Menstruation And Sti Tests
If youre on your period when you go to a sexual health clinic, you will still be able to get the tests you need in fact, it generally doesnt matter at all where you are in your menstrual cycle. Theyll be happy to see you regardless of whether youre bleeding or not.
This is because STI tests are sensitive enough to pick up infection even if the sample contains up a bit of menstrual blood. If a test needs to be repeated for whatever reason, clinic will let you know.
Its a good idea to be mentally prepared for your visit to the clinic: in most cases youll be having swabs done, so they might ask you to remove your tampon or menstrual cup before you have the test. Make sure you have a spare tampon with you. Because you might need to undress from the waist down, it makes sense to avoid clothing on your lower half thats difficult to get in and out of – such as lace up boots, or tights.
Remember, staff at sexual health clinics are very experienced and wont be put off by seeing a patient who is having their period!
Can You Get Tested For An Std While Youre On Your Period
Every day of your life that you spend not knowing that you have been infected with an STD can affect and worsen your health and put you into an undesirable situation. Unfortunately, some things are beyond our control and periods seem to be one of them.
Menstruation should in no way affect the outcome of any STD tests. So you can visit the closest testing center whenever you feel like checking whether theres something that represents a threat for your health. However, that doesnt mean that it is strongly recommended to rush to get tested whilst on your period, since you might feel additional fatigue and dizziness. If you are convinced that you can easily cope with these symptoms and are focused on getting positive/negative results in just a few days, wait no more and get tested.
Can You Test For An Std Whilst On Your Period
Yes, you can get tested for an STD whilst on your period. Most private STD clinics offer STD testing that can be completed using a urine sample or a blood sample from your arm, neither of which will be affected by your period.
Examples of STDs you can be tested for via blood or urine samples include:
Your Sexual Health also provides at home STI tests which can be done whilst you are on your period as, again, they only require samples of urine or blood.
This can be beneficial if you are too embarrassed to go to a clinic or if you are simply feeling too under the weather and want to take the test in the comfort of your own home.
For more information on these tests
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Why You Should Go To A Sexual Health Clinic
You can see a GP, but theyll probably refer you to a sexual health clinic if they think you might have genital herpes.
Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system.
Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment.
Theyll often get test results quicker than GP practices and you do not have to pay a prescription fee for treatment.
How Does Genital Herpes Spread
Herpes can be spread when an infected person has lesions blisters and open sores on their body or when you do not have any symptoms. Taking antiviral medicine can help you reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes to your sexual partners. You can also:
- Inform your sexual partner that you have genital herpes.
- Use a condom every time you have sex.
- Refrain from having sex when you have symptoms.
- Abstain from performing oral sex if you have blisters or open sores around your mouth.
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Can You Be On Your Period During Std Testing
Yes! Its totally okay and normal to get tested for STDs at any point during your menstrual cycle, even on your heaviest days. Your period wont affect the results.
STD testing can be quick, easy, and painless. Your nurse or doctor may ask you to take a urine test, cheek swab, blood test, or a physical exam. Make an appointment to get tested for STDs with your nearest Planned Parenthood health center.
Tags:STDs, menstruation, periods
Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people worldwide. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. is a registered 501 nonprofit under EIN 13-1644147. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.
Transmission Of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease spread by skin-to-skin contact. The risk of infection is highest during outbreak periods when there are visible sores and lesions. However, genital herpes can also be transmitted when there are no visible symptoms. Most new cases of genital herpes infection do not cause symptoms, and many people infected with HSV-2 are unaware that they have genital herpes.
To help prevent genital herpes transmission:
- Use a condom for sexual intercourse.
- Use a dental dam for oral sex.
- Limit your number of sexual partners.
- Be aware that nonoxynol-9, the chemical spermicide used in gel and foam contraceptive products and some lubricated condoms, does not protect against STDs.
