by Kristen Dold

Here's how that works: If you have a massive <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/a19968925/orgasm-facts/" id="ea05d1d8-be71-3828-a321-3f47a7dfe426"> orgasm </a> (woo!) and bear down, poop can slip out, kind of like childbirth, says Lawless.

That being said, just because it's "not abnormal" that doesnt mean it's commonyou're actually much more likely to <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/relationships/a19935954/fart-relationships/" id="ca4ecbe1-15e7-32aa-ac2f-1aee4a7ce1cd"> fart </a> in this scenario, says Lawless. So, that's kind of comforting?

Another factor in the orgasm-poop connection are hormone-like compounds called <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/a19954261/semen-can-give-you-diarrhea/" id="bd832bc6-98f8-35f1-adca-dbcdd7c74f94"> prostaglandins </a> , says gynecologist Diana Hoppe, M.D., author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Sex-Drive-You-Reveals/dp/0982541104" id="72851a15-f846-3c3d-a99b-4140d432930c"> Healthy Sex Drive, Healthy You. </a> When you <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/a19968925/orgasm-facts/" id="ea05d1d8-be71-3828-a321-3f47a7dfe426"> orgasm </a> , your body releases those compounds, causing the uterus to contract and increase blood flow to your lower pelvis. This is great for <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19890829/vaginal-dryness/" id="0f8fc2b4-4591-3196-a2f9-10824dd39901"> lubrication </a> , but makes it tough to hold your pee or poop, she says.

This can lead to unwanted loss of <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/g19988217/embarrassing-sex-questions/" id="5ef4200f-2fa9-302d-a626-4c172fe46675"> urine </a> and or stool, says Hoppe. Um, yeah, "unwanted" might be an understatement.

If this happens to you, it's important to keep your chill.

"If you feel awkward and bad, your partners going to feel awkward and bad," says Lawless. Your move: Muster up some self-confidence, laugh it off, and explain that you were so turned on you lost control, she says. (Then send him out for late night fro-yo while you change the sheets and, um, shower.)

And to reduce the risk of this ever happening, get your <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/a19921229/use-kegels-to-make-your-orgasms-stronger/" id="764f301a-893d-31b0-ae6c-386d32a7f58e"> kegel </a> on. These exercises help tighten the pelvic floor, so you can control your bladder and bowels. Another helpful hint: Empty your tank before sex, says Lawless. More preparation = less poop.

Pooping During Sex is Normal—but You Can Avoid It

Up until recently, when WomensHealthMag.com published a YourTango story entitled <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/a19995095/poop-orgasm/" id="a4a6c858-7ece-3029-a985-6dcbecb31fa9"> I Pooped While Having an Orgasm </a> , you probably thought 'she-pooped-during-sex' stories were urban legends. But as it turns out, the human body actually is that evil. "It can happen, and its not abnormal," says sex therapist Lisa Lawless, Ph.D., founder of <a href="http://www.holisticwisdo...

It's Not Abnormal to Poop During Sex—but Don't Let It Happen to You

That's why some experts say that carb cycling for weight loss, or boosting your <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19996130/low-carb-ketogenic-diet-lose-weight/" id="5a51b43f-ee93-3d61-a04d-e77e365c32f6"> carb intake </a> on some days and cutting back on others, might be the happy medium weve all been looking for. Here, we delve into whether this <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19938498/diets-throughout-history/" id="f1fa212b-5cb7-3b83-af2a-36f9d3398053"> trendy way of eating </a> can actually help you drop pounds without giving up the best food group.

What Carb Cycling Means There are a lot of carb-cycling regimens out there. For example, some serious athletes, like bodybuilders, who know exactly when and how long theyll work out each day follow a weekly pattern, says Brian Murray, an A.C.E.-certified personal trainer and certified nutritionist. That might include a high-carb day followed by three days of eating <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19996130/low-carb-ketogenic-diet-lose-weight/" id="7bee319b-80ca-3034-ad20-6e7e1ef7e7f2"> very little carbohydrates </a> . For these kinds of plans, dieters keep track of each gram of carbs they consume, says Murray. (Start working on your fitness with Women's Health's <a href="http://www.lookbetternakeddvd.com?cid=BWO_wh.com_textlink_lookbetternakeddvd&amp;keycode=257738 " id="f8e992d7-0b07-3e02-a722-58fbefa2a25d"> Look Better Naked DVD </a> .)

