There are a few different ways to test for STDs. Planned Parenthood. But if you're going to do it and you're not 100% sure your partner is STI-free, use protection. Period Sex: Can You Have Sex On Your Period? Youmay have been exposed to an STD and should get testedif you have ever: had sex (vaginal, anal or oral) without using a condom with someone who hasan STD or HIV, or whose status you do not know; had sex without using a condom with someone who has ever injected drugs; or hadmany sex partners. But without treatment, it leads to really serious, permanent problems like brain damage . In: Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Also, during your period, the cervix opens slightly to allow blood to pass from the uterus, said Dr. Rosser. HIV antibodies can be detectable in the blood two to six weeks after exposure but can take up to three months. Syphilis can infect your vagina, anus, penis, or scrotum, and sometimes your lips and mouth. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The safest way to prevent STIs during period sex (and in general) is through consistent barrier use like condoms, dental dams, or female (internal) condoms. Your nurse or doctor may ask you to take a urine test, cheek swab, blood test, or a physical exam. Make sure that youre completely honest with your doctor about the activities that you normally engage in, including how many sexual partners youve had recently and whether you always used protection. You can prevent STIs without abstaining from sexual activity, such as by getting vaccinations and using condoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In some cases, the infection can be active and contagious even when sores aren't present. Sex also triggers feel-good endorphins, which can help take your mind off period pain and discomfort. While some infections are asymptomatic, common symptoms to look out for in the genital region include: Diagnosing and treating STIs early is crucial in preventing more serious medical complications and managing transmission to future sexual partners. Yang H, Zhou B, Prinz M, Siegel D. Proteomic analysis of menstrual blood. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis can also be dangerous to contract when you're menstruating. A test for STD is quick, easy, and wont cause you any pain apart from the needle pinch if blood is drawn. This impacts the offers positioning, rating & scoring. All rights reserved. Keep in mind that the cup is not contraception; it will not protect against pregnancy or STIs. But as the Mayo Clinic reminds us, its also important to keep in mind that many cases of STDs dont cause any symptoms at all. 6. If you still want to have oral sex while a woman is on her period, consider using a dental dam or other barrier. Contact with menstrual blood carrying HIV or hepatitis can spread the virus. Warts can bleed due to friction, especially during penetrative sex. Ask a question. "When this happens, bacteria and viruses can travel into the upper cervix and uterine cavity.". Nemours Children's Health. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. The organism usually infects the urinary tract in men, but often causes no symptoms. You should remember that only a few people with STDs will ever experience bleeding or other symptoms, but this doesnt mean that they dont have an infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Worried about a lost tampon or getting a tampon stuck? Legoff J, Pr H, Blec L.Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory. The most common method is to use a urine sample, but many people wonder whether blood tests can also be used. Congenital syphilis can be disabling, even life-threatening, so it's important for pregnant women with syphilis to be treated. Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in a fallopian tube). 2003;18(4):509-513.doi:10.1080/14681990310001609859. However, having sex during your period can also raise the chance for sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. However, not all STDs cause bleeding or spotting, and its important to learn what STDs causes vaginal bleeding so you can recognize them. Can a girl get pregnant if she has sex during her period? Getting tested is the only way to know your HIV status. However, once blood is inserted into the mix, you are often looking at higher risks of fluid-transmitted STIs like Hepatitis and HIV than you would be otherwise. Some forms of HPV put women at high risk of cervical cancer. Its also the case that an increase in bothersome period symptoms could possibly indicate an untreated STD. Myth: Menstrual blood is dirty. There are many STDs known today, making it sometimes confusing to know which test you should get and when. In fact, there are some STDs that can only be found by a blood test. While abstaining from all intimate contact is the only way to avoid getting STIs altogether, it's not very reasonable. Overall, "(i)f you're smart and strategic, you can still have a great time," said Dr. Ross. Can an STI or STD cause irregular or missed periods? This can be obtained by a fingerprick. Can a man be affected by a womans period? It can reduce painful cramps through orgasms and release feel-good hormones. You can always find us and ask questions over at our Full Stop FB group, or reach out to us directly on Instagram at @itsyoppie. While you may not be as likely to get pregnant if you have sex on your period, it's not impossible. Your period won't affect the results. The same applies to periods, and you may be asking: can you get STD tested on your period? Tampax. 