All women are different, in the same way, each woman’s cycles and the effect they can have on her sexual desire, sexual satisfaction and well-being are also different. Equally important is the impact that your menstrual cycle can have on your natural lubrication at different times of the month. Add these factors up and you may find that sex is very different at different times of the month.
Essentially, the way you feel about sex can change during your cycle and therefore it is important to understand the changes in your body and achieve your normal sexual needs.
Do you want to know more about how to get the most out of sex during your cycle? In this article, we explain how the menstrual cycle can affect sexual desire and your natural vaginal lubrication. We’ll also discover how certain products, like Durex Naturals condoms, can help you get a better experience on those drier days or whatever stage of your menstrual cycle you’re in.
What is the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle refers to the period of time measured from the first day of a woman’s period to the day before the next menstruation. The cycle itself is controlled by hormones, and each cycle these hormones cause the ovary to develop and release an egg, a process known as ovulation. The lining of the uterus also begins to thicken.
For many women, the menstrual cycle occurs every 28 days, however, the length of a cycle varies from 21 to 40 days. Menstruation itself is made up of blood and the lining of the uterus and normally lasts two to seven days.
How can the menstrual cycle affect sex?
Every woman is different in her sexual desire and how sex feels during her cycle. You may have noticed a pattern in how much you want sex during your cycle, or you may have noticed that you feel sex very differently at certain times of the month.
Up to two thirds of the month you may notice that you are naturally drier down there as a result of your menstrual cycle. We’re here to tell you that this is completely normal, so using lubrication or lubricated condoms can be a great way to counteract those slightly drier days.
The Durex Naturals range: designed with you in mind
At Durex we have a wide range of products designed for you. If you tend to be a bit drier at certain times of the month, our natural condoms and natural lubricants are here to help you achieve lubrication that feels completely natural.
Durex Naturals condoms, for example, offer wonderful softness while keeping you protected as effectively as any other condom. Durex Naturals are coated in lubricant with 98% naturally derived ingredients, and contain no artificial flavors or colours.
Can I have sex during my period?
Yes, you can have sex during your period. Sex on your period can be very satisfying, and due to the change in your hormonal balance, you may even experience new sensations. Of course, the presence of menstrual blood may be something you or your partner aren’t comfortable with, in which case, you could try anal or oral sex.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that while you’re less likely to get pregnant in the first few days of your period, your chances of getting pregnant gradually increase as your period progresses. If you’re thinking of having sex during your period, remember that safety is just as important as it would be at any other time of the month. Not only can you get pregnant, you also risk contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), so it’s important to use a condom.
Why does sex sometimes hurt during the cycle?
When you are sexually aroused, your vagina produces its own lubrication, and by the time your period approaches, you may be more lubricated or lubricate faster. You may also find that during other times in your cycle it is more difficult for you to produce lubrication, which can sometimes cause discomfort during penetration.
In such cases, the use of lubrication or a lubricated condom like Durex Naturals Condom can be a great way to ensure that sex remains comfortable during your cycle.
Vaginal dryness is of course not the only cause of discomfort or pain during sex. If you experience new discomfort or ongoing pain during vaginal sex, you should see your doctor, who can help you find the underlying cause of the discomfort or pain and plan the appropriate treatment.
