I’ve been bleeding between my periods. Do I have an STI?

Understanding your menstrual cycle and its nuances is crucial for maintaining reproductive health.

However, when unexpected bleeding occurs between periods, it can be concerning and may signal an underlying issue such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the correlation between STIs and irregular bleeding, exploring common causes and symptoms, and the importance of seeking medical advice and testing.

If you’re worried about STIs, book a sexual health test today.

Understanding normal menstrual patterns

Firstly, let’s establish what constitutes a normal menstrual cycle.

Typically, a menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days, with bleeding lasting 2 to 7 days. Bleeding occurs when the uterine lining sheds in response to hormonal changes.

It’s important to note that not all periods will occur on a strict timeline. Your menstrual cycle can be disrupted by external factors that affect your hormones, such as:

• Mental, emotional, or physical stress
• Being underweight
• Intense exercise
• Irregular sleep
• Poor diet
• Childbirth
• Medications
• Health conditions like thyroid disorders and diabetes

What counts as bleeding between periods?

Bleeding between periods, also known as intermenstrual bleeding, is any vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of your regular menstrual cycle. This can manifest as spotting or heavier bleeding and may occur at any point during your cycle.

Common causes of bleeding between periods

Several factors can contribute to bleeding between periods. These include:

• Starting a hormonal contraceptive like the contraceptive pill, progestogen-only pill, or hormonal coil
• Taking an emergency contraceptive pill
• Having an abortion or a miscarriage
• Hormonal changes
• Vaginal dryness
• Stress
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

What STIs cause irregular bleeding?

Several STIs can disrupt normal menstrual patterns and cause irregular bleeding.

Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, and Trichomonas

The bacteria and parasites that cause Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, or Trichomonas infections trigger an immune response in the body and cause inflammation in the genital area. The inflamed tissue then becomes more fragile and susceptible to tearing and bleeding. This fragility in the tissue can also cause bleeding after sex. These infections may also upset the hormonal balance that controls the menstrual cycle.

Genital Herpes

During a Genital Herpes infection, sores or blisters may form inside the vagina during an outbreak. These sores or blisters may break open or tear, causing some bleeding.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

While vaginal bleeding is not a direct symptom of BV, there are related factors that can lead to bleeding.

BV results in an imbalance of vaginal bacteria, leading to an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria. The increased bacterial load causes inflammation of the vaginal tissues. Inflamed tissues can become irritated and fragile, making them more prone to tears or bleeding.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can indirectly contribute to vaginal bleeding in several ways. HPV is spread primarily through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as sharing sex toys and through skin-to-skin contact during the sexual act.

High-risk HPV strains are associated with the development of abnormal cells in the cervix and sometimes elsewhere in the body. If left untreated, these abnormal cells can progress to cervical and other cancers.

Irregular vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of cervical cancer caused by HPV. The bleeding may occur between menstrual periods, after sex, or even in postmenopausal women who no longer have regular periods. Sometimes, the bleeding can appear as blood-streaked vaginal discharge.

Syphilis

During the primary stage of Syphilis, a skin sore called a chancre appears at the site where the infection entered the body. In women, this can include the cervix or vagina. These chancres are usually firm, round, and painless.

Although the chancre itself does not cause bleeding, it can lead to microscopic tissue damage. The fragile tissue may be more susceptible to minor bleeding.

Symptoms of STIs that may cause bleeding between periods

If you are experiencing some bleeding between periods caused by STIs, you may experience other symptoms, including:

• Pain during urination
• Pain during sex
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Pain, irritation, itching in the genitals
• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Sores or lesions on the genitals
• Flu-like symptoms, like fever, headache, aches, and nausea

This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms. It’s also important to note that sexually transmitted infections often don’t present with any symptoms, and you may only get one or two symptoms if you are infected.

Get tested today

Bleeding between periods can be alarming, but it’s essential to understand that various factors, including STIs, can cause it. By familiarizing yourself with normal menstrual patterns, recognizing symptoms of STIs, and seeking timely medical advice and testing, you can prioritize your reproductive health and address any concerns effectively.

Remember, knowledge and proactive healthcare are powerful tools in maintaining overall well-being.

Book your STI test at a sexual health clinic near you.