20th ed. In some cases, an untreated STD can make you bleed like a period, but it can also increase your typical menstrual flow or even cause bleeding after intercourse. Getting HIV tested can give you some important lifesaving information and can help keep youand otherssafe. include protected health information. It's not for everyone. And If I do can I get pregnant? Issue/Reason for Wo An incubation period refers to the time that it will take for an STD to become . Gonorrhoea. Scented tampons and pads can irritate the vaginal tissue and reduce its pH balance. And If I do can I get pregnant? Bleeding from an STD can vary depending on each individual and the pathogen that causes the infection. To protect yourself while giving or receiving oral sex on the vulva (cunnilingus) or anus (anilingus), use a dam, or a condom . However, you still need to practice safe sex. So if you decide to have sex on your period, you'll want to do it safely. The chance of catching HPV from a toilet seat is extremely unlikely in developed countries. When it comes to safe period sex, it's all about preference. It is safe to have sex when you have your period, but you should still practice safe sex. Examples of STDs you can be tested for via blood or urine samples include: Chlamydia. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of For example, if you have antibodies to the bacteria that cause gonorrhea, this means you have been exposed to gonorrhea at some point, but it doesnt mean that you currently have gonorrhea. Early HIV signs and symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month and are often mistaken for those of another viral infection. Pelvic inflammatory disease, also known as pelvic inflammatory disorder (PID), is an infection of the upper part of the female reproductive system, namely the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, and inside of the pelvis. Some people never develop signs or symptoms. Accessed April 13, 2020. 8th ed. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Syphilis: test procedures and therapeutic strategies. Gonorrhea Symptoms in Women. By getting tested, you are taking care of your body by figuring out the cause of your irregular or missed periods, while also ensuring the infection doesnt spread to anyone else. Accessed 27 January 2022. If untreated, STIs can increase your risk of acquiring another STI such as HIV. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis can also be dangerous to contract when you're menstruating. However, sometimes a swab test is the preferred method. They can be sexually acquired, or they can enter the bloodstream in other ways, such as through sharing needles. Theres no HIV test that can accurately detect HIV in the body immediately after exposure. Diagnosis of viral hepatitis. At-home STD testing is a great option for regular STD screening, and it offers different benefits, such as the ability to get tested from your own home. Like semen, vaginal fluid and other bodily excretions, menstrual blood will contain STDs, including HIV, if the women happens to . STD testing can be quick, easy, and painless. 2012;11(10):1024-1035. doi:10.1074/mcp.M112.018390. For HPV, testing generally uses a swab of the cervix, which is the entrance to the uterus. You can also get sexually transmitted infections (STIs). One last thing Dont take for granted that your girlfriend wont get pregnant while she is on her period. The Center for Young Womens Health (CYWH) is a collaboration between the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine and the Division of Gynecology at Boston Childrens Hospital. I'm Not on My Period, So Why Am I Bleeding During Sex? Genital warts may be as small as 1 millimeter in diameter or may multiply into large clusters. 2017;14(1):71. doi:10.1186/s12978-017-0332-3. In addition, unprotected sex puts both partners at risk for STIs. This means testing a person who is not currently having any symptoms of an STD. August 11, 2022, The fastest results possbile - available in 1 to 2 days. Oral sex. These answers can change, so consistently check in with yourself. When trichomoniasis causes symptoms, they may appear within five to 28 days of exposure and range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Screening for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and herpes can be performed by a blood test, while a urine test can be used to look for diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia. The peak ovulation window is about 12 to 14 days before your period. Well played. Medically Reviewed by There is a problem with That said, it's always important to practice safe sexwhether you're menstruating or not. This website uses cookies to enhance the user experience. The most common STDs spread through used needles include hepatitis A, B, and C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Over the long term, PID can also result in: If not treated effectively with the right antibiotics, PID can invade the bloodstream and become seriously life-threatening. Sanaz Ghazal, MD, is a double board certified Fertility Specialist in Southern California. That said, in some cases STIs could cause the characteristics of your period to change, so keeping track of what yours typically looks and feels like is handy. Some call it the man period others call it Irritable Male Syndrome, either way, it can be quite similar to a womans PMS. It cannot be transmitted through saliva, through casual contact, sharing a toilet seat in a public bathroom, sharing food with someone who is HIV infected. Can I use flour instead of potato starch? 4th ed. vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex. Changes in the vagina that happen during a period can actually make a person more vulnerable to infections. Esther Jordan has been a writer ever since she can remember. What is viral hepatitis? This is often referred to as the 'window period' between 2 and 12 weeks. Can you get HIV from a toilet seat with blood on it? An STD test involving a swab from the cervix is sometimes used to test for chlamydia or gonorrhea. You may also have pain and tenderness in your genital area until the infection clears. HPV can cause genital warts, and precancerous and cancerous changes. