Can You Get STD Testing On Your Period?
When it comes to your period, there are so many things to think about. After several years of menstruating every month, you may think you’ve considered every possible angle, but then something new comes along. You’ve wondered and discovered if you can get screened for cervical cancer or have a pelvic ultrasound during your period, and now there’s just one question left: Can you get STD testing on your period?
This article explains whether or not you can get STD testing during your period and why. For personalised advice, contact our team at ReliaLab today.
Why Should I Get STD Testing?
Sexual health still holds a stigma in our society, so it’s fairly common for people not to know how STD tests work. If this is you, there’s no need to worry as we’re here to answer your questions.
Many people may feel embarrassed when ordering an STD test, but there is absolutely no shame in doing so— in fact, taking care of your sexual health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. The CDC found that there were 2.5 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis in 2021 as infections increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significant increase for each of these STDs from the 2017 study, proving that taking care of your sexual health is critical. The best way to do this is to use barrier contraception such as condoms.
If you have any concerns about your sexual health, the best thing you can do is an STD test. STD testing can give you peace of mind, and if the test does detect something, knowing as soon as possible and receiving treatment will give you the best chance of recovery.
In many cases, STDs may be treated as simply as with a course of antibiotics. However, if left untreated, an STD may lead to serious medical issues in the future. As such, it’s best to know as early as possible.
Can I Get STD Testing On My Period?
In most cases, STD testing is done either through a urine test or by taking a blood sample from your arm, neither of which will be affected by your period. STDs that can be tested for through a urine and/or blood test include:
- Chlamydia
- Gardnerella Vaginalis
- Gonorrhoea
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Herpes Simplex I/II
- HIV
- Mycoplasma
- Syphilis
- Trichomonas Vaginalis
- Ureaplasma
- HPV
What About STD Swab Tests?
STD tests that require a vaginal swab test should be done at least one or two days after your period has ended. While you can technically do an STD swab test while on your period, there is a chance that the results may not be accurate and therefore you will need to do the test again. To be on the safe side and reduce your chance of needing to repeat the test, ensure your period has ended completely before doing an STD swab test.
STD tests that use blood and urine samples allow you to get tested at any time during your cycle, and are typically less uncomfortable for many people.
Looking For STD Testing?
Some STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning that the person with the STD may not know they have it. Frequent testing helps to stop the spread of STDs from person to person and allows for the earliest possible treatment. At ReliaLab we provide confidential testing to help you stay in control of your health and to help protect the health of any sexual partners you may have. To take care of your sexual health, order an STD test today.
