Ever feel like your period shows up right after sex and wondered if there’s a connection? You’re not alone. Rachael, 32, suffers from bad PMS, but she has a trick to bring that phase to an end: After she has sex or masturbates, she gets her period by the next morning, if not right after.
Cortne, 26, sometimes finds that her period is late — but she’s figured out a similar solution: She invites a partner over to have sex, and boom, it's there the moment he pulls out. When Miranda, 27, has sex while her period is late, it always arrives the moment she orgasms. The situation for Sarah, 29, is more unusual: She’ll go months without getting her period, then when she starts dating someone or becomes sexually active, she’ll start getting it again.
In this article, we’ll dive into personal experiences, medical perspectives, and what science has to say about whether sex really can trigger your period.
Does sex affect your period?
The short answer? No. However, the oxytocin from an orgasm can cause uterine contractions.
“Sexual intercourse does not cause changes in the menstrual cycle of women,” says Amanda Shea, PhD, head of science at Clue. “Once you are in the luteal phase, after ovulation at day 14, you will get your period in 14 days. This happens regardless of sexual activity in a natural, typical 28-day cycle.”
While it’s true that your menstrual cycle is more influenced by hormones than sexual activity, there are instances where sex might seem to affect your period. For example, if you’re pregnant, sex won’t trigger your period but may result in light spotting, often mistaken for an early period. However, for those already teetering on the edge of menstruation, there are a few speculative ways sex might bring it on sooner. Here’s what might be at play:
- Vigorous thrusting against the cervix: Intense sexual activity can stimulate the cervix, potentially causing light bleeding or triggering the start of your period if it’s imminent.
- Orgasm-induced uterine contractions: Orgasms cause muscle contractions in the uterus, which could help release the uterine lining and kickstart your period.
- Increased blood flow to the pelvis: Arousal heightens circulation in the pelvic region, which might help your body move closer to starting menstruation.
While these explanations make for interesting speculation, the reality is that your hormones and natural cycle typically dictate when your period begins, no matter what’s happening between the sheets.
Does Sex Affect Period Pain?
For many people, sex during their period can actually help relieve discomfort. This is thanks to the release of chemicals like oxytocin and endorphins during sexual activity, which act as natural painkillers and mood boosters. Additionally, orgasms cause the uterus to contract and then relax, which might alleviate cramps. Increased blood flow to the pelvic region during arousal can also help ease tension. While this doesn’t work for everyone, it’s worth exploring if period pain has been holding you back from intimacy.
Why You May Bleed After Sex
Bleeding after sex can sometimes cause concern, but it isn’t always related to your period. There are several reasons this might happen:
- Vaginal dryness: Insufficient lubrication can lead to friction and slight tearing, resulting in light bleeding.
- Infections: Conditions like bacterial vaginosis or STIs can irritate vaginal tissues and lead to post-sex bleeding.
- Hormone-related causes: Spotting could be related to hormonal changes, such as implantation bleeding in early pregnancy or even a miscarriage.
If you’re unsure about the cause of bleeding after sex, it’s always a good idea to consult your OB/GYN to rule out infections, cervical issues, or other underlying conditions.
In Short: What’s the Connection Between Sex and Your Cycle?
In short, while some women report getting their periods right after sex, and there are a few possible ways that it might conceivably occur, there’s no solid evidence for it. So, if this happens to you, see an OB/GYN to make sure there isn’t anything else going on. That said, sex and orgasms are stress- and pain-relieving, so you can continue to enjoy them before, during, and after your period, whether they affect your cycle or not. As Rachael puts it, “Best-case scenario, I get my period sooner, meaning I get to be done with it sooner, too. And worst-case scenario, I get orgasms. It's a pretty win-win situation.”
Special Thanks To:
Amanda Shea, PhD, head of science at Clue
