Can You Get STD (STI) Tested on Your Period?
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Medically reviewed by Renita White, MD
One way to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)—or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—is to get tested. You might be wondering, though, if you can get STD tested on your period—and the short answer is yes.
There are different types of STI testing including blood, swab, and urine tests, and you can get any of these tests during menstruation. Here's what you need to know about getting tested for STIs and how the testing relates to having an active period.
Can You Test for STDs on Your Period?
You don't have to wait to get tested for STIs if you're menstruating. Period blood does not affect STI test accuracy. There are various ways to get tested, which can include blood or urine samples or swabbing the affected area.
Blood Test
For a blood test, a healthcare provider gets a sample of your blood from an arm vein with a small needle. The blood sample taken is then put into a test tube or vial for collection and testing. A provider may get a blood sample to test for:
Herpes—on occasion
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Syphilis, a bacterial STI
Urine Test
A healthcare provider uses a urine test to help diagnose chlamydia, trichomoniasis, or gonorrhea. Trichomoniasis is an STD caused by a parasite, while gonorrhea is a bacterial STI. The provider will instruct you on how to give a sterile urine sample for testing.
Swab Test
Swab tests are for getting samples from the vagina, cervix, penis, or urethra—wherever an infection occurs on a person's body. These are tests helpful for diagnosing:
Chlamydia, a bacterial STI
Gonorrhea
Herpes
Trichomoniasis
Can You Get an STD on Your Period?
It's possible to get an STI while you have your period. The pH of your vagina during your period can play a role in STI development. You typically can have a vaginal pH between 3.8 to 5.0, but when you're menstruating, the vagina becomes less acidic and more alkaline.
This change in pH makes it easier for microbes to survive and thrive in your reproductive tract. A higher vaginal pH level has also been associated with STIs. Specifically, increased vaginal pH has been linked to cases of bacterial vaginosis (BV), chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.
Can You Get an Infection from Period Blood?
Yes, you can get infections from period blood. An STI occurs when foreign agents like bacteria or viruses enter the body through sexual contact and cause an infection. STIs can be transmitted through body fluids—including blood—or genital, mouth, rectum, or skin contact during sexual activity.
During your period, the cervix opens slightly to allow blood to pass from the uterus, Mary L. Rosser, MD, a gynecologist at Columbia University in New York City told Health. "When this happens, bacteria and viruses can travel into the upper cervix and uterine cavity."
For example, bacterial infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can be especially dangerous when you're on your period. Once they get beyond the cervix, they can turn into pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a more serious infection of the reproductive tract that can affect your fertility.
What Happens to Your Period When You Have an STD?
You may experience menstrual pain, or dysmenorrhea, if you have an STI. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two STIs that cause pelvic scars, resulting in painful periods.
STIs may also result in menstrual flow changes. For example, gonorrhea can cause menstrual bleeding to become heavier.
Having an STI could also affect any symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) you have leading up to your period. One study found that participants with an STI were more likely to report headaches, cramps, and mood changes before their period compared to participants without an STI.
A Quick Review
Having your period isn't a barrier to getting STI tests. Different STI testing options include blood, urine, or swab tests, which are okay to get when you're menstruating. It is possible to get STIs during your period, and STIs may affect aspects of your period like your menstrual flow or how painful your period is.
See a healthcare provider for testing if you think you have an STI. It's important to diagnose STIs early so you can receive the proper treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get an STD on your period?
No. Having your period may increase your likelihood of getting certain STIs like gonorrhea and hepatitis.
What time period should you test for STDs?
The time period to test for STIs will vary. STIs can show up within a few days or up to a few months.
Is it okay to have sex on your period?
Having sex during your period can be okay if it doesn't cause you discomfort or a healthcare provider hasn't recommended that you avoid sex when menstruating. Keep in mind, however, that you can be more susceptible to STIs when you have sex during your period.
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