There are some conversations women rarely have out loud. Period sex is one of them.
For many Nigerians, the very idea feels messy, even shameful. It’s tied to religion, tradition, and plain discomfort with blood. The silence is so intense that some women will never admit it’s something they’ve thought about, let alone tried.
It sits somewhere between curiosity and taboo, often dismissed as “dirty” or “unnatural,” yet whispered about in private group chats or joked about with friends.
We spoke with seven Nigerian women about their thoughts and experiences.
7 Nigerian Women on Their Thoughts On Having Period Sex
1. “I’m actually horniest on my period.”
25, Lagos
“It’s the strangest thing, but the days I’m bleeding are the days I want sex the most. I don’t know if it’s hormones or the fact that my body feels more sensitive, but that’s when I’ve had some of my best sex. I sometimes wonder if the blood works like extra lubrication. It sounds gross when you try to explain it, but in the moment, it feels amazing. Honestly, that’s when I’ve had some of my best sex.”
2. “It has to be in a clean space — towel or shower only.”
28, Abuja
“I don’t hate the idea, but it has to be done right. Definitely not random. A towel on the bed, or in the shower, where it’s easy to clean up. Otherwise, I won’t even consider it. The only catch is that half the time, I’m in pain from cramps, and the last thing I want is sex. But on the lighter days, when I’m not doubled over, I don’t really mind.”
3. “Cramps and sex don’t mix for me.”
22, Ibadan
“I just don’t see how it works. When I’m bleeding, I’m bloated, heavy, and uncomfortable. Sex is not what I’m thinking about. For me, it’s my favourite snacks, pain relievers, and Netflix, nothing else. I know some women swear it helps with cramps, but I can’t even picture myself doing it. It’s a no.”
4. “It’s not a big deal, I think people exaggerate.”
29, Lagos
“I’ve had period sex before, and I honestly don’t understand why people act like it’s so dramatic. In my case, the blood wasn’t even that much, no splashing, nothing messy. I know it can be different for women with heavier flows, but for me, it was fine. The only issue is that my current partner isn’t into it at all. The moment I’m on my period, it’s like everything stops below the waist. Which makes me think maybe the resistance isn’t really about women, it’s about how men view blood as dirty. Personally, I don’t mind it, but it’s not something I’m desperate to have either.”
5.“It’s just disgusting, I can’t.”
30, Port Harcourt
“For me, it’s not even about cramps or mood. It’s the blood itself. The smell, the mess, I can’t. It makes me uncomfortable. I know couples who say they do it without a problem, but I could never. It just feels unhygienic to me.”
6. “I’ve never tried it, but I hear people joke about it.”
27, Lagos
“I’ve never been in a situation where it came up. It’s not that I’m against it, I just haven’t done it. But I’ve heard people say it can feel really good, and others make jokes about it like it’s this dirty little secret. One thing I’ve always wondered is, can you even get pregnant during your period? If not, that would be an advantage. But I honestly don’t know if that’s true.”
7. “I tried it once, and it was a miserable experience.”
26, Lagos
“It wasn’t planned, it just happened, and I regretted it almost immediately. I was tense the whole time, worrying about stains, about the smell, about how messy it would get. The cramps were already there, and on top of that, the sex itself wasn’t even good enough to justify the stress. I hated it. Honestly, it was miserable. I know some people say it’s worth it, but for me it wasn’t, and I wouldn’t do it again.
So, What Should You Know About Period Sex?
Period sex might feel like a taboo, but it’s not nearly as unsafe or uncommon as people assume. In fact, a 2009 study of 108 young women found that about 43% of those who were sexually active had sex during their periods. Around 40% said they never would, while others admitted to trying it once or only under certain conditions. What stood out was that the women most likely to engage in it were those in committed relationships, where it was seen less as something scandalous and more as a normal part of intimacy. On the flip side, many avoided it because of cultural stigma or hygiene worries.
That stigma runs deep. Across history, menstruation has often been labelled as unclean or impure. In Nigeria, as in many other cultures, religion reinforces that view — both Christianity and Islam generally frown on sex during menstruation. But times are shifting. According to a Forbes report in 2020, 82% of women aged 18–50 said they’d had period sex, and more than half of them actually enjoyed it. The silence might still be there, but the numbers suggest the shame is slowly losing its grip.
So…is Period Sex Safe?
Period sex could be beneficial as it could help reduce period cramps. Orgasms release endorphins and oxytocin, natural painkillers that can alleviate menstrual cramps, boost mood, and even potentially shorten the duration of bleeding. And yes, Menstrual blood serves as natural lubrication, reducing or eliminating the need for artificial lubricant.
However, menstrual blood can heighten the transmission risk of STIs, including HIV and hepatitis, making condom use especially important during period sex. Although overall pregnancy risk drops during menstruation, it is still possible, especially for those with shorter cycles, since sperm can survive in the body for up to five days.
The bottom line
Period sex isn’t a universal yes or no. It’s a preference. For some, it’s liberating, intimate, and soothing. For others, it’s uncomfortable. What matters most is honesty with yourself, and with your partner.
If you’re curious, know the risks, take precautions, and set boundaries. If you’re not, that’s valid too. The real problem isn’t whether people do it or don’t. It is if you want to do it.
