Can You Use Sex Toys During Your Period? Here’s the Truth

Can You Use Sex Toys During Your Period? Here’s the Truth: Yes, you absolutely can use sex toys whilst on your period. It is perfectly safe as long as you ensure they are kept clean. Having your period doesn’t have to prevent you from experiencing pleasure, and exploring new things during this time can even be beneficial.
Masturbating during your period can help alleviate pain. Research indicates that it can improve your ability to manage pain by over 40%. Additionally, it encourages your body to release feel-good chemicals such as dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. These chemicals not only reduce cramps but also enhance your mood. Your brain experiences heightened pleasure, and stress or worries tend to fade away. This makes self-pleasure a natural and effective way to ease discomfort during your period.
By embracing your body during your period, you can discover new ways to feel joy and maintain a deeper connection with yourself.
Key Takeaways
It's safe to use sex toys during your period. They can help with cramps and make you feel happier.
Keep your toys clean before and after using them. This stops germs and keeps them lasting longer.
Use condoms on toys for extra safety. It also makes cleaning easier, especially if toys are shared or not waterproof.
Try different toys, like vibrators that go outside your body. They can feel good without hurting during your period.
Be ready for any mess by using dark towels or waterproof sheets. This makes it more fun.
Is It Safe to Use Sex Toys on Your Period?
Understanding Menstrual Blood and Hygiene
Using sex toys during your period is safe if you stay clean. Menstrual blood is made of blood, mucus, and uterine lining. It is not dangerous but can let bacteria grow if hygiene is ignored. Always wash your sex toys before and after using them. Use warm water and mild soap or a special toy cleaner. This stops bacteria and keeps your toys in good shape.
If you share toys or use them differently, try using a condom. Condoms add safety and make cleaning easier. Pay attention to how your body feels. Periods can make you more sensitive, so go slow and stop if it hurts. If your period symptoms are very bad, wait until you feel better before using toys.
Addressing Myths About Period Sex and Toys
There are many false ideas about using sex toys on your period. Some think it is dirty or unsafe, but science says otherwise. Cleaning your toys properly removes infection risks, making it safe to use them. Another myth is that period sex or masturbation is wrong. Experts like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln say these beliefs are untrue and encourage people to enjoy their bodies without shame.
Attitudes about sex toys have changed over time. Cases like Williams v. Prior and State of Louisiana vs. Christine D. Brenan show the importance of personal choice in sexual matters. These rulings support using sex toys, even during your period. Learning the truth about these myths can help you feel more confident about your body.
Benefits of Masturbating While Menstruating
Masturbating during your period can help with pain relief. A study called the Menstrubation Study found 93% of people had less cramp pain after masturbating. Orgasms release endorphins, which are natural painkillers. They also release oxytocin and serotonin, which lift your mood and lower stress. These effects can make you feel better right away and over time.
Many people say orgasms, whether alone or with a partner, help them relax and feel energised. By trying what feels good during your period, you can learn new ways to connect with your body and feel healthier overall.
Tips for Using Sex Toys During Your Period
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Toys
Keeping sex toys clean is very important during your period. Menstrual blood can help bacteria grow, so cleaning stops infections. It also helps your toys last longer. Wash them with warm water and mild soap after use. If your toy is waterproof, you can put it in water to clean it well. For toys that aren’t waterproof, wipe them with a damp cloth.
You can buy special cleaners made for sex toys. These cleaners kill bacteria without harming the toy’s material. If your toy is made of stainless steel or silicone, you can boil it to sanitise it. Always read the instructions from the maker to avoid damage.
Using Barriers Like Condoms for Hygiene
Condoms are a simple way to keep toys clean during your period. Covering your toy with a condom stops bacteria and lowers infection risks like bacterial vaginosis (BV). It also makes cleaning easier, especially for toys made of jelly-like materials.
💡 Tip: Use a new condom when switching partners or changing from anal to vaginal use. This avoids spreading germs and keeps things safe.
Here’s a quick guide for cleaning different types of toys:
Type of Device |
Hygiene Practice |
Recommendation |
---|---|---|
Soft, jelly-like devices |
Harder to clean |
Use with a condom |
Non-vibrating, high-grade silicone, stainless steel, or Pyrex |
Can be boiled to sanitise |
No condom needed for sanitisation |
Using condoms with toys makes them safer and less messy to use.
Choosing Body-Safe Materials
Picking toys made from safe materials keeps you healthy and comfortable. Silicone, glass, stainless steel, and ceramic are non-toxic and easy to clean. These materials lower the chance of irritation or harmful chemicals.
Since 2003, stores like Smitten Kitten have promoted safer sex toys. They warn against jelly toys, which may contain dangerous chemicals. Many companies now focus on safe materials and test their products in labs.
🛡️ Note: Groups like NAASAS and CATT list brands that make non-toxic toys. Check these lists to find reliable options.
Choosing safe materials protects your health and improves your experience.
