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what std causes vaginal bleeding

By: Karen Terry

December 6, 2022

What STDs Cause Vaginal Bleeding?

Medical conditions such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), a gynecological condition, or certain medications can cause vaginal bleeding. Common symptoms of an STD include pain, bleeding, discharge, and burning when urinating. Vaginal bleeding outside your regular menstrual cycle can be a symptom of an STD—which, if you ignore it, can affect your reproductive system.  

In this article, we discuss which STDs cause vaginal bleeding. The best response to such bleeding is to seek medical attention immediately, regardless of feeling embarrassed or scared by your symptoms. If you're concerned about an STD, talk to your doctor or visit Rapid STD Testing for same-day STD testing

STDs That Cause Vaginal Bleeding

If you are wondering, “Can an STI cause bleeding?”—yes, STIs or STDs can cause vaginal bleeding or spotting between cycles or after sex. STDs like chlamydia can lead to sporadic bleeding after sex, which can cause vaginal irritation. Generally, STD vaginal bleeding after sex originates in the cervix, which is the channel of muscle extending from the uterus into the vagina.

Female Bleeding Between Periods

Infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause vaginal bleeding between periods. Medical treatments, such as antibiotics, can cure these infections. Testing for STDs is important, especially if you have had unprotected sex or noticed vaginal infections or bleeding.

Chlamydia 

Chlamydia can infect your genital tract and damage the cells in the cervix, which leads to bleeding after sexual intercourse or bleeding between periods. Research shows that only 10% of women with chlamydia experience any symptoms. 

The five most common symptoms of chlamydia infection include:

  • Vaginal discharge
  • Irregular bleeding
  • Pain during sex
  • Abdominal pain
  • Burning when urinating

If you have pain when urinating or discharge from your vagina, you need a Rapid STD test. Even if you do not exhibit any symptoms, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Also, seek medical attention if you discover your sexual partner has chlamydia. 

Gonorrhea 

Gonorrhea can cause inflammation in the fallopian tube, cervix, and ovaries, leading to cell damage. Research shows that a total of 700,000 people suffer from gonorrhea yearly. A sexual partner with gonorrhea can infect you via vaginal, anal, and oral sex. 

Pregnant women can pass the infection to their babies during childbirth, which may adversely affect the health of the baby. Discuss your options with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant so that you can receive the appropriate exams, tests, and treatment.

Women suffering from gonorrhea may experience the following symptoms: 

  • Vaginal spotting or bleeding
  • Itching and vaginal discharge
  • Constipation
  • Pain when urinating
  • Painful bowel movements

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) occurs from complications of untreated gonorrhea or chlamydia. The reproductive organs, such as the fallopian tube, cervix, ovaries, and uterus, may form abscesses that lead to bleeding and pain. PID usually has mild signs and symptoms, including:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Vaginal bleeding 
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Fever or chills
  • Painful urination

PID can cause heavy vaginal discharge, leading to a strong unpleasant odor. If you notice a foul smell or vaginal odor, you should investigate the possible causes. Visit Rapid STD Testing online to learn more about the correlation between an STD and vaginal odor

Can You Bleed From an STD?

Yes. A quick diagnosis and medical treatment will stop vaginal bleeding and other symptoms related to STDs.  Contact Rapid STD Testing to learn more about couples testing and which STDs cause vaginal bleeding.

What Does STD Spotting Look Like?

Studies show that STDs can cause bleeding and spotting between periods. Spotting appears in small red or pink spots on your underwear or toilet paper. Rapid STD Testing provides a 10-panel STD test if you have had unprotected sex and suspect you may have contracted an STD.

How Will You Know If It's an STD?

STDs such as chlamydia are more likely to occur if you have sexual contact with an infected partner, have a new sexual partner, or have sex with more than one partner. Younger women have a higher risk of contracting an STD. Women under 25 who are sexually active should undergo an annual test for STDs, even if they have no symptoms. 

Older women who have a new sex partner should undergo once-yearly testing. For pregnant women, the first prenatal exam will usually include an STD test. You should consider repeating the test later in your pregnancy if you change sexual partners or engage in unsafe sex. 

It's important to take the necessary steps to diagnose STDs to prevent complications, such as an infection of the reproductive organs. At Rapid STD Testing, we provide confidential STD testing with fast results in one or two days. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests STD retesting three months after treatment. 

The STD Testing Process

Most STDs are relatively easy to screen and diagnose. A doctor or nurse can test for chlamydia or gonorrhea by taking a urine sample or a swab of vaginal fluid. It's also possible to perform this test during a routine pap test. 

Rapid STD Testing can come to your home or workplace to collect samples for STD Testing. If you prefer to collect the sample yourself, swabbing your vagina at home can be as effective as obtaining swabs from a doctor. 

STD Prevention and Treatment

Birth control pills do not protect against STDs, but several methods are available to lower the risk. People can abstain from sex, only have sex with a tested partner, or use condoms and dental dams. Those diagnosed with STDs should also test for other diseases, such as gonorrhea, HIV, or trichomoniasis. 

It's also important to review your vaccination records to ensure you have received hepatitis A and B and human papillomavirus vaccines, which help prevent STDs. 

  • Chlamydia Treatment: A single dose or a seven-day course of antibiotics can effectively treat chlamydia. Most doctors recommend not having sex during your course of treatment. 
  • Gonorrhea Treatment: The CDC recommends administering a single dose of 500 mg of ceftriaxone to treat gonorrhea

Can an STD Cause Vaginal Bleeding?

The most common question women ask is whether an STI can cause bleeding. The answer is yes—chlamydia, gonorrhea, and PID can all cause STD vaginal bleeding. 

What Should You Do When Bleeding Happens?

Get an STD test to identify the cause of vaginal bleeding. Most people with STDs don't exhibit any symptoms, and a physical examination may show no abnormal findings. That's why chlamydia is also known as a silent infection. 

If you are sexually active, a regular STD test will ensure your health and safety. Rapid STD Testing offers comprehensive STD testing if you are uncomfortable talking with your regular health care provider. The sooner you discover the problem, the better off you will be.

Experience the Rapid STD Testing Difference Today

At Rapid STD Testing, we understand that keeping STD tests simple, fast, and convenient is important to you. We provide two easy methods to order your test: online or by phone. Our counselors can provide more information on what STDs cause vaginal bleeding. 

Contact Rapid STD Testing today to order an STD test. Call us at (866) 872-1888

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By: Karen Terry
December 6, 2022

With a profound passion for making intricate medical information accessible to all, John possesses a unique ability to simplify complex concepts without sacrificing accuracy or depth. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of various healthcare fields, John is well-versed in the latest research and advancements. However, what truly sets him apart is his remarkable talent for distilling this wealth of knowledge into engaging, reader-friendly content.