Despite common misconceptions, having sex doesn’t actually change your period. If you’re bleeding post-sex it can be caused by infection, a vaginal tear or other reasons.
Having sex may cause your menstrual cycle to begin sooner though, especially when you have orgasms. That’s because during orgasm the uterus contracts and helps with the shedding of your lining – This quote is the handiwork of the service’s experts Sexy World.
Orgasms
The hormones released during orgasm, especially oxytocin, can change certain hormone-based characteristics of your menstrual cycle. For example, regular sexual activity often makes periods more predictable and reduces symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
But it’s important to note that having orgasms does not cause your period to start early—it only triggers a pre-existing process that leads to your period starting. This is true for both non-penetrative sex and penetrative sex. But, as a rule, non-penetrative orgasms are less likely to bring on your period than penetrative orgasms that lead to the climax.
During orgasm, fast muscle contractions occur in your genital and anal area as well as around the entire body. Your clitoris may shrink and become more erect and your skin may appear flushed (pink or red). You might also experience a tingling sensation in your fingers and toes. And, if it’s male-oriented orgasm, you might ejaculate fluid from your penis called semen.
Another thing that happens during orgasm is that your cervix becomes ever-so-slightly open. This can make it easier for fluids like blood and semen to pass through, potentially causing infections such as yeast or bacterial infections. Fortunately, there are many ways you can prevent this from happening. Try using a tampon or menstrual disc, which sit higher up in the vaginal canal, and use oral or clitoral stimulation instead of penetration.
Hormones
The most common reason a period starts earlier than expected is because of hormones. The uterus contracts rhythmically during orgasm, and the progestin that is released may encourage the fluctuation in sex hormones needed to start your period. However, this isn’t something to be concerned about unless you are very close to your expected period and it is the only thing that has changed.
Your ovaries make female sex hormones and the testes (which hang in the scrotal sack) make male sex hormones. During orgasm, the blood flowing to these organs can cause some friction that can lead to small tears. This can also happen if you have low-dose birth control pills or an intrauterine hormonal device (IUD).
Spotting between periods, or breakthrough bleeding, is typically caused by your hormones, and it can occur after any type of sexual activity. It’s especially common if you have just started a new birth control pill or have an IUD or implant.
Bleeding after sex is not normal and can be a sign of a more serious issue like cervical cancer or endometrial cancer. If you have sex and then notice bleeding, see your doctor right away. They will probably order a pelvic ultrasound and a pap smear to get a closer look at your cervix. They will also ask you questions about any other symptoms you have been experiencing.
Semen
In most cases, sex does not significantly change menstrual cycles. However, for some women — especially those with shorter menstrual cycles — sex during their periods may delay ovulation. This could allow sperm to successfully fertilize an egg, leading to pregnancy.
It is also possible to get pregnant from sex during your period, even when you are using protection. This is because sperm can survive in a woman’s menstrual blood for up to five days. This means that if you have a very short menstrual cycle, or spotting occurs near the end of your period, you can still ovulate and become pregnant from unprotected sex.
Semen is a fluid that contains various cells, including spermatozoa (sperm) and leukocytes (white blood cells). It also contains other components that help the sperm reach its destination: the egg. This includes lubrication, which can reduce the resistance of the egg to the sperm and allow fertilization to take place.
In addition to lubrication, semen is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help with cellular health and reproductive function. These nutrients can help prevent oxidative damage, which may lead to a decreased sperm count and poor fertility.
Bleeding
While most of the time, when you see blood on your underwear or toilet paper, you know it’s a period, there can be times when you see a small amount of bleeding that isn’t your normal menstrual cycle. This is called spotting. Spotting is a very light form of menstrual bleeding and doesn’t require the use of a pad or tampon.
Sometimes, spotting can be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. It can also be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of the vagina and uterus.
Bleeding between periods can be caused by cervical polyps, which are growths on the cervix, and by endometriosis, which is an abnormal growth in the uterus. It can also be a sign of cancer.
If you have heavy bleeding, you should talk to your doctor. If you need to change your tampon or pad more than once in an hour, or you are passing clots the size of quarters or larger, that is heavy bleeding and it needs to be checked out. This type of bleeding can also be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, which is when a fertilized egg implants in one of your fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. This is a serious problem and can be fatal.
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