“People with vaginas are most fertile when we ovulate, and that spike in testosterone charges up our body to desire sex,” writes functional health coach Erin Rachel Doppelt, M.A., who tracks her menstrual cycle with her partner and encourages other couples to do the same. “During this time, I feel sexy,” she says. “Typically my skin is a bit more oily, my hair is shiny, and my odor is different—more sweet and tangy. Because I’m looking and feeling more attractive than ever, my partner and I like to get it on during this time.” The hormonal cycle may have a lot to do with feeling horny before your period—but it’s not the only reason, and not everyone experiences it. “Desire is multifactorial,” OB/GYN and integrative women’s health expert Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, M.D., tells mbg. Everything from personal history to sexual preference; mood; and psychological, mental, and physical factors; can all play a role in feeling turned on. There may also be psychological reasons behind a higher libido during your period. “For those who have a rough PMS, the sheer relief of menstruating could play a role,” Gilberg-Lenz says. The relief of not being pregnant (increased stress has been linked to low libido1) may also contribute to an increased desire, she says. Your vagina is also getting natural lubrication in the form of menstrual blood, which might trigger arousal for some folks. Evolution might also have a role to play here, OB-GYN Heather Irobunda, M.D., tells mbg. “In an evolutionary sense, women are likely to be horny around ovulation so that they can have sex in order to procreate,” she explains. “A woman may be horny [during her period] since she did not get pregnant during the last ovulatory cycle. It may be a cue for her to have more sex to try to get pregnant. It is interesting how the body works!” Regardless of the cyclical phase, “Your sexual desire can increase your chances of pregnancy because it may lead to more sex,” Talebian says. In other words: More sex equals a higher chance of getting pregnant. This is why it’s important to use protection if you’re not trying to get pregnant—period or not.
