Can women get swab tests for STIs while on their period?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are unfortunately very common, which is why it’s important to get tested regularly if you’re sexually active.

Swab tests are very useful for detecting certain STIs, allowing for a quick diagnosis and treatment. However, many women may wonder whether they can still get swab tests while on their period.

In this blog post, we’ll answer that very question and provide more information about what STIs are, how they are transmitted, and how swab tests work.

What are STIs?

STIs are infections that are spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as sharing sex toys. They can also spread through other means, like skin-to-skin contact, sharing needles through intravenous drug use, and through blood transfusions.

Viruses, bacteria, or parasites can cause these infections, and symptoms can vary widely.

Some of the most common STIs include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• HIV
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Herpes (Oral Herpes and Genital Herpes)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Trichomonas
• Mycoplasma
• Ureaplasma

Many STIs can be cured with antibiotics, but some, such as HIV, Herpes, and the various forms of Hepatitis, cannot be fully cured and need continuous management.

How do swab tests work?

Swab tests are an effective way of detecting certain STIs. During the test, a healthcare provider takes a sample of cells from the affected area, such as the vagina, penis, anus, mouth, or skin using a special swab. This sample is then sent to a lab for testing.

While urine and blood samples are the standard testing method for most STIs, swabs can be useful for testing for STIs in particular contexts. For example, a swab sample may need to be gathered to test for HPV if a genital wart is present. Swabs can also be used to test for Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea infections of the mouth, vagina or rectum, and for other infections that may leave blemishes on the skin, like Herpes or Syphilis.

Can women get swab tests while on their period?

Yes, women can still get swab tests while on their period. Most STI tests are sensitive enough to detect an infection even if the sample taken contains some menstrual blood.

If you are on your period while you get an STI test, you may want to come to your clinic appointment prepared. You may have to remove any tampons or menstrual cups for the test. If you’re using tampons, be sure to have a spare on hand.

While the thought of getting tested while on your period may make some people uncomfortable, it is perfectly safe and will not affect the test results.

Final thoughts

Getting tested regularly for STIs is an important part of taking care of your sexual health. Swab tests are one of the most effective ways of detecting STIs, and women can still get tested while on their period.

Better2Know offers a range of STI tests that can be done at a clinic or at home, making it easy to get tested at a time and place that’s convenient for you. Don’t delay – get tested today and take control of your sexual health.