Period sex?

Sure, period sex can sometimes be a messy situation. Although you may not find yourself covered head-to-toe in blood as if you’ve just bathed in an entire vat of it, the activity can still wreak some heavy-duty havoc if you don't take precautions to keep the collateral damage to a minimum. (You know, like towels.) But as we learned back in September, when Maureen O’Connor wrote about the topic for NY Magazine, period sex is a thing that people are doing. And a lot of dudes are into it — like, really into it. And I say good for them! The world needs more bloodthirsty vampires!

But while we sometimes get caught up in the “ew, blood” factor or the demise of our beloved 500-count Egyptian cotton sheet set when we think of the subject, it's worth knowing the many health benefits that can come with having sex on your period. Sure, it’s not for the squeamish, but there are some surprising pros to having sex while you’re in the midst of Aunt Flo’s monthly visit. (And no, not getting pregnant is not one of them, because you can totally get preggers while on your period.)

Here are seven reasons to get it on when you have your period.

It Helps Alleviate Cramps

Obviously, this one also goes for when you're PMS-ing. If you suffer major cramps during your period, then an orgasm can help nip those in the bud. When we orgasm, the body releases oxytocin and dopamine, along with other endorphins that can ease any period-related pains. Those hormones are far stronger than any over-the-counter painkillers.

There's Less Need For Lube

If you're naturally on the dry side, or have a difficult time producing enough lubrication naturally, then period sex will likely be a welcome break from needing lube. But before you start thinking the whole "ew, blood" thing again, think about this: Yes, you're bleeding when you menstruate, but most of what you're seeing is actually the shedding of your uterine lining. On average, women lose between four and 12 teaspoons of that fluid during menstruation each month, but not all of it is blood. In fact, because of what an overpowering color red is, it looks like there's far more blood than there actually is. So try to just think of it as extra lubrication instead.

You Probably Won't Actually Find It Gross

A 2012 study proved what anyone who's been in the heat of the moment during their period already knows: Everything besides having sex becomes secondary. Researchers in the Netherlands found that sexual arousal overrides the natural disgust response, which means that once you get started, the fact that you're on your period may not even enter your mind. Hopefully, you'll be too busy enjoying yourself to care.

It Can Shorten The Length Of Your Period

With every orgasm you have, your uterus contracts. Each contraction expels the blood and uterine liningfaster than it would on its own. Having sex during your period will not only shorten its length, but it will also flush out the compounds within the uterus that are causing all that cramping and pressure in the first place.

It Can Create Greater Intimacy

When you're willing to open up the floodgates and have sex on your period, you're also opening the doors to a deeper intimacy. You're probably not willing to have period sex with just anybody, so when you do, it's taking the intimate bond you already have to the next level. It's like saying, "I wouldn't let just anyone be this wrapped up in my blood."

It Will Force You To Break Out Of Your Comfort Zone

If you're a missionary-in-bed-onlytype of woman, period sex may change that. You may decide to try new positions, or opt against intercourse in favor of other, related activities. You may even want to take it to the shower!

Because You Know You Want To

Women tend to be pretty damn horny both right before and during their period. The reason for this is that the pelvic area and genitals get really swollen, making you crave sex the same way you crave pizza. So if you have the desire to have sex, then why let a little blood stand in your way?

After all, it's not like you let your period stop you from doing anything else.