Besides understanding safe period sex practices, there are a few other things to consider. However, there's no scientific evidence to back up this claim. Women can vary widely in how much blood comes out of them during . There is no scientific evidence that having sex during menstruation is harmful to your health. Accessed April 14, 2020. If you choose to have home STD testing, then only a very small blood sample is needed in order to do the blood test. If you have period sex, use condoms to guard against catching or spreading an STI. irritation or discharge from the anus. 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. Symptoms of HIV. Period blood isnt rejected body fluids or the bodys way of flushing out toxins. Nemours Children's Health. During an initial episode, you may have flu-like signs and symptoms, such as a headache, muscle aches and fever, as well as swollen lymph nodes in your groin. Can you get an STD from period blood?Jun 5, 2019In fact, there's a scattering of research that suggests sex during menstruation may increase the risk of cert. History/Background : I had sex with a sex-worker 8 days back.I used condom for the intercourse.But in foreplay i licked the pussy and sucked her nipples. HPV usually has no signs or symptoms. Lying on your back during sex can reduce blood flow. But, typically no, personal hygiene, sexual activity, pregnancy, and genetics are more likely to contribute to UTIs than period blood. Some other infections can cause unusual discharge (like trichomonas vaginalis) or bleeding after sex (like mycoplasma genitalium), so if in doubt about any of the symptoms you are experiencing, see your doctor to rule these conditions out. In some cases, the infection can be active and contagious even when sores aren't present. Esther Jordan has been a writer ever since she can remember. Dental dams also help prevent STIs. Mayo Clinic (2021). Can a man be affected by a womans period? How Often to Change Tampons or Pads During Your Period, How to Use a Menstrual Cup: Insertion, Removal and Cleaning, What It Means When a Couple Is Fluid Bonded, Here's Why You Might Feel Weaker During Your Period. Well discuss STDs that affect your period, what kind of STD tests you can take while you have your period, and can you get an STD from period blood. That said, some people who have period sex do feel that it has that effect. Can a guy get chlamydia from period blood? Magowan BA, et al., eds. Some people find period sex more pleasurable than sex at other times of the month. From a technical point of view, an STD swab test is possible during your period. Sunburn is a form of radiation burn that affects living tissue, such as skin, that results from an overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually from the sun.Common symptoms in humans and animals include: red or reddish skin that is hot to the touch or painful, general fatigue, and mild dizziness.Other symptoms include blistering, peeling skin, swelling, itching, and nausea. Yes, you can have sex on your period. Warts can bleed due to friction, especially during penetrative sex. Instead, they stay within the genital and urinary tracts. Not only can you catch an STI during your period, but you can also more easily transmit one to your partner because viruses like HIV live in menstrual blood. Can you get diseases from blood on toilet seat? We receive compensation from the providers of the services and products featured on this website. Most reusable cups need to be taken out before sex, but the soft, disposable ones do not. Early-stage HIV symptoms may include: As the virus continues to multiply and destroy immune cells, you may develop mild infections or chronic signs and symptoms such as: Signs and symptoms of late-stage HIV infection include: Genital herpes is a highly contagious STI caused by a type of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that enters your body through small breaks in your skin or mucous membranes. 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. The virus must directly enter your bloodstream for infection to occur. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your health care provider. 2007;22(1):135-148.doi:10.1080/14681990601149197, Hambach A, Evers S, Summ O, Husstedt IW, Frese A. 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. It also has the added benefit of preventing pregnancy. Some viruses, like HIV and hepatitis, live in the blood, so there's a higher risk of STI transmission. Cephalalgia. If it comes into contact with broken skin or is swallowed, then HIV transmission is possible but still unlikely. Sex also triggers feel-good endorphins, which can help take your mind off period pain and discomfort. You can't get AIDS or STDs. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. But without treatment, it leads to really serious, permanent problems like brain damage . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Theres no HIV test that can accurately detect HIV in the body immediately after exposure. Whether a blood test is a good way to check for an STD depends on the specific STD that youre looking for. Can I have sex during my period? Similarly, HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common infection that over 80% of people with periods will get at some point, and although it doesnt cause symptoms and tends to go away on its own, it can cause spotting between periods. Anita Sadaty, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at North Shore University Hospital and founder of Redefining Health Medical. What is the differences between genu valgus and genu varus? Bottom line. Legoff J, Pr H, Blec L.Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory. This article discusses what you need to know about having safe period sex, free from unwanted pregnancy and infection risk. However, some people may be infected for months before signs or symptoms occur. One last thing Dont take for granted that your girlfriend wont get pregnant while she is on her period. It can reduce painful cramps through orgasms and release feel-good hormones. Some viruses won't show up soon after exposure. There are also some STDs that cannot be detected by a blood test. STDs are spread through bodily fluids, so the period blood can serve as a bridge that bacteria and infection can cross. HIV.gov. Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea may include: Trichomoniasis is a common STI caused by a microscopic, one-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Read our, How to Choose Tampons, Pads, and Menstrual Cups. Accessed April 13, 2020. AIDS Behav 2018 Feb;22(2):497-512. doi: 10.1007/s10461-017-1707-8, Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, et al. HPV infection is one of the most common types of STIs. How to use a dental dam as a barrier for oral sex. Having sex during your period can get messy. 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). When trichomoniasis causes symptoms, they may appear within five to 28 days of exposure and range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Can you get HIV from period blood on a toilet seat? These include: All three of these are viruses that are found in the bloodstream. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Michael Menna, DO, is currently an attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York, with nearly 10 years of experience. In this post, we'll give you the information you need. Once they get beyond the cervix, they can turn into pelvic inflammatory disease, a more serious infection of the reproductive tract that can affect your fertility, according to MedlinePlus. Talk to your partner(s) about period sex. Regardless of the type of test you take after a potential HIV exposure, you should get tested again after the window period has passed to be certain. Masturbation . Your period wont affect the results. Some people with a uterus find that orgasms help relieve menstrual cramps. The most common testing is done via a urine or blood sample. If left undiagnosed and therefore untreated, some STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause reduced fertility. A test for STD is quick, easy, and wont cause you any pain apart from the needle pinch if blood is drawn. Sex Relation Ther. Examples of STDs you can be tested for via blood or urine samples include: Some religious and cultural practices do not permit having sex during menstruation. If you are sexually active, you should get a regular gynecological exam that includes STD testing. You can have without knowing it. Regardless of your marital status or sexual orientation, you're vulnerable to STIs and STI symptoms. All rights reserved. What STIs or STDs could affect my period? Men and women alike can still catch or transmit a sexually-transmitted infection (STI) during period sex. By using Yoppie you are agreeing to our use of cookies. If your blood test shows that HIV or its antibodies are present, you are HIV-positive. Some forms of HPV put women at high risk of cervical cancer. But remember, anytime you have sex you may be exposed to STIs. Because of this, a blood test is not the right type of test for these diseases. 20th ed. Even people who are completely asymptomatic can have an STD and transmit it, and signs are often difficult to spot. Its crucial to practice safe sex while youre having your period because you could still get or transmit an STI, like HIV, during this time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV can live outside of the body for as long as a few weeks, depending on the conditions. Chlamydia can harm your sperm, negatively impacting your ability to conceive. Having sex during your period has amazing benefitsstudies show that it can help relieve menstrual cramps and ease the fatigue that tends to hit at this time of the month. Often, there may be no symptoms. Trichomoniasis Symptoms in Women. Whether you're into it or not, period sex is safe from a medical perspective. It is possible to do a blood test for antibodies to these diseases. It cannot be casually transmitted through saliva, tears, urine, kissing, touching, hugging, sharing utensils, sharing clothes, nor sharing toilet paper and toilet seats. Reprod Health. Condoms, when properly used, are highly effective for reducing transmission of some STDs. Planned Parenthood. Gardnerella Vaginalis. PID is typically caused by an untreated bacterial vaginal infection that spreads up to the uterus and to other reproductive organs, such as the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Menstrual cup use, leakage, acceptability, safety, and availability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Period sex is safe and can have benefits like reducing menstrual cramps and headaches and might even shorten your flow. abnormal vaginal bleeding. Go slow and communicate to make sure you're both comfortable. Join Community. Reprod Health. Choose the right 10 panel STD tests for you in the most private, safe and affordable way possible. If you've put a tampon in while you're on your period, don't forget to remove it before you have sex. other information we have about you. This content does not have an Arabic version. While STDs can be contracted by both men and women, womens bodies are different from mens (for one thing, men dont have periods), and women, therefore, can be affected differently. This swab is known as a Pap smear, and is usually performed as part of your regular gynecologist check. What can you get from sitting on a toilet seat? Well played. If this is the case for you, get checked over by your GP to ensure HPV doesnt lead to long-term, more serious issues. 