In short, no. As Dr Jacqui Tedder explains, the orgasm is a very complex physical, emotional and psychological phenomena that’s still not entirely understood.

“Intercourse is just one way people can experience orgasms,” she tells us. “There are dozens of ways different people experience them. How this happens may depend on anything from physical anatomy to cultural differences and even social norms. If intercourse doesn’t do it for you, experiment with yourself and find what works.”

Well, technically, it is possible.

“It is rare, but, yes, you can get pregnant on your period,” says Dr Fiona Cleary. “Sperm can live in the body for up to five days, so could catch an egg when you ovulate after your period.”

“Some people will notice a smell to their own discharge and this is normal,” Dr Cleary reassures us.

However, she does advise that if your discharge changes in smell, you should book an appointment with your local gynaecologist to have it checked out.

“The vagina’s discharge will change throughout a menstrual cycle due to different hormone levels,” she explains. “Normal discharge doesn’t have a strong odour and generally is clear or white.”

Not only that, but Dr Cleary says that a very common cause for changed discharge is thrush, where it can be much thicker and white, like cottage cheese. It doesn’t have a smell, but can cause itchiness.

Interestingly, thrush can often be confused with bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition that brings with it a thin, grey discharge and a fishy odour.

“If your discharge changes colour or smell, or if you have associated changes such as itchiness, pain or changes to your period, you should see your GP,” says Dr Cleary.

This depends on what type of STD you have. For exmaple, while you can still have sex if you have bacterial vaginosis (BV), Dr Tedder says to keep in mind that women with BV have a higher chance of catching other infections during sex.

“Women who have sex with women can sometimes both have the condition (a male cannot contract this condition),” Dr Tedder continues. “I would recommend speaking to your doctor about how it can be treated and prevented if you think you have this.”

BV isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection; while it can be caught through sex, it can also be contracted if someone, for example, is using vaginal deodorants or other irritants. In saying that, BV is easily treated, including the use of new, non-antibiotic treatment available at pharmacies. Just be sure to speak to your local pharmacist about it as it is located behind the counter.