The exact amount of carbohydrates they eat totally depends on their weight, <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a19966904/muscle-definition/" id="27ad6781-588a-3e8c-acd6-397eb8c0496d"> muscle mass, </a> goals, and activity levels, he says. But for the average active woman looking to lose weight, the best way to take on carb cycling is on a day-to-day basis, says Murray.

How It Works On days when youre crushing it at the gym or <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a19974609/training-and-running-half-marathon-with-partner/" id="e9d6d107-36c3-3868-a8e2-fdd6567b7ae4"> training for a race </a> , carbs are your BFF. Your body burns through them (along with fat) for energy instead of protein. That allows the muscle-building nutrient to focus on doing its job.

But on days when you don't leave the couch, eating extra <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19996130/low-carb-ketogenic-diet-lose-weight/" id="0e7fec0b-f4fd-318f-aa8d-bac09ddce047"> carbs </a> could encourage your body to store that unused glucose in your fat cells. By eating less carbs on a rest day, your body turns to fat for energy instead of the sugary and starchy foods it usually gobbles up, says Georgie Fear, R.D., author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1624141129/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=womenshealthmag-20&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1624141129&amp;ascsubtag=%5BASIN%7C1624141129%5Bnid%7C1005921%5Bvid%7C2598926%5Bbrand%7CWH%5Butm%7C" id="87e0de4c-776b-3aee-a453-b59a66c62c3e"> Lean Habits for Lifelong Weight Loss </a> .

Can It Help You Lose Weight? For those days when youre playing desk jockey or couch potato, there are definite weight loss benefits to chowing on <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19996130/low-carb-ketogenic-diet-lose-weight/" id="0a7c283c-2a25-36de-a79b-efad40b62b87"> fewer carbs </a> . You dont need to be hoarding all these extra calories if theyre not going to be used," says Fear. "Unlike your fat and protein intake, your carb needs vary from one day to the next. Also, when you swap carbs for protein and veggies, it becomes trickier to overeat (most of us dont binge on broccoli and chicken), so that helps your waistline.

Check out some of the weirdest weight-loss trends through history:

Should You Try It? While there's nothing dangerous about switching up the way you consume carbs, "measuring things down to the gram puts you in a restrictive mindset, which can leave you craving those foods youre missing out on, says Fear.

<h1> RELATED: Everything You Need to Know Before Going on a Low-Carb Diet </h1>

Carb cycling without a set of gram guidelines seems like it would be less effective (especially compared to the plans bodybuilders follow). But since everyone's needs are different, sticking to a one-size fits all plan isn't the best method for meeting your weight-loss goals, says Fear.

With that being said, Fear outlines how to make a carb-cycling diet work for you.

What a High-Carb Day Looks Like On an average day, around 60 percent of your calories should come from complex carbs. Thats about 900 calories if you're eating 1,500 calories a day.

On high-carb days, when you've planned a high-energy workout, like metabolic conditioning, interval training, sprints, or a long-distance run, add an extra serving or two of whole grains, fruits, or legumes. If youre gassed 10 minutes into your workout, you should try adding another serving, says Fear.

What a Low-Carb Day Looks Like On days when you don't work out at all or do something low-key, like jogging for 30 minutes or taking a hatha yoga class, try swapping a serving or two of your regular carb intake with leafy veggies, lean protein, or healthy fats. For example, if you normally have a whole-wheat turkey sandwich for lunch, try a turkey and spinach salad with cheese instead, says Fear.

<h1> RELATED: The Best Carbs for Weight Loss </h1>

The bottom line: It's important to avoid a transactional mindset about food, says Fear. Thoughts like, "I ran an extra mile, so I can eat this," are a slippery slope to an unhealthy relationship with food.

That said, "having higher carbs on some days and lower carbs on other days is how the body naturally regulates itself," says Fear. "So theres nothing wrong with taking advantage of some of the benefits of reducing carbs."

