Some sexually transmitted diseases can affect your period and cause irregular menstrual bleeding as one of the symptoms. However, they rarely cause symptoms making it hard to notice them. In case you miss your period and have a negative pregnancy test, there is a possibility you have an STD. 

 

This brings us to the question, what are some of the STDs that affect your period? Not all STDs can affect your period, but those which do, like Chlamydia, can make you miss your period.

 

These STDs only affect your period when they progress and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID. If you get STD testing and treat the infection early, it will not affect your period. 

 

What is a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?

 

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, specifically the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. A bacterial infection usually causes PID, often transmitted sexually, and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

 

The most common symptoms of PID include lower abdominal pain, fever, vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, painful urination or sex, irregular menstrual bleeding, and fatigue. However, some women with PID may have no symptoms at all.

 

The STDs that affect your period do so indirectly by causing PID, which then affects your menstrual cycle. Pelvic inflammatory disease can affect your period in a few ways, and the severity of the impact can vary depending on the individual case.

 

One common way that PID can affect periods is by causing irregular bleeding. The infection and inflammation can disrupt the normal hormonal balance, leading to changes in the menstrual cycle. Some women with PID may experience heavier or lighter periods than usual or miss periods altogether.

 

PID can also cause pain and discomfort during periods. The inflammation in the reproductive organs can make menstrual cramps more severe and cause pain during intercourse. Additionally, women with PID may experience increased vaginal discharge during their period, which can be uncomfortable.

 

In some cases, PID can lead to more serious complications that affect fertility, such as scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes. This can make it more difficult to get pregnant or increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, which is a potentially life-threatening condition.

 

Therefore, it is important to know the STDs that affect your period and how to prevent them.

 

STDs that affect your period

 

Sexually transmitted diseases can affect your menstrual cycle in many ways. Here are some of the most common STDs that can affect periods:

 

Chlamydia

 

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that passes spread through sexual contact. The bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis causes it, and if you leave it untreated, Chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to irregular periods or heavy bleeding.

 

Gonorrhea

 

Like Chlamydia, gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that passes from one person to another through sexual contact, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes it. It can also cause PID, which can affect periods. Gonorrhea can also cause bleeding between periods.

 

Trichomoniasis

 

Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that is spread through sexual contact and is due to a protozoan parasite called trichomonas vaginalis. It can cause inflammation in the vagina, leading to abnormal discharge, pain during sex, and changes in menstrual bleeding.

 

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

 

HPV is a viral infection that is spread through sexual contact. While HPV doesn't usually affect periods, some of the treatments for HPV, such as cryotherapy or laser therapy, can cause changes in menstrual bleeding.

 

Herpes

 

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus spread through sexual contact. While herpes doesn't usually affect periods directly, outbreaks can cause stress and anxiety, leading to changes in menstrual bleeding.

 

It's important to note that other factors besides STDs can also affect periods, such as hormonal imbalances, stress, and weight changes. If you notice changes in your menstrual bleeding, you must talk to your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions and discuss appropriate treatment.

Author credit: Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8011415

Additionally, practicing safe sex and getting regular STI screenings can help prevent STDs and their associated complications. 

 

Now that you know the STDs that affect periods, let's look at what women feel during their menstrual cycle.

 

What women feel during their period 

 

Every woman's experience during their period can be different, but there are some common physical and emotional symptoms that many women may experience during their menstrual cycle. Some of the most common feelings and symptoms include:

 

  • Cramps: Menstrual cramps are caused by the contractions of the uterus as it sheds its lining. They can be mild to severe and feel like a dull ache or sharp pain in the lower abdomen.
  • Bloating: Many women experience bloating during their period due to hormonal changes, which can cause water retention and swelling.
  • Mood changes: Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can also cause mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, and depression.
  • Fatigue: Some women may feel more tired during their period due to hormonal changes and increased blood loss.
  • Headaches: Hormonal changes and stress during the menstrual cycle can cause headaches or migraines.
  • Breast tenderness: Some women may experience breast tenderness or swelling during their period.
  • Acne: Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can also cause breakouts or acne.
  • Food cravings: Many women experience food cravings or increased appetite during their period.

 

These symptoms can vary in severity and duration from woman to woman. Women must listen to their bodies and take care of themselves during their menstrual cycle by getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, and managing symptoms as needed. If symptoms are severe or impacting daily life, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider for additional support and management.

 

What is considered normal or abnormal menstrual bleeding?

 

Normal menstrual bleeding varies from person to person but usually lasts between three to seven days and occurs every 21 to 35 days. The amount of blood loss can also vary but is typically around 30-80 milliliters (about 2 to 16 tablespoons) throughout the menstrual period.

 

Abnormal menstrual bleeding, also known as abnormal uterine bleeding, can take many forms, including:

 

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding is a bleeding that lasts for more than seven days, requires frequent pad or tampon changes (more than once every two hours), or causes anemia.
  • Irregular menstrual bleeding: Refers to bleeding that occurs outside of the normal menstrual cycle, such as spotting between periods, missed periods, or periods that occur too frequently (more often than every 21 days) or too infrequently (less often than every 35 days).
  • Painful menstrual bleeding: May be accompanied by severe menstrual cramps, which can interfere with daily activities.

 

If you experience any of these symptoms, you must talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and discuss potential treatment options.

 

Other factors that can cause irregular bleeding 

 

Various causes of irregular periods can make it challenging to predict when your next period will occur. Some common causes of irregular periods include:

  • Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances can occur due to various reasons, such as stress, changes in weight, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and perimenopause. These imbalances can lead to irregular periods or missed periods.
  • Excessive weight gains or loss: Significant changes in body weight can impact hormone levels, which can cause irregular periods.
  • Excessive exercise: Over-exercising can lead to hormonal imbalances that can cause irregular periods.
  • Certain medications: Some medications, such as hormonal birth control, can cause irregular periods.
  • Chronic medical conditions: Certain chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, among others, can cause irregular periods.
  • Thyroid disorders: Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can cause hormonal imbalances that can cause irregular periods.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and excessive hair growth.
  • Perimenopause: Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, and it can cause irregular periods due to changes in hormone levels.

 

If you are experiencing irregular periods, you must talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medications, or other medical interventions.

 

 

Conclusion

 

It's essential to maintain good sexual and reproductive health by practicing safe sex and getting regular STI testing. Practicing good menstrual hygiene is essential to maintain overall reproductive health.

 

If you are experiencing irregular periods, you must talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medications, or other medical interventions.

Contributor: admin