If you haven’t already, try to let go of any notions of shame or embarrassment.

Feeling sexually aroused in the days leading up to your period is perfectly normal — whether you experience it every month or once in a while.

In fact, a number of studies have found a rise in sexual desire near ovulation time. (That’s around two weeks before your period starts.)

Unfortunately, there’s little research into how many people feel a surge in libido before menstruating. Just know that you most definitely aren’t alone.

Honestly, no one really knows — but there are a bunch of theories.

Hormones are thought to play a big role. Your estrogen and testosterone levels increase during ovulation, potentially triggering a rise in libido.

According to experts, this concept makes total sense.

Ovulation is the time of high fertility, and our bodies are supposedly biologically wired to procreate.

Combine the two, and you can see why you might want to have more sex.

But, as some people feel horny right before their period, that’s not the only theory. Here are a few more.

There’s a reduced pregnancy risk before menstruation

The highest chance of getting pregnant comes from having vaginal sex one to two days before ovulation.

Having penile-vaginal sex in the days just before your period therefore reduces the risk of pregnancy by quite a bit.

Simply knowing this can encourage people to feel more horny.

However, it’s important to remember that conceiving at this time is still possible. Take precautions, if necessary.

Pre-period discharge can increase sensitivity

During your menstrual cycle, it’s normal to notice vaginal discharge.

Before your period, it tends to be white and full of cells that are being shed from your body. At other times, it may look clear.

An increased amount of discharge can result in more lubrication, allowing the genital area to feel more sensitive.

For some, that may lead to feelings of arousal.

Pre-period bloating can put pressure on your G spot

Many people experience bloating in the run-up to their period.

Some research suggests that changes in levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause water retention.

Although the resulting bloating feeling can be uncomfortable, it may also put pressure on your G spot if located in the pelvic region. And pressure can make the G spot feel extra sensitive.

In fact, the entire area around your vulva can experience a similar feeling as your expanding uterus presses down on nerve endings in the area.

Sex can help alleviate PMS symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) starts between 5 and 11 days before menstruation. Symptoms range from cramps and fatigue to food cravings and acne.

Having an orgasm is known to relieve the physically painful symptoms by releasing mood-boosting endorphins.

It’s not just cramps that are positively affected.

According to a 2013 study, migraines — another symptom that can crop up around the time of your period — were found to be partially or completely relieved after sexual activity.

It isn’t impossible to have penile-vaginal sex just before your period and become pregnant. But it’s highly unlikely.

The time you’re most fertile depends on when you ovulate. As previously mentioned, this is usually about 14 days before the start of your period.

But this only applies if your menstrual cycle lasts for the “typical” 28 days.

Some people’s cycles may last for only 21 days and others have been known to reach around 35 days.

Pregnancy will only occur during or in the few days leading up to ovulation time.

This is because an egg will only survive for around 24 hours after being released, and sperm will only remain alive in the body for a maximum of five days.

If you don’t want to get pregnant, it’s always a good idea to use a form of birth control. Just to be on the safe side.

This always causes some confusion. But in a nutshell, sexual activity can cause your period to start.

However, this is only likely to happen if you are just about to start your period. That means within a day or two.

How it happens is a bit of a mystery. It’s thought that hormones found in semen can soften the cervix, encouraging menstruation.

Another theory relates to vaginal contractions during sexual activity. When these stop and the vagina relaxes, the uterine lining may begin to shed.

If you do have penetrative sex close to the start of your period, you may only leak a tiny amount of blood, if any.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for possible bleeding during sex.

  • Wear a cup or cap. A number of modern designs simultaneously catch blood and allow penetration. Just ensure the one you use falls into that category.
  • Lay a dark-colored towel on the bed. If you’re worried about staining your sheets, a towel will soak up any leaks. Alternatively, have sex somewhere that’s easier to clean, such as a shower or bath.
  • Use a condom. This won’t stop large leaks, but it will prevent any undiagnosed STIs from being transmitted between you and your partner. Plus, it’ll protect against pregnancy.
  • Communicate with your partner. Talk to them about any worries you have beforehand. Once you’re getting down to it, keep the communication channels open. Don’t be afraid to ask for a change of pace or position, or to stop, if needed.
  • Grab some lube. If you’re at a part of your menstrual cycle that requires a little extra lubrication, choose a water-based lubricant. Not only is this the best choice for condoms, but it will also reduce any friction during penile-vaginal intercourse or digital sex.
  • Do not, under any circumstances, wear a tampon. You may think that this is the obvious way to stop blood flow, but it can easily get pushed further and further inside you, requiring a visit to a doctor.

Other than the fact that an orgasm may encourage menstruation, there is no evidence to suggest that masturbation will induce a period.

If you want to prepare for potential blood spotting, consider the following:

Feeling horny at any point during your menstrual cycle is totally normal. So whether you’re weeks or days away from your period or in the middle of it, don’t be afraid to be sexually active.