Why Sex During Menstruation is Unsafe – Health Experts

Health experts in Nigeria have strongly warned that sex during menstruation is unsafe and can expose both partners to dangerous infections.

They stress that the practice carries higher risks of HIV, gonorrhea, hepatitis, and other sexually transmitted infections that could have lifelong consequences.

According to medical professionals, sexual intercourse during a woman’s period may also increase menstrual blood flow.

At this stage, the veins of the uterus are swollen and fragile, making them more likely to rupture.

Damage to these veins can create an entry point for infectious organisms.

Professor Solomon Avidime, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, told PUNCH Healthwise that menstruation is “not the best time” for sex.

He described it as both messy and medically unsafe, adding that the infection risk is high for men and women alike.

“The risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases is high during sexual intercourse when the woman is menstruating,” Avidime said.

“HIV infection, gonorrhea, and hepatitis are all more likely to be transmitted at this time.”

Medical experts explain that menstruation occurs when the uterine lining, or endometrium, is shed 12 to 16 days after ovulation.

This is a natural part of the menstrual cycle, but the biological changes make the reproductive tract more vulnerable to pathogens.

The online health resource American Pregnancy notes that while ovulation does not happen during a true period, some women experience ovulatory bleeding.

This type of bleeding can occur mid-cycle and may be mistaken for menstruation.

Avidime pointed out that pregnancy during menstruation is rare but not impossible.

Women with short menstrual cycles  21 days or less  have a higher chance of conceiving if they have sex during their period.

Sperm can survive inside the female reproductive system for up to five days. If ovulation occurs soon after bleeding stops, fertilization can happen.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that most menstrual cycles last about 28 days, with the most fertile days falling between day eight and day 19.

However, cycles can range from 26 to 32 days.

Dr. Ibrahim Kuranga-Suleiman, a Consultant Family Physician at the University of Ilorin, also advises against the practice.

He warns that sex during menstruation is not hygienic and increases the risk of transferring infections from the man to the woman.

“The lining of the vagina is fragile during menstruation,” he said. “It is not advisable, especially for couples trying to conceive, because ovulation does not occur during this period.”

Beyond medical risks, experts also warn about the psychological and emotional impact.

Some women may feel discomfort, embarrassment, or anxiety during menstruation, which can negatively affect intimacy and relationship satisfaction.

Health professionals agree that abstaining from sexual activity during menstruation helps reduce infection risks, prevents reproductive complications, and supports overall sexual health.

They recommend waiting until the period ends before resuming intercourse, especially for couples planning pregnancy or those concerned about sexually transmitted infections.

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