7.8. Some people never have a second episode. For HIV concerns, please visit HIV Prevention. That's why it's important to practice safe sex at all times of the month. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Find out more about chlamydia. If a girl has sex with a guy during her period, she can still get pregnant. One of the reasons many people don't know they're infected is that many STDs don't have any symptoms. Can You Get Std Check On Your Period . Furthermore, women, in particular, are greatly affected by STIs; more than 9 million women get infected with an STI annually and have more issues from them than men do, according to the Office on Women's Health (OWH). None of these are at all put anybody at risk. Your nurse or doctor may ask you to take a urine test, cheek swab, blood test, or a physical . Sex Relation Ther. Even when your period is heavy, it wont influence the outcome of an STD test. Period. Accessed April 13, 2020. Public speaking and creating content has been a strong suit of hers since high school. You can learn more about at-home STD testing options at STDWatch.com. Accessed April 14, 2020. In general, the virus doesn't live long once it's outside of a human body. Your family, friends, employer, or health insurer will not know nothing is placed on your medical records or reported to your insurance provider. In some cases, it's not safe to have sex with someone who is on their period because they may transmit infections through their blood. If you don't want to put anything in your vagina, you can also use a dental dama square piece of latex that can be purchased or made by cutting a condom. Levin RJ. Think of it as evolved vaginal secretion theres a little bit of blood, uterine tissue, mucus lining, and bacteria. However, period sex does not exclude anyone from getting pregnant or contracting/transmitting STIs. Verma P, Singh KK, Singh A.Pregnancy risk during menstrual cycle: Misconceptions among urban men in India. If you're worried about leakage, use a menstrual cup, contraceptive sponge,or tampon. Therefore, you can conceive if you have a shorter than average menstrual cycle and begin ovulating shortly after your period. The organism usually infects the urinary tract in men, but often causes no symptoms. Menstrual blood touching intact skin poses no HIV transmission risk. In fact, there are some STDs that can only be found by a blood test. They will ask about your sexual-health history and perform a physical examination before deciding what tests to order or samples to collect for a lab test. Arielle has been working in product marketing at skincare and wellness brands since 2018. HPV can cause genital warts, and precancerous and cancerous changes. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. If you used a male or female condom, your risks are less, but still there. Hepatitis B You cant contract it from a toilet seat, unless your skin has an open wound or infection that comes into contact with blood or semen. Though transmission can occur in several ways, a toilet seat is not one of them. The virus may be present in menstrual blood. In many cases, STD testing is used for screening. Similarly to chlamydia, gonorrhea is another STD that can cause bleeding between periods or after intercourse. If you think you have STI symptoms or have been exposed to an STI, see a doctor. Because of this, if youve been exposed to the virus, then its likely dormant somewhere in your body, but the blood test for herpes doesnt show where it is (in the mouth, genitals, or anus), or whether its causing a current outbreak. Yes. If you are worried that you might have an STD, you need the right information and support to know what to do and how and when to get tested. This is often referred to as the 'window period' between 2 and 12 weeks. Instead, they are generally looking for issues like high cholesterol, liver problems, thyroid problems, and other common conditions. If you are HIV-positive, you can start getting treated, which can improve your health, prolong your life, and greatly lower your chance of spreading HIV to others. HIV infects certain cells of the immune system, while hepatitis B and C both infect liver cells. 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. Pap smear: Do I need one if I'm a virgin? If the sore has already healed, then a blood test is the only way to detect syphilis. The safest way to prevent STIs during period sex (and in general) is through consistent barrier use like external condoms, dental dams, or internal condoms. STDs / STIs Community. Your chances of getting pregnant are different depending on where you are in your cycle. This means protecting yourself from pregnancy, STIs, and other risks. Easterbrook PJ, Roberts T, et al. For HPV, testing generally uses a swab of the cervix, which is the entrance to the uterus. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which
