Islamic and Medical Review: Prohibition of Having Intimate During Menstruation
Islamic and Medical Overview: Prohibition of Having Intimate During Menstruation
By: Dr. Fitria Siwi Nur Rochmah, M.Sc (097110418)
Menstruation is a condition inherent in a woman. First menstruation or menarche It usually occurs in adolescence and is a sign of puberty. In Islam this is a sign of a woman entering puberty. This condition causes a woman to apply Islamic laws to her. Menstruation is also a sign for a woman that her reproductive system is mature enough and the uterus is ready to be fertilized. Physiologically, menstruation is a process in which the lining of the uterine lining or the endometrium sheds because fertilization does not occur. This process is strongly influenced by the presence of working hormones.
In Islam, when a woman gets her period, it is forbidden to perform acts of worship such as praying and fasting. Islam also prohibits having sexual intercourse when a woman is menstruating as explained in the Koran, which means:
"And they ask you (Muhammad) about menstruation. Say, "That is something dirty." Therefore stay away from the wife during menstruation; and do not approach them before they are pure. When they are pure, interfere with them according to (the conditions) that Allah has commanded you. Indeed, Allah loves those who repent and loves those who purify themselves” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 222)
In a hadith, when a friend asked about the behavior that was carried out when his wife was menstruating, the Prophet said:
"Do anything but have intercourse (husband and wife relationship)” (HR. Muslim)
It is necessary to believe that Allah's prohibition which has been mentioned in the Al-Qur'an is definitely more harmful.
Is it medically forbidden to have sex during menstruation?
Some articles do mention that having sex during menstruation also has benefits, but there are far more risks of causing disease.
Increases the risk of infection
Intercourse during menstruation will increase the risk of spreading infection. During menstrual conditions, the cervix is slightly open, so that the spread of infection can spread more widely. Even this infection can also be transmitted to partners. Infections that can occur include urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections such as herpes, HIV, gonorrhea and others. In addition, the pH factor during menstruation will increase so that there is a change in the intimate organ area which is at risk of increasing yeast infections.
The spread of this sexually transmitted infection if it continues and the cervix becomes vulnerable, can eventually increase the risk of developing cervical cancer or cervical cancer.
Increases the risk of endometriosis
Another danger of having intercourse during menstruation is increasing the risk of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which the uterine lining or endometrium grows outside the uterine cavity. If during this condition you have intercourse, then the uterine lining (menstrual blood) has the potential to re-enter and is at risk of causing endometriosis.
Seeing the risks of having sex during menstruation, it would be nice to avoid these actions. As a Muslim, of course the obligation to carry out Allah's commands and leave His prohibitions is more important.
Source
- Indonesian Council of Ulama. 2016. Menstruation and Health according to Islam. National University Graduate School.
- Maree J. 2007. Sexual and Menstrual Practice: Risk for Cervix Cancer. Health Sa Gesondheid. Vol 12:3