Your Carb-Cycling Meal Plan Want to give carb cycling for weight loss a try? Follow this week-long carb-cycling meal plan, courtesy of Fear. On higher-carb days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), perform high-intensity or long-duration workouts. Options include interval training, sprints, lifting, or long runs. On lower-carb days (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday), rest or perform lower-intensity workouts like yoga, barre, or light jogging. You should feel satisfied, but not stuffed, after each meal. If you aren't, increase your portion sizes or add a snack.

MONDAY: HIGHER-CARB DAY

Breakfast: 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats cooked with 1 cup 1% milk, an apple or banana, and 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts. (443 cals, 67 g carbs, 16 g protein, 15 g fat)

Lunch: Sandwich with 2 slices whole-wheat bread, 4 ounces deli turkey, 1/5 medium avocado, and mustard. 3 ounces raw carrots and 2 tablespoons hummus as a side. (385 cals, 53 g carbs, 26 g protein, 11 g fat)

Dinner: 2 ounces whole-wheat pasta tossed with tomato-basil sauce, sliced zucchini, and 4 ounces lean ground beef. 1/2 ounce dark chocolate for dessert. (661 cals, 57 g carbs, 41 g protein, 32 g fat)

TOTAL: 1,489 cals, 177 g carbs, 83 g protein, 58 g fat

Optional snack: 2 whole grain crispbreads with 2 The Laughing Cow Swiss cheese wedges (140 cals, 12 g carbs, 5 g protein, 8 g fat)

TUESDAY: LOWER-CARB DAY

Breakfast: 2 egg whites plus 2 eggs scrambled with one handful baby spinach, and topped with one slice mozzarella cheese. 1 cup strawberries as a side. (317 cals, 20 g carbs, 27 g of protein, 14 g fat)

Lunch: Spinach salad topped with 4 ounces cooked wild salmon, low-starch veggies (tomatoes, cucumber, peppers), 2 teaspoons olive oil, and 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar. 6 ounces Greek yogurt (light or plain low-fat, without added sugars) as a side. (388 cals, 19 g carbs, 42 g protein, 7 g fat)

Dinner: 4 ounces grilled chicken breast with 1 1/2 cups roasted asparagus and 1 cup butternut squash, cooked with 2 teaspoons olive oil. (323 calories, 24 g carbs, 33 g protein, 11 g fat)

TOTAL: 1,028 calories, 63 g carbs, 102 g protein, 32 g fat

Optional snack: 1 hard-boiled egg. (71 cals, 0 g carbs, 6 g protein, 5 g fat)

WEDNESDAY: HIGHER-CARB DAY

Breakfast: Parfait of 6 ounces low or nonfat greek yogurt, 1/4 cup granola, 1 chopped pear, 2 tablespoons raisins, and 1 tablespoon grated coconut flakes. (338 cals, 57 g carbs, 20 g protein, 4 g fat)

Lunch: Large whole-wheat tortilla filled with 1/2 cup refried beans, 1 ounce grated cheese, and salsa, lettuce, onion and tomatoes. 1 cup grapes as a side. (530 calories, 71 g carbs, 19 g protein, 19 g fat)

Dinner: 4-ounce grilled pork chop with 1/2 cup applesauce, 3/4 cup cooked brown rice, and 1 1/2 cups steamed broccoli with lemon pepper and 1 teaspoon butter. Side: half a banana smeared with 1/2 tablespoon peanut butter. (578 calories, 70 g carbs, 44 g protein, 14 g fat)

TOTAL: 1,446 cals, 198 carbs, 83 g protein, 37 g fat

Optional snack: 2 thin rice cakes topped with 1 ounce avocado, fresh basil, and salt. (99 cals, 17 g carbs, 1 g protein, 4 g fat)

THURSDAY: LOWER-CARB DAY

Breakfast: 1 egg and 1 egg white scrambled with 2 slices turkey bacon (chopped) and 1/2 cup bell peppers and onions. On the side: 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 tablespoon all-fruit preserves. (325 calories, 19 g carbs, 31 g protein, 14 g fat)

Lunch: 2 cups vegetable soup with 2 cups side salad (spinach, 1 cup tomatoes, 3/4 cup cucumber, 5 Kalamata olives, 3/4 ounce crumbled feta, and balsamic vinegar). (358 calories, 56 g carbs, 14 g protein, 10 g fat)

