Ever scrolled through a comment section on TikTok or Reddit and seen someone mention a rainbow kiss only to be met with a string of "barf" emojis? It sounds like something from a Care Bears episode. It isn't. Not even close. If you’re here because you’re curious—or maybe a little horrified—you’re in the right place. We’re going to peel back the layers of this specific sexual act, why it’s trending, and what you actually need to know before you even think about trying it.
Honestly, the internet has a way of taking niche kinks and turning them into "challenges" or shock value content. That's exactly what happened here.
So, what is a rainbow kiss exactly?
Let’s get the clinical part out of the way. A rainbow kiss is a sexual act involving two people performing oral sex on each other simultaneously—often called 69—while one partner is menstruating.
The "rainbow" part of the name comes from the visual of the fluids mixing. After both partners climax, they kiss. This results in the mixing of menstrual blood and semen in their mouths. It’s a very specific form of "blood play," and it’s definitely not for everyone.
Some people find it deeply intimate. Others find it repulsive. Most people just find it confusing. But in the world of kink and sexual exploration, it’s a recognized practice that emphasizes a total lack of inhibition between partners. It’s about as "no boundaries" as it gets.
The Viral History of the Term
You might think this is some new Gen Z invention. It's not. The term has been floating around the darker corners of the internet for decades. Urban Dictionary entries for it date back to the early 2000s. However, it recently exploded in popularity due to "reaction" videos.
You’ve seen the format: a creator films themselves looking up a term, their face goes from curiosity to pure disgust, and they never actually say what it is. This creates a "curiosity gap." People rush to Google to find out what a rainbow kiss is, and suddenly, a niche kink becomes a mainstream search term. It’s the same cycle we saw with "Blue Waffle" or "Two Girls One Cup," though this is an actual consensual act rather than just a shock image.
Why do people actually do it?
It isn't just about the shock factor for everyone. For some couples, it’s a way to reclaim menstruation from being something "gross" or "off-limits."
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- Heightened Intimacy: Some partners feel that sharing every part of their bodies, including fluids that society deems "unclean," creates a unique bond. It’s a literal breaking of taboos.
- The Kink Factor: For those into hematolagnia (blood fetish) or sitophilia (food/fluid play), this hits all the right notes.
- Sensory Experience: Some people are genuinely curious about the taste and texture of the mixture.
It’s messy. It’s visceral. It’s intense.
Is a rainbow kiss safe? The health reality
We need to talk about the risks. This isn't just about being "grossed out." There are real medical considerations when you start mixing blood and saliva.
When you perform a rainbow kiss, you are coming into direct contact with blood. If one partner has a Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP), the risk of transmission is significantly higher than during standard unprotected sex. We are talking about things like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Even if you think you know your partner’s status, blood in the mouth is a high-risk scenario.
Then there are STIs. Syphilis, gonorrhea, and herpes can all be transmitted via oral contact. If there are any small cuts or sores in the mouth—which is common after brushing your teeth or eating sharp food—the gateway for infection is wide open.
What doctors say
Most sexual health experts, including those affiliated with organizations like Planned Parenthood, emphasize that "blood play" requires a high level of trust and recent, clear STI panels. If you are going to engage in a rainbow kiss, both partners should have been tested within the last three to six months for everything. Not just the "standard" stuff. You need the full workup.
Also, consider the pH balance. Menstrual blood is a different acidity than the natural environment of the mouth. While a one-time act probably won't do much, it's something to keep in mind if you have sensitive gums or existing dental issues.
Navigating Consent and "The Ick"
Consent is everything. You can't just spring a rainbow kiss on someone. Because it involve fluids that many people find aversions to, it requires an "enthusiastic yes."
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If you’re interested in trying it, you have to talk about it beforehand. Like, way beforehand. Not in the heat of the moment. Bring it up when you’re both relaxed. "Hey, I read about this thing called a rainbow kiss, and it sounds interesting/weird/intense to me. What do you think?"
If they say no, that’s the end of it. No ego. No pushing.
For many, the "ick factor" is insurmountable. Evolutionarily, humans are hardwired to be cautious around blood. It’s a survival mechanism to avoid pathogens. If your partner can’t get past that, it’s not a reflection of their love for you—it’s just biology doing its thing.
Setting the Scene
If you actually decide to go for it, be prepared for the cleanup.
- Use dark towels.
- Have a glass of water or mouthwash nearby.
- Maybe don't do it on your expensive white duvet.
- Honestly, the shower is probably the best place for this.
It’s going to be metallic. That’s the iron in the blood. Some people find that taste arousing; others find it overwhelming. Just be ready for the reality to be a lot less "cinematic" than the name suggests.
Misconceptions and Internet Myths
There is a lot of misinformation out there. No, a rainbow kiss won't make you "super fertile." No, it doesn't have magical ritualistic properties (unless that's your specific spiritual path).
One of the biggest myths is that it's a common "rite of passage" in certain communities. It’s not. It’s a niche activity. Don’t feel like you’re "behind" or "vanilla" if this sounds like a nightmare to you. The vast majority of sexually active people will go their entire lives without ever doing this, and that is perfectly fine.
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Practical Steps Before You Dive In
If you’re seriously considering adding the rainbow kiss to your repertoire, don't just jump in.
First, get tested together. This is non-negotiable. Go to a clinic, get the full panel, and wait for the results. It’s the only way to play it safe when blood is involved.
Second, do a "trial run." Maybe start with period sex without the "kiss" part. See how you both feel about the presence of blood in a sexual context. It’s a different vibe, and it’s a good litmus test for whether you’ll actually enjoy the full act.
Third, establish a safe word or signal. Even if you’re already mid-act, either person should feel 100% okay with stopping immediately if the sensory experience becomes too much.
Finally, check your mouth. If you have a canker sore, a bleeding gum, or a fresh piercing, skip it. Any break in the skin makes the risk of infection skyrocket. Wait until your mouth is completely healed.
Sexual exploration is about pushing boundaries, but it's also about safety and mutual respect. The rainbow kiss is a high-intensity act that demands high-level communication. If you have that, and you’re both consenting adults who understand the risks, then it’s just another way humans express intimacy. If not, it’s perfectly okay to leave this one in the "I read about it on the internet" category and move on.