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What Does Genital Herpes Look Like
Someone who has been infected by the herpes virus may be asymptomatic or can have mild symptoms that go unrecognized. If you suspect that you may have been exposed, its important to be aware of what to look for. A genital herpes outbreak can be characterized by one or more blisters or ulcers. These blisters can be painful, and if they rupture, may ooze clear fluid. They can be located on the genitalia, perineum, buttocks, and upper thighs. In addition, newly infected individuals often have symptoms that include fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Can A Pap Smear Detect Ovarian Cysts
No, a Pap test doesnt detect ovarian cysts. However, a pelvic exam can detect a large ovarian cyst. During a pelvic exam, your healthcare provider feels your uterus and pelvis for lumps or masses. If a cyst is detected, they will likely order additional testing and discuss treatment options with you.
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Why The Test Is Performed
The test is done to find out whether a person has ever been infected with oral or genital herpes. It looks for antibodies to herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 . An antibody is a substance made by the bodys immune system when it detects harmful substances such as the herpes virus. This test does not detect the virus itself.
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Benefits Of Early Detection And Treatment
If you think you may have an STD, its important to stop engaging in sexual activity and seek treatment. Early detection and treatment of STDs plays an important role in stopping the transmission of STDs between yourself, your sexual partners, and their sexual partners. In some cases, it can even save your life.
Some of the potential risks of untreated STDs include:
- pregnancy and birth-related risks, from untreated bacterial STDs, HIV, and hepatitis B
- organ damage, dementia, paralysis, or death, from untreated syphilis
Taking care of your sexual health is important. Not everyone will voluntarily disclose their STD status to you. You can take control of your sexual health by asking questions, screening new sexual partners, and having open and honest discussions about sexually transmitted diseases.
Risk For Genital Herpes
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , about 1 in 6 Americans ages 14 to 49 years have genital herpes. While HSV-2 remains the main cause of genital herpes, HSV-1 has significantly increased as a cause, most likely because of oral-genital sex. Except for people in monogamous relationships with uninfected partners, everyone who is sexually active is at risk for genital herpes.
Risk factors for genital herpes include:
- History of an STD
- First sexual intercourse at an early age
- High number of sexual partners
- Low socioeconomic status
Women are more susceptible to HSV-2 infection because herpes is more easily transmitted from men to women than from women to men. About 1 in 5 women, compared to 1 in 9 men, have genital herpes. African-American women are at particularly high risk.
People with compromised immune systems, such as those who have HIV, are at very high risk for genital herpes. These people are also at risk for more severe complications from herpes. Drugs that suppress the immune system, and organ transplantation, can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk for contracting genital herpes.
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If You Get A Positive Result Dont Panic It Really Doesnt Mean Much
All of this is to say that unless you have symptoms consistent with the herpes virus, why put yourself through the emotional turmoil of getting a blood test that may or may not give you legit results? As Hutcherson notes, if you do get a blood test and it comes back positive but youre asymptomatic, what does that mean for you if you have nothing to treat? For many, due to the high rate of stigma still surrounding herpes, it can mean feelings of self-contempt, humiliation, and distress, all of which could be avoided if you arent experiencing any symptoms.
To recap, while there are some tests for herpes that can prove correct, none are 100 percent perfect, and blood tests are particularly problematic since they can produce false positives and negatives. We also know that the majority of the population has some form of herpes, so IMO its a mystery as to why were still making a big deal out of it. No one likes blisters or sores, but neither does anyone love having acne, a widespread condition without the same level of attached shame.
Testing And Screening For Stds
You may undergo testing for STD if your current symptoms and your sexual history suggest that you have a sexually transmitted disease. Several laboratory tests can help to identify the cause of the disease. The tests can also help to identify other co-infections you may have. You do not have to wait for particular symptoms for you to undergo STD testing. You may undergo STD screening even if you do not have any symptoms.
It is advisable for persons between the ages of thirteen years and sixty-four years, women included, to undergo regular testing for the human immunodeficiency virus . This is the virus responsible for causing AIDS. If you are at a high risk of acquiring HIV, you should undergo at least one HIV test every year.
Women born between the years 1945 and 1965 have a high risk of developing hepatitis C. The disease does not portray any symptoms until it is advanced in the body. It is, therefore, advisable for women in this age group to undergo testing for hepatitis C now and then.
