Women's Accounts of Sex During Menstruation

This study includes qualitative interviews with 40 women to better understand women’s experiences of sex during menstruation, including why ten women found sex during menstruation to be particularly pleasurable.

NOTE: This study uses the term “woman” throughout, and does not mention transgender identities, indicating the study was only conducted with cisgender participants.

“This study extends existing research by qualitatively examining women’s experiences and perceptions of menstruating while having sex (either with male or female partners). Why are women’s responses polarized, with some embracing menstrual sex and others rejecting it? This study draws upon qualitative accounts of menstrual sex to add to the growing literature about sexuality, bodies and menstruation by highlighting narratives of pleasure and disgust.”