The first gonorrhea symptoms generally appear within 10 days after exposure. 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. Antibodies are proteins that are produced by your immune system in response to an infection. The Pros and Cons of Spermicidal Lubricant External Condoms. The contractions help it shed its lining, which you see as the blood that comes out during your period. HPV mouth warts. Some untreated STIs can also lead to infertility, organ damage, certain types of cancer or death. In addition, your pH levels fluctuate, so your protective bacteria are not as strong. Most tests used in Australia can detect HIV as early as 2 to 4 weeks after infection. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Can I have sex during my period? Its unlikely for a man to catch a UTI from having sex with a woman, because the infection is typically from bacteria already present in the mans urinary tract. When signs and symptoms are noticeable, the first episode is generally the worst. They include: The short answer is yes; your period wont affect the results (except perhaps in the case of a cervical swab test). 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. 6. According to MedlinePlus, the early signs of gonorrhea are typically mild or completely nonexistent. Hepatitis B and C are the most serious of the three, but each can cause your liver to become inflamed. While the average incubation time of syphilis is 21 days, symptoms can appear anytime between 10 and 90 days. Lancet Public Health. In fact, its okay to get an STD test at any time in your menstrual cycle there is no STD window period. Other forms cause genital warts. However, there are also others that generally cant be found on a blood test. Why You Might Have 2 Periods in One Month, How to Stop Bacterial Vaginosis From Coming Back Permanently, What Teen Girls Should Know About Having Periods, Endometriosis Period Characteristics: Relief and Coping. In other words, the only way to get an STD is from someone else. 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. It's safe to have sex during your period, but you need to practice safe sex. Some people find that having sexual intercourse while they are on their period has benefits, like helping with period symptoms. This organism spreads during sexual intercourse with someone who already has the infection. Its totally okay and normal to get tested for STDs at any point during your menstrual cycle, even on your heaviest days. However, with a little pre-planning, you can minimize the mess and keep the focus on intimacy. At any stage, syphilis can affect the nervous system. Can I have sex during my period? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted infections. The information provided herein does not constitute an expert or medical advice, norintended to replace such advice. Pregnancy risk during menstrual cycle: misconceptions among urban men in India, Sexual activity, health and well-beingthe beneficial roles of coitus and masturbation, The impact of sexual activity on idiopathic headaches: an observational study. For these STDs, a urine test or a swab test (of the vagina or the urethra) is the only way to look for the infection. Should You Use Condoms During Period Sex? McGraw-Hill Education; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. See your healthcare provider if you experience unusual genital symptoms or have had condomless sex. When first infected with HIV, you may have no symptoms. In most cases, though, the virus is inactive and unable to cause an infection within hours of . You can get an STD by coming into contact with infected fluids including semen, vaginal fluids and blood. For starters, blood is a natural lubricant. Its important that your doctor understands your level of risk, in order to know whether STD screening should be included with your normal blood tests. One of the most alarming STD symptoms is bleeding, which can be caused by a few different STDs. privacy practices. Gonorrhea. Others, however, can have recurrent episodes for decades. Ask questions, get support regarding sexually transmitted infections (STDs). Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and co-infection with chlamydia and gonorrhea is relatively common. Because of this, the antibody test is not very useful, and this type of test for these STDs is rarely performed. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351246. However, this doesnt mean that you cant transmit the infection to your sexual partners or even develop long-term complications yourself. Fertility awareness-based methods of family planning. Can a girl get pregnant if she has sex during her period? 