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Is Having Sex During Periods Safe?

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Posted on Fri, 13 May 2016
Question: Hi,
I always practice safe sex with condom. I read up online that using condom during periods will only protect the man and not the woman, because her own bacteria can get inside.
I am concerned about my own or my partner's bacteria getting into my cervix and causing infection if I have sex during my periods.
Can I minimize my risks of getting any bacteria infection due to my cervix being slightly open during my periods if I have soft cup menstrual cup installed and on top of that we use male condom during intercourse? I also read it's important to clean the area before and after intercourse.
Would soft cup serve as additional barrier when it comes to infections/bacteria (not STI, like urinary tract infection etc.)?
Would this be considered safe in terms of not getting STI or any infections to have sex during my periods?
And the last concern is endometriosis. Would sex during periods lead to endometriosis? Online sources contradict each other.
Thank you and sorry for such detailed question. I guess I need to know how to make sex absolutely safe during periods to prevent any infections.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Saatiish Jhuntrraa (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No need for extra barrier

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the query
Let me first appreciate your concern for safe sex.
Using condom will protect you from any infection being transmitted from your partner. Having sex during periods is absolutely safe and you are already using condom so it is perfect. The chances of your own bacteria going inside your blood stream is possible but in a person with normal immunity, it is never a problem . The immune system will take care of these. I don't think soft cup is needed .
Yes, the endometrium can travel to abdominal cavity but again endometriosis depends on so many factors, most important being heredity. A person who is having family history will be more susceptible. Normally there are mechanisms to remove any stray cells from abdomen .
Hope I have answered your query.

DR SAATIISH JHUNTRRAA
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr.Saatiish Jhuntrraa

Sexologist

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 1525 Questions

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Is Having Sex During Periods Safe?

Brief Answer: No need for extra barrier Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for the query Let me first appreciate your concern for safe sex. Using condom will protect you from any infection being transmitted from your partner. Having sex during periods is absolutely safe and you are already using condom so it is perfect. The chances of your own bacteria going inside your blood stream is possible but in a person with normal immunity, it is never a problem . The immune system will take care of these. I don't think soft cup is needed . Yes, the endometrium can travel to abdominal cavity but again endometriosis depends on so many factors, most important being heredity. A person who is having family history will be more susceptible. Normally there are mechanisms to remove any stray cells from abdomen . Hope I have answered your query. DR SAATIISH JHUNTRRAA