What are the effects of having sex during menstruation?

Many women are aware that sexual intercourse during menstruation is inadvisable, as it can cause significant harm to female health. Yet, in reality, numerous women find it difficult to abstain and engage in intercourse during their periods for various reasons. So, what are the potential consequences of having sex during menstruation? Below, we address this question.

What Are the Potential Effects of Sexual Intercourse During Menstruation?

Sexual intercourse during menstruation may predispose women to various gynecological conditions—including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), salpingo-oophoritis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries), endometritis (inflammation of the uterine lining), endometriosis, and even infertility. Therefore, intercourse must be avoided entirely during menstruation. In addition to abstaining from sex, tub baths or sitz baths should also be avoided during this time, as they may introduce external pathogens into the vagina and increase the risk of gynecological infections. Furthermore, resuming sexual activity just before menstruation ends—or immediately after bleeding ceases—is also detrimental to reproductive health. At the onset of post-menstrual recovery, the uterine cavity surface still exhibits disrupted blood vessels and glands; minor capillaries may continue to ooze blood, and newly regenerated endometrium has not yet developed a complete epithelial covering. Under these conditions, sexual activity may trigger uterine congestion, leading to recurrent endometrial bleeding and vaginal hemorrhage.

Knowledge Extension: Key Precautions During Menstruation

1. Avoid Sexual Intercourse

During menstruation, the endometrium sheds, leaving an exposed wound surface within the uterine cavity. Engaging in sexual intercourse at this time increases the risk of introducing bacteria, potentially causing intrauterine infection. Similarly, sitz baths and tub baths should be avoided, as the cervical os remains slightly open during menstruation—making it easier for contaminated water to enter the uterine cavity and provoke inflammation.

2. Avoid Strenuous Physical Activity

Activities such as high jump, long jump, sprinting, and soccer may exacerbate general discomfort during menstruation—or even trigger or worsen dysmenorrhea and menstrual irregularities. Likewise, strength-training exercises that increase intra-abdominal pressure—such as weightlifting or dumbbell training—should also be minimized, as they may lead to menorrhagia (excessively heavy menstrual bleeding) or prolonged menses.

The above outlines the potential effects of sexual intercourse during menstruation. We hope this information proves helpful to you.