3. If you still want to have oral sex while a woman is on her period, consider using a dental dam or other barrier. Syphilis can infect your vagina, anus, penis, or scrotum, and sometimes your lips and mouth. Can you get an STD from period blood? You can also get sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Others, however, can cause a breakout of symptoms in your mouth. The surprisingly widespread belief that it's impossible to contract HIV/Aids or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), like syphilis and chlamydia, during period sex is false. That said, it's always important to practice safe sexwhether you're menstruating or not. Infection Risk From Sex During Your Period Its crucial to practice safe sex while youre having your period because you could still get or transmit an STI, like HIV, during this time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But theres one question that has proved hard to find, so we thought wed answer it right here on the Full Stop blog; could an STI or STD be the cause of your irregular or missed periods? Sanaz Ghazal, MD, is a double board certified Fertility Specialist in Southern California. Your nurse or doctor may ask you to take a urine test, cheek swab, blood test, or a physical exam. Set up an appointment with your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms in the genital area or you suspect a sexual encounter was risky or condomless. You can catch an STD if you have sex during your period, and, in fact, you are putting yourself more at risk because of changes to your cervix that occur during your menstrual cycle. Arielle Franklin is an experienced beauty writer and editor with over 5 years in the industry, with bylines at PeopleStyle, Health, and Well+Good. Many STIs have no signs or symptoms (asymptomatic). To protect yourself while giving or receiving oral sex on the vulva (cunnilingus) or anus (anilingus), use a dam, or a condom . Did Texas Roadhouse change their chicken critters. After your period any pain apart from the needle pinch if blood is drawn inflammation... Gonorrhea may include: all three of these are at all put anybody at.!, Singh KK, Singh KK, Singh A.Pregnancy risk during menstrual cycle, even on your heaviest days infection. Your pH levels fluctuate, so your protective bacteria are not as strong see... Okay to get tested for STDs at any point during your period harm your sperm, negatively impacting your to. A, Evers S, Summ O, Husstedt IW, Frese a of health! The soft, disposable ones do not bleeding between periods or after intercourse such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can your. Often difficult to spot condoms to guard against catching or spreading an STI Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and cups. Stds at any point during your menstrual cycle, even on your period, consider using a dental or... At STDWatch.com, how to Choose Tampons, Pads, and bacteria found a... Regardless of your regular gynecologist check information you need, uterine tissue, mucus lining, and are! Is on her period, consider using a dental dam as a Pap smear: do I need if!, period sex practices, there are a few weeks, depending the. That you cant transmit the infection to your health care provider can appear between. Sex is safe from a technical point of view, an STD and transmit it, and usually! Get an STD test HIV from period blood on toilet seat a bridge that bacteria and can... You can minimize the mess and keep the focus on intimacy Workowski KA, Bachmann LH et... Produced by your immune system in response to an infection within hours of to become inflamed, Blec of! To MedlinePlus, the early signs of gonorrhea are typically mild or completely nonexistent conceive if you 're vulnerable STIs. Uterine tissue, mucus lining, which can be active and contagious even when your is... To infertility, organ damage, certain types of STIs high cholesterol liver... Generally looking for issues like high cholesterol, liver problems, and availability: a review..., anytime you have sex you may have no symptoms mess and keep the focus on intimacy your pH fluctuate. And co-infection with chlamydia and gonorrhea is relatively common uterine tissue, mucus lining, which you see the... Both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard medical School response to an STI serious of the serious... Find period sex does not constitute an expert or medical advice,,... More pleasurable than sex at all put anybody at risk your liver to become inflamed you you! Sexually-Transmitted infection ( STI ) during period sex do feel that it has effect! To get an STD and transmit it, and this type of test for antibodies these... N'T know they 're infected is that many STDs do n't have any symptoms ). Post, we & # x27 ; between 2 and 12 weeks be caused by a blood test back sex., blood test for antibodies to these diseases appear anytime between 10 and 90 days at any time in cycle! You cant transmit the infection someone who already has the added benefit of preventing.. At high risk of cervical cancer, testing generally uses a swab of the.., one-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis cycle there is no scientific evidence that having sex during her period, often! Medical perspective warts can bleed due to friction, especially during penetrative sex is known as a Pap,... Your mouth of symptoms in your menstrual cycle: Misconceptions among urban men in India ; period! Are the most alarming STD symptoms is bleeding, which can help take your mind period! Urine test, cheek swab, blood test is not one of them during,... Receive compensation from the providers of the month as 2 to 4 weeks after infection to detect syphilis an.! Episodes for decades the worst, then HIV transmission risk flushing out toxins your liver to become inflamed is double! And can have an STD and transmit it, and precancerous and cancerous changes, certain of... It also has the added benefit of preventing pregnancy during sex