Key takeaways:
Even though men don’t get periods, understanding menstruation can help them better support partners, family members, and other people in their lives.
It’s OK to have sex when a woman is on her period. But there’s still a risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.
It’s normal for a woman to have changes in mood, energy, or how she feels physically around the time of her period. There are ways for partners to be supportive and make the process a little easier for both.
Periods can seem confusing, especially if you’ve never had one yourself. And the menstrual cycle isn’t exactly straightforward. But understanding how periods work can make it easier to support the women and girls in your life. And it can make you feel more comfortable talking about sex and reproductive health.
Here, we gathered some of the most common — and honest — questions that men have about periods, and compiled them below. Consider this a quick, judgement-free primer.
1. Do men have periods?
The answer to this question may seem obvious to people. But it’s a common question. And a good one.
Men — and anyone who was born with male reproductive organs — don’t get periods. This is because you need to have a uterus and ovaries to have a period.
A period happens when the uterus sheds its lining. About once every month, women experience hormonal changes that cause the lining of their uterus to thicken. This is so they can support a potential pregnancy.
At some point during this monthly cycle, an egg is released from one of their ovaries. The ovaries sit right above the uterus on either side. That egg then travels down the fallopian tubes to the uterus. There, it can either be fertilized by a sperm, or not.
If the egg gets fertilized, it’ll try and make a bed for itself in that thick lining and develop into a fetus. If the egg isn’t fertilized, the uterus sheds the lining that’s no longer needed — in the form of period blood. Then the process begins again.
2. When do women get their periods?
Periods usually start when a girl is in puberty. The average age is 12 years old. Some girls may get their period earlier than that, and some may get it later. But most girls will get their periods by the age of 16.
Women continue to get their periods until they go through menopause later in life. Menopause is a process that lasts several years, but most women complete the process at some point in their 50s.
During the decades when a woman is getting her period, menstruation usually happens roughly every 28 days — so, about once a month. But the time between periods can be shorter or longer. Each period usually lasts 2 to 7 days. For some women, periods can last longer.
3. Is period blood actually blood?
Yes, period blood is actually blood. To be more precise, it’s a mixture of blood, cells from the uterus, and fluid that’s naturally produced by the vagina.
Period blood can look different from 1 day to the next when a woman has her period. For example, many women have much heavier bleeding on the first or second day of their period. In this case, it often looks bright red — and it may have some blood clots mixed in. On the last day of her period, she might just have some light spotting. And the blood might look more brown, since it’s older blood that has been exposed to oxygen.
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4. How much blood does a woman lose on her period?
On average, women will lose around 30 mL to 40 mL of blood during their period. This is about 6 tsp to 8 tsp. Some women have heavier periods and may lose 80 mL (about 16 tsp) or more.
5. Is it OK to have sex when a woman is on her period?
Yes, it’s OK to have sex when a woman is on her period. But it’s important to remember that her period doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You should still use condoms to prevent STIs. And she can still get pregnant on her period, which we cover next.
6. Can a woman get pregnant while on her period?
Yes, a woman can get pregnant while on her period. If you and your partner are using birth control effectively, then it’s unlikely she’ll get pregnant. Even if you’re not using birth control, the chances of pregnancy are lower when a woman has her period.
But keep in mind that condoms can still protect against STIs — and help prevent pregnancy, even if it’s less likely.
7. Does a woman still get her period when she’s pregnant?
No, while a woman is pregnant, she doesn’t get a true period. But spotting (small amounts of blood loss) or bleeding can still happen.
8. Can a man get an infection from period blood?
It’s possible for a man to get an infection from period blood. But period blood itself doesn’t cause infection.
Some viruses — like HIV and hepatitis — can be present in the blood of someone who has the infection. So, men can get these types of infections from period blood if it contains the virus and it enters their body through broken skin or a mucous membrane. And other STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can also spread through sex, whether or not a woman has her period.
The safest way to prevent STIs during period sex is to use a barrier method of protection. These include condoms, female (internal) condoms, or dental dams.
9. Does period sex make you more attached?
There’s no evidence showing that sex during a woman’s period makes either person feel more attached.
That being said, a woman’s sexual desire can change across the menstrual cycle, and some women report feeling more interested in sex around the time of their period.
Women and/or men may also sometimes be less interested in having sex when the woman has her period. For women, this is usually due to unpleasant symptoms that are common before and during her period that can affect her libido. And some men may be turned off by the sight or smell of period blood.
10. How can a partner support a woman coping with cramps or PMS?
Cramps and other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can be uncomfortable, painful, and emotionally draining. If your partner is having a rough time, small gestures of support can make a difference. What helps will vary from person to person, so it’s worth asking your partner what she needs rather than assuming.
Here are some things you can make an effort to do:
Be patient and understanding. Hormonal changes around a period can affect mood, energy, sleep, and stress levels. Try not to dismiss her feelings as “just PMS.” Instead, it can help to remember that she may be feeling more sensitive, irritable, or overwhelmed than usual.
Pitch in. If she’s dealing with cramps or other symptoms, taking tasks off her plate can help.
Listen without fixing. Sometimes, your partner may simply want to feel heard. Give her your attention and ask whether she wants advice, practical help, or just an ear.
Learn what kind of affection feels good. Some people may appreciate extra touch or cuddling during their period, while others may want more physical space. It’s always OK to ask.
Keep in mind that period symptoms can vary from month to month. Try to approach it as you would any other time your partner may not be feeling her best — with care, flexibility, and respect for what she needs.
The bottom line
Periods are a normal part of life. But if you’ve never had one (or even if you have!), they can seem mysterious. Knowing the basics about how periods work can make conversations, relationships, and even period sex less a lot less awkward. When in doubt, ask questions, listen, and don’t be afraid to talk about it.
Why trust our experts?
References
Lacroix, A. E., et al. (2023). Physiology, menarche. StatPearls.
Mazokopakis, E. E., et al. (2018). Is vaginal sexual intercourse permitted during menstruation? A biblical (Christian) and medical approach. Maedica.
Upson, K., et al. (2022). An epidemiologic review of menstrual blood loss as an excretion route for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Current Environmental Health Reports.
Yang, H., et al. (2012). Proteomic analysis of menstrual blood. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics.
