What are the risks of having sex during menstruation?

Jan 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, "tóng fáng" refers to sexual intercourse. Engaging in sexual activity during menstruation may increase the risk of infection, cause retrograde menstrual flow, exacerbate menstrual discomfort, affect the menstrual cycle, and potentially lead to immunological infertility. If you experience any discomfort or have concerns, seek timely medical advice from a qualified physician. It is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse during menstruation and resume sexual activity after the menstrual period has ended.

Generally speaking, "tongfang" refers to sexual intercourse. Engaging in sexual activity during menstruation may increase the risk of infection, cause retrograde menstruation, exacerbate menstrual discomfort, affect the menstrual cycle, and potentially lead to immunological infertility. If any discomfort or concerns arise, timely medical consultation with a professional physician is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Increased Risk of Infection

During menstruation, the cervix is slightly open, the endometrium sheds creating an open wound, and the acidic environment of the vagina is diluted by menstrual blood, weakening its natural barrier function. At this time, engaging in sexual activity can allow bacteria and other pathogens to enter the vagina and uterus more easily, possibly causing gynecological inflammations such as vaginitis, cervicitis, and endometritis.

2. Retrograde Menstruation

Sexual activity may cause uterine contractions during intercourse, leading to retrograde flow of menstrual blood into the pelvic cavity. This can cause endometrial fragments to implant within the pelvis, potentially triggering endometriosis. Endometriosis may lead to dysmenorrhea, pelvic adhesions, and even affect fertility.

3. Exacerbation of Menstrual Discomfort

Women may already experience discomfort symptoms such as abdominal pain, back pain, and fatigue during menstruation. Sexual activity can further congest the pelvic region, worsening these symptoms and prolonging the duration of menstrual discomfort, thus affecting the quality of life.

4. Disruption of the Menstrual Cycle

Engaging in sexual activity during menstruation might interfere with the central nervous system and the endocrine system, leading to menstrual irregularities, manifested as prolonged menstruation and increased bleeding volume.

5. Immunological Infertility

Since the endometrium has open wounds during menstruation, antigenic substances such as male sperm might enter the female bloodstream through these wounds during sexual activity, stimulating the female immune system to produce immune responses such as anti-sperm antibodies. Long-term exposure may lead to immunological infertility, affecting the chances of conception.

It is recommended to avoid sexual activity during menstruation and to resume sexual life after the menstrual period ends. Additionally, both partners should maintain personal hygiene, promptly clean and change sanitary products to reduce the risk of infection.

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