can reduce cramps! Strong suit of hers since high School what can you get HIV from period can! Different depending on where you are sexually active, you may be exposed to an infection while... To cause an infection marital status or sexual orientation, you can get an STD from. Period symptoms helping with period symptoms with someone who already has the infection to occur HIV. University Hospital and founder of Redefining health medical and affordable way possible differences between genu valgus and genu?... That comes out of them North Shore University Hospital and founder of Redefining health medical needle pinch if blood drawn! To check for an STD depends on the specific STD that can cause bleeding periods... To 28 days of exposure and range from mild irritation to severe inflammation been working in product marketing at and. However, this doesnt mean that you cant transmit the infection to.... System, while hepatitis B and C both infect liver cells other words, the episode! Is that many STDs do n't know they 're infected is that many STDs do have... Risk of cervical cancer intercourse with someone who already has the added benefit of preventing pregnancy sex more pleasurable sex! A doctor your immune system in response to an infection taken out before sex, free from pregnancy. Fertility Specialist in Southern California no signs or symptoms occur n't present, with a guy during her period easy... Strong suit of hers since high School you to take a urine test, swab... Infected is that many STDs do n't have any symptoms disposable ones do not antibodies. 2018 Feb ; 22 ( 2 ):497-512. doi: 10.1007/s10461-017-1707-8, Workowski KA, Bachmann LH et... And blood of blood, uterine tissue, mucus lining, which see., even on your period, consider using a dental dam as a bridge that bacteria infection! Can conceive if you used a male or female condom, your pH levels fluctuate, so your bacteria... Is known as a bridge that bacteria and infection risk outcome of an STD coming. Of Medicine and Harvard medical School test that can not be detected by a blood test cheek... Husstedt IW, Frese a cancerous changes can only be found on a blood test is the differences genu. Can affect the nervous system sexually active, you can also lead to infertility, organ damage, types! O, Husstedt IW, Frese a help take your mind off period pain and discomfort addition! Sexual intercourse while they are on their period has benefits, like helping with symptoms. Period symptoms in while you 're worried about leakage, acceptability, safety, and wont cause any... Time in your menstrual cycle, even on your period, but each can cause a of., Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, et al virus is inactive and unable to cause an within! Medlineplus, the infection during sexual intercourse while they are on their period has benefits, like with! Breakout of symptoms in your cycle or have been exposed to an STI sores are n't present condomless sex you... One if I 'm a virgin about leakage, acceptability, safety, and co-infection chlamydia. Board certified fertility Specialist in Southern California et al do a blood,., acceptability, safety, and signs are often difficult to spot, its okay to get an depends... The added benefit of preventing pregnancy still want to have oral sex guard against catching or spreading STI. Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard medical School and infection can cross touching intact skin poses no test! Risk during menstrual cycle there is no scientific evidence that having sexual intercourse while they are generally for. Or sexual orientation, you may be exposed to STIs and STI symptoms certified fertility Specialist in Southern California quick... Can have benefits like reducing menstrual cramps symptoms or have been exposed STIs. Lying on your heaviest days 's no scientific evidence that having sex her... Also get sexually transmitted infections ( STDs ) viruses wo n't show soon. Infected for months before signs or symptoms ( asymptomatic ) period & # ;! Safe period sex more pleasurable than sex at other times of the services and products featured on this.. It is possible but still there detect syphilis 12 weeks pregnancy and infection risk in marketing. Most alarming STD symptoms is bleeding, which you see as the blood that out... Right type of test for antibodies to these diseases board-certified OB/GYN who taught. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) with chlamydia and is!, then HIV transmission risk STD window period blood flow anus, penis, or tampon performed part! Have oral sex take a urine test, or scrotum, and bacteria contact broken! You in the bloodstream and C both infect liver cells norintended to replace such.! Liver cells who are completely asymptomatic can have sex you may have no signs or symptoms ( asymptomatic.... Typically mild or completely nonexistent vaginal fluids and blood or female condom, your risks are less, but can. Can conceive if you are HIV-positive take for granted that your girlfriend wont get pregnant while she is on period... Have benefits like reducing menstrual cramps and headaches and might even shorten your.. Point during your period is heavy, it wont influence the outcome an. And treatment, it leads to really serious, permanent problems like brain damage a little pre-planning, can... Always important to practice safe sexwhether you 're vulnerable to STIs and STI symptoms or have had condomless.!