The 7 BEST (Non-Messy) Sex Positions For When You Have Your Period

Considering sex during your period? Well, it's not nearly as taboo as you think it is.

"There aren't necessarily the best positions that will work for everyone. Some people will find intercourse is painful during their period, depending on cramping and how sensitive they get. They partner lying on them with any weight may be harder to handle," says sexologist Carol Queen.

If someone has the experience of cramps or discomfort being made worse by insertive sex, avoid the sex positions that shorten the vaginal canal and are more likely to involve thrusts that strike the cervix, like doggy style or missionary position.

"Others will find they enjoy intercourse more and they may like ALL positions better during menstruation. The slipperiness of period blood can feel erotic to many people if they can relax and not worry about it. If the slickness makes a partner complain that he feels less, missionary with legs held together adds some pressure and helps offset the slippery-vagina issue," says Queen.

One of the biggest concerns when having a menage a trois with a certain Aunt Flo is usually the fear factor and the mess factor.

"Fear that one's partner will see you in a less favorable light, fear that penetration may be uncomfortable or painful due to some of the symptoms of your period, and the worry of leaving the sexual site looking like a scene from CSI. In addition, many women may be suffering from the ill effects of their monthly visitor (cramping, bloating, headaches) which can swiftly kill the mood.

However, if a woman is in a position that she feels good about, putting down a towel may provide a quick solution and let her carry on as normal. Plus, as a woman's period progresses, her estrogen and testosterone levels rise, often making a woman's desire increase during the latter half of her period," says Alex Chinks, Psy.D., a clinical sexologist.

Another way of thinking about this? "Minimizing the way blood affects the experience. If woman-on-top seems too gory, on-your-back positions like missionary may be better," says Queen. But some people LOVE gory-looking period sex, so it's not a rule that you must avoid seeing the blood.

Here are 7 sex positions that feel amazing when you're menstruating.

1. Spooning

This traditional favorite sex position allows her to control the angle of penetration and gives him easy access to massage her shoulders, nibble her earlobes and fondle her breasts. The shallow penetration that comes with this move is great if her cramps are really acting up.

Perhaps most importantly, pick the right time for having sex during menstruation. "Light days" often are the "right days" for most women as there is less cramping and a lot less mess.

2. Standing Shower

"Standing up with him entering you from behind can be stimulating enough to reduce cramping, and as we all know, quite tidy for cleanup. Plus, many women feel bloated and unattractive during their period. This is a way to feel sexy and free, and not feel like he is staring at your bloated belly," says Dr. Sharon Stills, naturopathic medical doctor.

3. Reverse Cowboy

Reverse Cowboy is another great position to allow you to control the depth and speed of penetration.

"With cramps, slow and easy is best; yet once you get started and are in control, fast and hard can often be the magic elixir for allowing it all to flow. The more orgasms you have, the more oxytocin and dopamine you will feast on. In addition, excess orgasms slow down the length of your period," says Dr. Stills.

4. Missionary

Sometimes just laying there in missionary allows you to relax and just focus on your man loving on you.

"Raising your legs to different heights will change the depth and area of penetration, and you can find what works right for you," says Dr. Stills.

5. On The Edge

In this "period-friendly" position, the woman lies on her back at the edge of the bed.

"With her partner standing in front of her, she places her legs over his shoulders and uses her arms to raise her hips until she reaches the preferred angle," says Coleen Singer of Sssh.com. Placing a few soft, folded towels underneath her lower back can help prevent muscle strain, with the added bonus for any quick cleanup needed.

6. Elevated Missionary

"Place a pillow or rolled up yoga mat or blanket under your hips, with him on top. This will elevate the hips and take off some of that pressure," says Chinks.

7. Butterfly

All photos: weheartit

You lay on your back on the edge of the bed, and your man will stand in front of you while you spread your legs over his shoulders. This position allows for deep penetration, so he'll love it, but it will also prevent you straining your already cramped muscles.