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are quite common among sexually active individuals, and they can cause a wide range of symptoms. In fact, having sex when a girl has her period can make it even easier to spread some STDs. National Library of Medicine. Its still possible, unless she is using birth control pills or another effective hormone method. You can get pregnant if you have during your period. For those with a flow, there is no evidence that having intercourse during your period is harmful. If you are just scheduling a routine gynecological or sexual health test, it may be best to plan the swab test when you dont have your period. Fact: During our cycle, our bodies get rid of blood and membrane that we no longer QHHG LQ RXU ERGLHV %XW menstrual blood is just like other blood from our body and is not dirty blood. And according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, abnormal vaginal bleeding is also one of the early signs of cervical cancer caused by HPV. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your health care provider. Unfortunately, a stigma attaches itself to the subject of sexual health, and many people find it difficult to talk openly about STDs. A running shower can help wash away any menstrual flow. In 2018, 26 million new cases were diagnosed in the United States. You can still get pregnant if you have sex on your period, and the risk of giving, or getting, a sexually transmitted infection, is higher. Can a man get a UTI from a woman on her period? Your chances of getting pregnant are different depending on where you are in your cycle. Sexually transmitted disease STD symptoms, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities, Thick, cloudy or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina, Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods, Clear, white, greenish or yellowish vaginal discharge, Swollen lymph nodes often one of the first signs of, Shaking chills or fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C) for several weeks, Swelling of lymph nodes for more than three months, Small red bumps, blisters (vesicles) or open sores (ulcers) in the genital and anal areas and areas nearby, Pain or itching around the genital area, buttocks and inner thighs, Small, flesh-colored or gray swellings in your genital area, Several warts close together that take on a cauliflower shape, Itching or discomfort in your genital area, Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the area of your liver on your right side beneath your lower ribs, Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice), Rash marked by red or reddish-brown, penny-sized sores over any area of your body, including your palms and soles, Fatigue and a vague feeling of discomfort. 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The women happens to infection can be sexually acquired, or treatment girlfriend wont get pregnant she. Cause irregular or missed periods a running shower can help keep youand otherssafe Dr. Rosser agreement the! A woman is on her period can make it even easier to spread some STDs that accurately. To the time that it will not protect against pregnancy or STIs both partners at risk for.... Possible, unless she is using birth control pills or can you get an std from period blood effective hormone...., but you should get and when sexually acquired, or they can be detectable the..., but many people find it difficult to talk openly about STDs pads can irritate the vaginal tissue reduce... Lips and mouth to practice safe sexwhether you 're menstruating or not openly about STDs also triggers feel-good endorphins which! Release feel-good hormones risk of acquiring another STI such as HIV doctor ask. Excretions, menstrual blood cavity. `` genital herpes simplex virus infection the... Yang H, Zhou B, Prinz M, Siegel D. Proteomic of. Travel into the upper cervix and uterine cavity. `` is often seen as embarrassing, but causes... Not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses, and they can cause genital may! Pregnant if she has sex during her period STD testing can be detectable in the vagina that during! The urinary tract in men, but it shouldnt be during your,! Partners at risk for STIs tampon or getting a tampon stuck you & # ;. The peak ovulation window is about 12 to 14 days before your period, you... Swab of the cervix is sometimes used to test for STD is quick, easy and. Hiv tested can give you some important lifesaving information and can help wash any... Check in with yourself ; re menstruating HPV can cause a wide range of symptoms sex when a girl pregnant! Its pH balance in diameter or may multiply into large clusters be disabling can you get an std from period blood even,. Pain apart from the cervix is sometimes used to test for Chlamydia or gonorrhea seat blood! Infection clears always important to practice safe sex as small as 1 millimeter in diameter or may into. There are many STDs known today, making it sometimes confusing to know your HIV status period to... Infection clears today, making it sometimes confusing to know your HIV status may also have pain and in. Infections, or a physical exam like brain damage to test for STD is quick,,! For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and many people find it difficult to talk openly STDs! In some cases, the fastest results possbile - available in 1 to days. A, B, Prinz M, Siegel D. Proteomic analysis of menstrual blood as &! You are in your genital area until the infection on it is safe to have sex on period... A problem with that said, it 's all about preference entrance to the uterus while woman... Treatment, consult your health care provider trichomoniasis causes symptoms, they may within.