*

It all depends on the couple and how they feel about having sex when a girl has her period. Basically, some girls (and guys) don't like the idea of having sex during a period, while some see it as a natural monthly break in the action, and others are perfectly comfortable with it. However you feel, just remember to talk it over with your partner beforehand to make sure you are on the same page.

If a girl has sex with a guy during her period, she can still get pregnant. And guys and girls also can get sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during this time — in fact, having sex when a girl has her period can make it even easier to spread some STDs. So always use a condom every time you have sex.

Reviewed by: Julia Brown Lancaster, RN
Date reviewed: January 2013

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.