Periods do not have to mean a week off from intimacy, and they do not have to mean intimacy either. Some people feel more in the mood during their period, some feel less, and many feel different from one month to the next. All of it is normal. If you do want to be close, solo or with a partner, a little preparation takes care of the mess and the worry. This guide is practical: what to put on the bed, which toys work best, hygiene, and how to talk about it.
It is your choice, every time
There is nothing unclean or wrong about intimacy during a period, and nothing wrong with not wanting it either. Cramps, tiredness, bloating and mood all vary. If you are not in the mood, say so; if you are, enjoy it without guilt. Partners should take their lead from the person who is menstruating.
Prepare the space
- Lay a dark towel, or two, on the bed. A waterproof mattress protector underneath adds peace of mind.
- Keep wet wipes, tissues and a bin within reach.
- Lower light can help you both relax if you feel self-conscious.
- The shower is the easiest place of all: everything washes away. A waterproof toy and silicone lube work well there.
- On heavier days, external play is less messy than anything internal.
Toys that work well during periods
External toys such as air-pulse toys, lay-on vibrators and bullets are easy to use and easy to clean, because they do not go inside. A fully waterproof toy can be rinsed under the tap afterwards and used in the shower. Non-porous materials, such as smooth silicone, glass and hard plastic, are the easiest to get properly clean. Avoid porous jelly or TPE toys for internal use at this time, because they are more difficult to clean.
Lube still matters
Menstrual blood is not a good lubricant; it is thinner than you expect and dries quickly. Use your usual lube. Water-based lube is safe with every toy and condom; silicone lube lasts longer and is the better choice in the shower. Our lube guide has a compatibility chart.
Hygiene and cleaning
- Wash toys straight after use with warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner, then dry them fully before storing.
- Wash your hands before and after.
- If you use a menstrual cup or tampon, decide whether to remove it before internal play; many people prefer external play with it in place.
- Our guide to cleaning sex toys explains how to clean each material.
Solo during your period
Many people enjoy self-pleasure during their period, and it can feel like a kind way to spend time with your own body when you feel bloated or low. A small external toy in the shower or on a towel keeps it simple. Go with what feels good that day: gentle settings, a warm bath first, or nothing at all. There is no right way, and listening to your body is the whole point.
Contraception and protection
It is possible to get pregnant from sex during a period, and infections can pass more easily, so use the same contraception and protection you would at any other time. Speak to a doctor about the method that suits you.
Talking with a partner
If you are not sure how your partner feels, just ask. Some people are relaxed about period sex, some feel shy at first, and some prefer to wait. A simple “How do you feel about being close this week?” opens the conversation without pressure. If you prefer not to, there are many other ways to be intimate: massage, cuddling, kissing, a bath together. Our list of date night ideas at home has more.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor or gynaecologist if your periods are very heavy, very painful, irregular, or last much longer than usual, or if you have bleeding between periods or after sex, unusual discharge, a strong smell, or pain during sex.
Toys and lube are for pleasure and comfort; they are not a treatment for period pain or any other symptom.
What helps
Waterproof, external and easy to clean is what works best this week, with a lube that suits where you are. The picks below are live from our shelves, from ₹799 to ₹5,599 today, and change as stock changes.
EROSWaterbased Lubricant Black 150 ml₹799View product
pjurPjur Original 30 ml₹899View product
Fun FactoryVolita Lay-On Vibrator Purple₹1,999View product
SatisfyerSatisfyer Pro 2 Air Pulse Vibrator (Next Gen)₹5,599View product
SatisfyerTap and Climax 1 Vibrator and tapping Red₹3,699View product
SatisfyerCloud Dancer Clit Sucker and Vibe Blue₹4,099View product
LatetobedShoty Vibrating Bullet USB 10 Speeds Powerful Motor Black₹999View productThe waterproof sex toys collection has every shower-safe toy we stock, and our page on sex toys in India covers delivery and privacy.
Keep reading
- Lube guide
- Types of vibrators
- Waterproof sex toys
- Lubes and intimate care
- How to clean sex toys
- Glossary: IPX7 waterproof
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to be intimate during periods?
Yes, if you both want to. It is a personal choice. Use protection and contraception as you normally would.
How do we avoid a mess?
Use a dark towel on the bed, keep wipes nearby, choose external play on heavy days, or move to the shower.
Which toys are best during a period?
Waterproof external toys made of non-porous materials, such as silicone, because they rinse clean easily.
Can I use a vibrator with a menstrual cup or tampon in?
For external toys, yes. Many people keep their cup or tampon in and enjoy external play.
Can you get pregnant during your period?
It is possible, so use contraception as you normally would. A doctor can advise on the method that suits you.
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