All pregnant women have to undergo testing for sexually transmitted diseases. If you are pregnant, you may undergo testing for HIV and hepatitis B. You may also undergo testing for other STDs like Chlamydia and Syphilis. You may undergo the tests during your first prenatal visit. Some women have a high risk for hepatitis B and Gonorrhea these women should undergo testing for these STDs at least once during their pregnancy.
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Suppressive Therapy For Recurrences
To suppress outbreaks, treatment requires taking pills daily on a long-term basis. Acyclovir and famciclovir are taken twice a day for suppression. Valacyclovir is taken once a day. The doses for these antiviral drugs are reduced in people with impaired renal function.
Suppressive treatment can reduce the frequency of outbreak recurrences by 70% to 80%. It is generally recommended for people who have frequent recurrences . Because herpes recurrences often diminish over time, you should discuss annually with your provider whether you should stay with drug therapy or discontinue it.
There is some evidence that valacyclovir may help prevent herpes transmission, particularly in situations where one heterosexual partner has HSV-2 and the other partner does not. However, this drug does not completely prevent transmission. While taking any suppressive therapy for genital herpes, it is still important to regularly use latex condoms and to avoid any sexual activity during recurrences.
Can You Get Std Tested On Your Period
The short answer is yes your period wont affect the results . In fact, its okay to get an STD test at any time in your menstrual cycle there is no STD window period. Even when your period is heavy, it wont influence the outcome of an STD test.
What Does STD Testing Involve?
A test for STD is quick, easy, and wont cause you any pain apart from the needle pinch if blood is drawn. The most common testing is done via a urine or blood sample. However, sometimes a swab test is the preferred method.
Can You Do an STD Swab Test on Your Period?
An STD test involving a swab from the cervix is sometimes used to test for chlamydia or gonorrhea. From a technical point of view, an STD swab test is possible during your period. However, there is a slight chance that the test will give an inaccurate result and may have to be repeated.
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. This not only avoids the possibility of false results but also makes the process a little more comfortable for you.
However, if you think you may have an STD, you should not avoid being tested because of your period. If left undiagnosed and therefore untreated, some STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause reduced fertility.
Can You Get an STD From Period Blood?
What Happens to Your Period When You Have an STD?
- Ectopic pregnancy .
- Chronic pelvic pain.
STDs and You: Final Thoughts
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Medical Experts You Can Trust
The myLAB Box medical team takes pride in having earned a reputation over the years for clinical excellence, customer service and thought-leadership.
We work with the top research organizations and experts in sexual health, STI prevention, wellness and more. With myLAB Box you not only get unprecedented access to at-home tests for all your needs but can enjoy peace of mind connecting with the best medical professionals and resources.
- No extra cost or co-pays required.
- We are committed to meeting the highest standards of ethics and care.
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Can Herpes Be Transmitted During Its Incubation Period
The chances are low that a person can transmit HSV to someone else within the first few days following their initial contact with the virus. But because of HSV dormancy, among other reasons, not many people can pinpoint the moment they contracted the virus.
Transmission is common from contact with a partner who might not know they have HSV and isnt showing symptoms of infection.
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I Had Lesions When I Was Evaluated But My Culture Was Negative Does This Mean That I Dont Have Herpes
Not necessarily. Although lesions can be caused by something other than herpes, false negative herpes tests can occur if the samples are not taken appropriately, if there is a long transport time between the clinic and the laboratory, or if cultures were taken late in the course of the lesions. Lesions that occur early in the course of a herpes outbreak are much more likely to have positive cultures than cultures taken after the lesions crust over.
How Soon Can You Be Tested
The incubation period for herpes is 2 to 12 days, which means that the best time to get tested for the herpes virus if you havent had an initial outbreak is after 12 days. If youre worried that youve been exposed to herpes but have not yet been diagnosed, here are some steps you can take:
- If youre currently sexually active, stop all sexual activity until you can receive a formal diagnosis.
- Reach out to your doctor and schedule an appointment for once the incubation period is up.
- If youre having an outbreak, you dont have to wait to get tested. Its possible to receive a diagnosis based on the lesions.
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