Health experts have cautioned against engaging in sexual intercourse during a woman’s menstrual period, citing heightened risks of infection transmission and other health concerns. Physicians have warned that this practice can increase the chances of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, gonorrhea, and hepatitis, among others.
During menstruation, the veins in the uterus become congested and are more susceptible to damage. Vaginal intercourse at this time can exacerbate the flow of menstrual blood due to the increased fragility of the uterine veins, making them prone to rupture. This, experts say, can create a higher risk environment for the spread of infections.
In an interview with PUNCH HealthWise, Professor Solomon Avidime, an Obstetrics and Gynecology expert at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, described sexual intercourse during menstruation as both unhygienic and risky. He noted that the act is “messy” and significantly increases the risk of transmitting infections between partners.
“The risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases is very high during sexual intercourse when a woman is menstruating,” Professor Avidime explained. “This applies to both men and women. HIV, gonorrhea, and hepatitis are some of the infections that can easily be transmitted during this period. Therefore, from an infection control perspective, it is unsafe to have sex during menstruation.”
Regarding the likelihood of pregnancy, Professor Avidime stated that while ovulation does not occur during menstruation, pregnancy is still remotely possible for women with shorter menstrual cycles, such as 21 days or less. He emphasized that conception during menstruation is unlikely but not entirely impossible.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) corroborates this by explaining that most women experience a 28-day menstrual cycle, which spans from the first day of bleeding to the day before the next cycle begins. While cycle lengths vary between individuals usually between 26 to 32 days—the average cycle is 28 days. ACOG identifies the most fertile period as falling between days 8 and 19 of the cycle.
Dr. Ibrahim Kuranga-Suleiman, a Consultant Family Physician and Head of the Family Medicine Department at the University of Ilorin, added that sexual intercourse during menstruation is not only unhygienic but can also result in physical damage. He highlighted that the vaginal lining is particularly fragile during this time, making it more susceptible to injuries and infections.
Dr. Kuranga-Suleiman also noted that infections transmitted from men to women during menstruation can damage the uterus. He reiterated that women trying to conceive will not achieve results by having sex during their menstrual period because ovulation does not occur at that time.
Beyond the medical risks, there are also religious and cultural perspectives on the matter. For instance, Islamic teachings strictly prohibit sexual intercourse during menstruation. Imam Shehu Ahmed, an Islamic cleric in charge of the Alhaji Raheem Olohungbegbe Memorial Mosque in Bariga, stated that Islam forbids this practice and considers women ritually unclean during menstruation. As a result, women are not allowed to pray or visit the mosque until their period ends.
In contrast, Pastor Israel Afolabi of the Redeemed Christian Church of God explained that there is no specific biblical prohibition against sexual intercourse during menstruation. He noted, however, that some cultures and traditions consider menstruating women unclean, which influences practices such as avoiding church attendance during this period.
Medical News Today further highlights the risks associated with sexual activity during menstruation, including oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, as well as any form of genital contact. The publication notes that these activities increase the chances of infection transmission. Additionally, unless birth control methods are used or the partners are of the same sex, there remains a risk of pregnancy even during menstruation.