Dinner: 6 ounces baked cod with tomatoes and oregano, 1 cup roasted green beans with 2 teaspoon olive oil, and 1/2 sweet potato with 1 teaspoon butter. (381 cals, 31 g carbs, 41 g protein, 14 g fat)

TOTAL: 1,064 cals, 106 g carbs, 86 g protein, 38 g fat

Optional snack: 6 ounces low-fat Greek yogurt. (100 cals, 17 g protein, 6 g carb, 1 g fat)

FRIDAY: HIGHER-CARB DAY

Breakfast: Whole-wheat English muffin with 2 tablespoons almond butter and 1 sliced banana (419 cals, 56 g carbs, 13 g protein, 19 g fat)

Lunch: 2 cups lentil soup with a side salad (2 cups greens, tomatoes, and peppers with 1 chopped apple, 1 ounce grated cheddar, and 2 tablespoons vinaigrette). (530 cals, 77 g carbs, 27 g protein, 14 g fat)

Dinner: 8-inch whole-wheat cheese pizza (try <a href="https://amys.com/our-foods/cheese-pizza-single-serve" id="b497e096-c2be-31e7-ad40-0ff38a204b96"> Amy's </a> ) with a side of carrots, celery, and 2 tablespoons hummus (479 calories, 58 g carbs, 19 g protein, 20 g fat)

TOTAL: 1,428 calories, 191 g carbs, 59 g protein, 53 g fat

Optional Snacks: 1 ounce raisins. (27 cals, 7 g carbs, 0 g protein, 0 g fat)

SATURDAY: LOWER-CARB DAY

Breakfast: Protein pancakes (homemade or 1/2 cup <a href="http://www.kodiakcakes.com/power-cakes/" id="8217ddab-d0d1-3e47-a0dc-ade977f9715b"> Kodiak Cakes </a> power cakes mix) topped with 1 1/2 tablespoons almond butter and 1/2 cup sliced strawberries. (360 calories, 41 g carbs, 19 g protein, 15 g fat)

Lunch: 4-ounce turkey burger topped with 1/5 medium avocado and 1 slice Swiss cheese, wrapped up in lettuce leaves. Side: an apple or banana. (457 calories, 29 g carbs, 39 g protein, 23 g fat)

Dinner: 4 ounces cajun chicken (chicken breast with cajun spices), 1/2 cup black beans, and 1 cup sauted peppers and onions with 2 teaspoons olive oil (396 calories, 27 g carbs, 41 g protein, 13 g fat)

TOTAL: 1,213 calories, 97 g carbs, 99 g protein, 51 g fat

Optional snack: 8 almonds. (56 cals, 2 g carbs, 2 g protein, 5 g fat)

SUNDAY: HIGHER-CARB DAY

Breakfast: Breakfast burrito with 1 scrambled egg, 1/2 cup black beans, 2 tablespoons salsa, 1 slice pepper jack cheese, and fresh cilantro wrapped in a large whole-wheat tortilla. Side: 1 orange. (452 cals, 50 g carb, 23 g protein, 17 g fat)

Lunch: Baked potato topped with shredded rotisserie chicken (4 ounces), 1 cup cooked broccoli, and 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese. (482 cals, 42 g carbs, 47 g protein, 13 g fat)

Dinner: 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice, 2 cups mixed veggies, and 4 ounces lean beef strips stir-fried in 1 teaspoon sesame oil. (674 cals, 66 g carbs, 40 g protein, 28 g fat)

TOTAL: 1,608 cals, 158 g carbs, 110 g protein, 58 g fat

Optional snack: 1 cup applesauce with cinnamon. (102 cals, 27 g carbs, 0 g protein, 0 g fat)

All gifs courtesy of <a href="http://giphy.com" id="54ff4e68-0103-3e8e-a82e-d89b8c59c49b"> giphy.com </a> .

Your Guide To Carb Cycling For Weight Loss

Heres the ish with carbs: You need them to power through <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19955095/exercising-to-lose-weight/" id="19690151-8345-35bb-a033-d8eba2992752"> muscle-building workouts </a> , but eating too many can contribute to fat storage and excess pounds.

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by Kristen Dold

Articles written by the author

It's Not Abnormal to Poop During Sex—but Don't Let It Happen to You

Your Guide To Carb Cycling For Weight Loss