Health professionals across Nigeria have issued strong warnings about the dangers of engaging in sexual intercourse during menstruation. According to top gynaecologists and family physicians, having sex while a woman is on her period not only poses hygiene concerns but also significantly increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other reproductive complications.

Leading the conversation, Professor Solomon Avidime, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, explained that menstruation is not an ideal time for sexual intimacy. He stressed that it creates a highly vulnerable state for both partners, especially due to the presence of blood, which can serve as a conduit for harmful pathogens.

Elevated Infection Risk: HIV, Gonorrhea, and Hepatitis

Experts emphasize that the act of engaging in vaginal intercourse during menstruation dramatically raises the possibility of transmitting serious infections. Specifically, Professor Avidime warned that both men and women face an elevated risk of contracting diseases such as HIV, gonorrhea, and hepatitis.

He stated clearly, “The risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections is significantly higher during menstruation. HIV transmission becomes easier, and the chances of spreading gonorrhea and hepatitis also increase. The female reproductive tract is more exposed and prone to infections during this time.”

The open cervical canal during menstruation, designed to allow blood to exit the body, also becomes an entry point for bacteria and viruses. Consequently, this increases the likelihood of infections entering the uterus or bloodstream more rapidly than usual.

Anatomical and Physiological Concerns

Beyond infection risks, menstruation causes a number of physiological changes that make sex potentially harmful. During a woman’s period, the veins in the uterus become engorged, congested, and more fragile. Because of this, any pressure or penetration during intercourse can lead to ruptures or increased bleeding.

Professor Avidime pointed out that the act can become messier than usual and can cause the menstrual flow to intensify. This not only creates a hygiene issue but can also place unnecessary stress on a woman’s body during an already sensitive phase of the menstrual cycle.

Fertility and Misconceptions About Pregnancy During Menstruation

In addition to health concerns, there remains widespread confusion about the possibility of pregnancy during menstruation. Many believe that a woman cannot conceive while on her period. However, both Avidime and other reputable sources, including the American Pregnancy Association, clarify that while ovulation typically does not occur during menstruation, conception can still happen under certain conditions.

This risk arises particularly in women who have shorter menstrual cycles—around 21 days or less. In such cases, ovulation may occur soon after menstruation ends. Since sperm can survive in a woman’s body for three to five days after intercourse, sperm deposited during the last days of menstruation may still be viable when ovulation begins.

Supporting this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) explains that the average menstrual cycle is around 28 days, with the most fertile window falling between days eight and 19. However, women with irregular or shorter cycles may ovulate earlier, increasing the odds of fertilization from period sex.

Hygiene and Physical Impact

From a hygiene standpoint, sex during menstruation is far from ideal. Blood can act as a medium for bacteria and create an environment conducive to infections, especially when exposure involves mucous membranes or open sores. Dr. Ibrahim Kuranga-Suleiman, a Consultant Family Physician and Head of Department at the University of Ilorin, reinforced this viewpoint.

He noted, “Having sex during menstruation is not hygienically advisable. The vaginal lining is more fragile during this time, and infection can be introduced easily. It is even possible for the man to transmit infections that may damage the woman’s womb.”

This makes it vital for partners to think twice before engaging in sexual activity during menstruation. The presence of blood, coupled with hormonal fluctuations and changes in vaginal pH, creates a perfect storm for bacterial and viral growth.

Conception Challenges During Menstruation

When asked whether a woman could conceive during her period, Professor Avidime acknowledged that while ovulation itself does not occur during active bleeding, pregnancy remains a possibility due to overlapping biological factors. This applies especially to women who experience mid-cycle or ovulatory bleeding but mistake it for a period. In such cases, intercourse during this time could result in fertilization.

Online medical resources like MedicineNet confirm this possibility, noting that sperm longevity and menstrual irregularities make conception during menstruation a real, albeit limited, risk.

Medical and Preventive Recommendations

Given all these factors—ranging from infection risks to hygiene and potential pregnancy—health experts urge couples to avoid sexual intercourse during menstruation. If sexual activity must take place, they strongly recommend using protection, such as condoms, to minimize risk.

Furthermore, they advise individuals to understand their menstrual cycles clearly, track ovulation patterns, and maintain open communication with their partners and healthcare providers. Taking these preventive steps will help couples make informed decisions that prioritize both pleasure and health.

Key Takeaways: Why Experts Discourage Menstrual Sex

• Higher Risk of STIs: Menstrual blood provides an efficient pathway for pathogens like HIV and hepatitis.

• Increased Blood Flow: Intercourse during periods can cause uterine vein rupture, worsening the bleeding.

• Potential for Pregnancy: Women with shorter cycles may ovulate shortly after menstruation ends, increasing pregnancy chances.

• Hygiene Concerns: Blood can compromise vaginal health and introduce bacteria, causing infections.

• Physical Damage: The vaginal walls and uterus become more sensitive and fragile, raising the risk of injury.

Final Thoughts

While engaging in sex during menstruation is ultimately a personal decision, medical experts firmly advocate caution. The risks associated with infections, complications from increased bleeding, and even pregnancy are too significant to ignore. By understanding how the female reproductive system operates and by taking preventive measures, couples can ensure their sexual health remains protected.

In conclusion, medical professionals encourage individuals to prioritize hygiene, protect themselves from infections, and stay informed about the nuances of reproductive health. Choosing safer periods for intimacy can go a long way in maintaining physical well-being and fostering a healthier relationship dynamic.