Fetish Friday: Menstruation and Period Sex
‘Fetish’ describes the object of a person’s sexual fantasies (a living being or inanimate object), while ‘kink’ is used to define the ‘non-conventional’ practices that one takes part in or sexually fantasizes about. When considering the connotations of either word, both are typically seen as diverging from mainstream societal norms.
In recent years, we have fortunately seen the world become increasingly sex-positive. Consequently, many fetishes and kinks are considered more ‘mainstream’ for discussion. Yet, not every fetish (or fetishes) that a person has is understood by the general population. This is partly due to many subcultures that can branch from a single fetish or kink, leaving outsiders uncertain of what it entails.
To help remove misperceptions and uncertainties on the topic, we’ve decided to discuss menstruation fetishes, including period sex or being intimate while menstruating. We hope that it will offer a better idea of what it’s like to experience this fetish and what someone who takes part in it is into.
What is period sex?
Period sex is exactly what it sounds like — the desire to have sex while someone is on their period. While it’s a common occurrence for many sexually active couples where one or both partners are menstruating, for some folks, sex while a uterus owner is on their period is actually the source of arousal.
The proper terms used to describe this fetish are ‘hematolagnia’ (when referring to blood in general) or ‘menophilia’ (referring specifically to menstrual blood); today, we’re talking about the latter.
Common misconceptions
While the people aroused by being intimate with someone on their period (also called ‘bloodhounds’) certainly enjoy period blood, it does not guarantee that they want all types of blood (such as blood from cuts or syringe withdrawals). Someone with menophilia may only like having penetrative sex through the vagina during menstruation — either with their penis, fingers, or a sex toy — or oral sex. They do not necessarily want to participate in both!
How to talk about it with your partner
Talking to your partner about your kinks and fetishes is important in a one-night stand just as much as it is during a long-term relationship. Without proper communication, the lines of consent can become blurred. Because consent is vital for any sexual activity, this can be concerning.
That said, while sex with a menstruating partner might be the norm for you both, consider telling them about how menstrual blood and having period sex arouses you.
Things to try
Aside from typical penetrative sex that can be had while a uterus owner is menstruating, sexual partners can also try other options to capitalize on these days of menstruation. Oral sex is ideal for partners hoping to taste the blood (and who wish to have their blood tasted), fingering the vagina to trail blood on either person’s skin, and even reinserting your partner’s tampon or menstrual cup are all additional, viable options!
Are there risks to consider?
Despite a person menstruating, there is still a chance that they can become pregnant during period sex. Thus, it’s essential to consider your birth control options even during this time, as menstruation does not guarantee an inability to conceive from unprotected sex. Menstruation also cannot prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so bear this in mind.
It’s wise to use a condom on a penis and properly wash sex toys and hands during period sex, as menstruation dilates the cervix (the opening from the vagina to the uterus). Because of this, bacteria can potentially enter the uterus and increase the possibility of infection from developing.
How can I learn more?
In addition to perusing the online world for tips and tricks to having the most fun during period sex — pleasure for both partners involved — you can talk to other couples who have mastered being intimate during menstruation. If they are willing, gather ideas from them.
When you feel comfortable, experimenting first-hand is the best way to learn what you, yourself, will like the most.
Now that you have read this, we hope you have a deeper understanding of what it means to have a menstruation fetish, including how to have sex while on your period or simply being intimate while menstruating. The next time the topic comes up in conversation, we hope you will feel comfortable speaking about it. Whether it’s learning more about the kink from someone who experiences it first-hand or educating someone who may be closed off to the idea, we feel that we have done our job to help make the world a more sexually inclusive place.
Would you ever have sex while on your period or while your partner is menstruating? If you’ve had period sex in the past, did you enjoy it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
