Sexo y salud sexual
Sex during your period
Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026
Solo en inglés por ahoraSex during your period is fine if you both want it. You can still get pregnant or get an STI, so contraception and condoms still matter.
It is your choice
Having sex during your period is not harmful, and whether you do is up to you and your partner. Some people enjoy it and some prefer not to, and both are fine. Some find that having an orgasm helps ease period cramps. If you would rather wait, other kinds of closeness and touch are always an option.
You can still get pregnant
Pregnancy is less likely during a period, but it can happen. Sperm can survive inside the body for up to 7 days after sex. Ovulation (when an ovary releases an egg) usually happens about 10 to 16 days before your next period. If you have a short cycle, or you ovulate earlier than usual, ovulation can happen soon after your period ends. Sperm from sex during your period could still be alive then. Also, light bleeding is not always a period. Some people bleed a little around ovulation, which is when pregnancy is most likely.
Contraception and STIs still matter
Whatever day of your period it is, sex can still lead to pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Some STIs may also pass between partners more easily during a period. Keep using contraception if you do not want to get pregnant. Condoms are the only kind of contraception that also protects against STIs, so use one every time if STIs are a concern. Ciclo's fertile window is only an estimate, so do not rely on it to prevent pregnancy.
Practical tips
A dark towel on the bed can make cleaning up easier, and some people prefer having sex in the shower. Take out a tampon before penetrative sex. If you have cramps or feel tired, slower or gentler sex, or other kinds of touch, may feel better. Talk with your partner about what feels comfortable for you both.
When to see a doctor or nurse
Sex should not hurt. See a doctor or nurse if sex is painful, or if you bleed after sex when you are not on your period, as this should always be checked. If you had sex without contraception and do not want to be pregnant, ask a pharmacist, doctor or sexual health clinic about emergency contraception as soon as possible. It needs to be used within 3 to 5 days, and it works better the sooner you use it.
This is general information. You can get pregnant or get an STI from sex during your period, so keep using contraception and condoms.