Best Sex Toys and Techniques for Menstruation
External Stimulation and Vibrators
Using external stimulation can feel great during your period. Vibrators made for outside use focus on the clitoris. This gives strong pleasure without needing penetration. During menstruation, external vibrators may feel more comfortable. Many people say they help with cramps and improve mood.
Pick a vibrator with settings you can adjust. This lets you change the strength to match your comfort. Small, portable designs are good for quick relief. Bigger ones might give stronger vibrations. If you’re new to vibrators, start gently. Slowly increase the power as you relax.
Waterproof Toys for Shower Play
Waterproof toys are fun for showers or baths during periods. Warm water can ease cramps and help you relax. Waterproof vibrators or suction toys work well in these settings. They are simple to clean and handle menstrual blood better.
Choose toys clearly marked as waterproof. Silicone and stainless steel toys are great in water. Don’t fully submerge toys that are only splash-proof, as they might break. Try different angles and positions to find what feels best. Shower play is a clean and private way to enjoy yourself during your period.
Techniques to Enhance Comfort and Pleasure
Making your period experience better takes planning and trying new things. Here are some tips:
Focus on comfort by easing cramps and doing what you like.
Talk openly with your partner about your needs and feelings.
Try non-penetrative options like clitoral or anal play.
Use dark towels and tissues to keep things tidy.
Find positions that feel good during your period.
Use condoms to prevent infections and make cleaning easier.
Take out tampons or cups before penetration to avoid problems.
8. Choose days with lighter flow for more comfort.
These tips can help you enjoy using sex toys safely during your period. Always listen to your body and adjust based on what feels good for you.
Managing Mess When Using Sex Toys on Your Period
Using Towels or Waterproof Sheets
Towels or waterproof sheets can help keep things tidy. Use a dark towel under you to catch menstrual blood. This protects your bed or furniture and makes cleaning up easier. Waterproof sheets are also a good choice. They stop stains from reaching your mattress and are simple to wash.
If you don’t have waterproof sheets, try disposable bed pads. These are cheap and can be thrown away after use. Keep tissues or wipes close for quick clean-ups. Planning ahead lets you relax and enjoy without worrying about mess.
💡 Tip: Pick towels or sheets that can go in the washing machine.
Shower Play to Minimise Mess
Playing in the shower is a great way to avoid mess. Running water washes away menstrual blood, keeping things clean. Waterproof sex toys work well in the shower. They let you have fun while warm water helps you relax.
Try different positions to see what feels best. Standing or sitting on a shower stool can help you stay steady. Use a non-slip mat if you’re worried about slipping. Shower play keeps things mess-free and adds a fun twist to your routine.
🛁 Note: Make sure your toy is fully waterproof before using it in water.
Handling Stains and Post-Play Clean-Up
Stains can happen, but they’re easy to fix. Rinse stained fabric with cold water right away. Don’t use hot water, as it can make the stain worse. For tough stains, use a stain remover or baking soda paste before washing.
Clean your sex toys properly after using them. Wash with warm water and mild soap or a special toy cleaner. If your toy is silicone or stainless steel, you can boil it to sanitise. Dry your toys completely before storing to stop bacteria from growing.
🧼 Quick Tip: Keep a small stain remover spray in your room for quick fixes.
By following these tips, you can use sex toys during your period without worrying about mess or stains.
Using sex toys on your period is safe and helpful. They can ease cramps and lift your mood by releasing happy chemicals. Keeping things clean is very important. Wash your toys well and pick safe materials to stay healthy.
Try out different toys and methods to see what you like. This is a great time to understand your body and enjoy what feels nice. Having your period doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Can you use sex toys during your period? Yes, you can, and it can be a good experience.
💡 Remember: Your body needs care and love, no matter the day.
FAQ
Can you use sex toys with a tampon or menstrual cup in place?
Yes, but it depends on the toy type. Avoid penetration if using a tampon or cup. External toys like vibrators are a better choice. Remove tampons or cups before using internal toys to avoid issues.
Will using sex toys during your period increase cramps?
No, it won’t. Orgasms from sex toys can actually reduce cramps. They release endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. These chemicals relax muscles and ease period pain.
How do you clean sex toys after using them on your period?
Wash them with warm water and mild soap or toy cleaner. For non-waterproof toys, wipe them with a damp cloth. If safe, boil the toy for extra cleaning. Always dry toys fully before storing them.
Are there specific sex toys recommended for period use?
Yes, external vibrators and waterproof toys work well. They reduce mess and are comfortable to use. Silicone, stainless steel, or glass toys are safe and easy to clean. Avoid jelly toys as they can trap bacteria.
Is it normal to feel hesitant about using sex toys during your period?
Yes, it’s normal to feel unsure. Myths or stigma can make people hesitant. Learning about the benefits and safety of period play can help. Remember, it’s your body, and your comfort is most important.
💡 Tip: If unsure about internal toys, start with external stimulation.