Many women wonder if it’s possible to get tested for STIs during their menstrual period. This is a legitimate question, as sometimes you need reassurance even during your period.
Testing for STIs during menstruation is indeed possible and just as reliable as when you are not menstruating. This applies to STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas, which can be self-collected using a swab from The Tester. The mucous membrane is still present during menstruation, and bacteria will nest there if you are infected with an STI. Mixing of menstrual blood and mucous membrane does not affect the outcome of the test.
However, taking a vaginal swab can be more painful than usual during menstruation. Therefore, take your time to perform the swab gently. It is also important to consider the incubation period when taking the test. The most reliable results are obtained if the test is taken 14 days after the last unprotected sexual contact.
