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Sex & relationships

Here you will find information on sex during your period, and the importance of safe sex and contraception.

Topics on this page

Sex during a period

There is no medical reason why a woman cannot have sex during her period. Some women prefer not to because of personal preferences, or because of cultural or religious reasons.

Safer sex

Practising safer sex is important at any time to prevent contracting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, herpes, hepatitis B or HIV, including during your period.

Contraception

Pregnancy can still occur when you have your period, especially in the perimenopause, so if you want to prevent pregnancy, always use contraception.

This web page is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your health practitioner. The information above is based on current medical knowledge, evidence and practice as at July 2018.

References

  • 1
    Allen K, Goldberg A. Sexual activity during menstruation: a qualitative study. J Sex Res. 2009;46(6):535–45.
Last updated: 15 January 2020 | Last reviewed: 10 July 2018

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