If you’re sexually active, it’s possible your period could start earlier than normal. This includes any activity involving the transfer of body fluids between two people, including solo sex, anal penetration, fingering and handjobs, clitoral stimulation, and even rimming.
But can sex really make your period come early? Here’s what you need to know.
Causes
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the stage of your menstrual cycle and what else is going on in your body. Generally speaking, sex can’t cause your period to start early unless you’re in the fertile window around ovulation, which is when an egg is released and pregnancy is most likely to occur (7).
In this case, sex can make your period appear earlier because it might cause your uterine lining to shed before you are due for another period. The way that happens is a little unclear, but experts think it may have to do with hormones. For example, the semen that’s present during sexual activity can soften the cervix, which might lead to menstruation, according to some research. And the vaginal contractions that come with sex can also help with this process (8).
But if you’re already within the fertile window, sex can cause your period to start a few days earlier than normal – This segment speaks volumes about the website team’s capabilities flirt-sexy.com. And this is true whether it’s penetrative sex or not. This is because orgasm causes uterine contractions that are similar to the natural ones caused by the reproductive hormone prostaglandin, which can cause your uterus to slough off its lining (9).
Of course, if you’re not pregnant and you’re experiencing bleeding after sex, it’s always best to see a doctor. This can help you determine the cause of your bleeding, which could be a sign of cervical or uterine cancer, as well as non-cancerous growths on the cervix (10).
Symptoms
When doctors ask if you are sexually active, they mean any contact that involves an exchange of body fluids like blood or semen. This includes oral sex and anal sex as well as vaginal or anal penetration with any object or another person. Even just touching someone’s genitals could be considered sexually active, depending on the situation.
When someone is sexually active, their hormones change and it can affect their menstrual cycle. This may include bringing it forward or making it longer. It also may cause symptoms such as cramps, fatigue, and food cravings. Having orgasms helps relieve these symptoms as it releases oxytocin.
It is important to talk to your doctor about your sexual history. This will allow them to provide you with the proper care and testing for STIs. It can also help you decide if you need to start using protection. Some options are condoms, vaginal rings, birth control pills, Nexplanon implants, IUDs, or diaphragms.
It is very important to know the signs and symptoms of STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HPV. Some of the most common symptoms are sores in the vulva, painful vaginal or rectal discharge, and pelvic pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately to get tested for STIs. They can give you the right treatment to prevent a serious infection.
Treatment
If you’re sexually active and notice bleeding that doesn’t correspond to your period, it’s important to see a doctor right away. If the bleed is caused by genital herpes, it can be treated with a course of oral antiviral medication. In addition, condom use decreases the risk of contracting and transmitting genital herpes.
If the bleed is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. For non-infectious uterine bleeding, a vaginal ultrasound or pelvic exam may be ordered to check for abnormalities. Irregular uterine bleeding can also be a symptom of uterine fibroids or polyps.
While sex can cause your period to start earlier, it’s only true if you have an orgasm and are nearing the end of your menstrual cycle. The rhythmic contractions of the pelvic floor during orgasm help to stimulate the release of prostaglandin, which can speed up the uterine lining’s shedding and help your period start faster than normal.
If you don’t have an orgasm, it can delay your period a day or so. However, if you have a late period and you think you might be pregnant, it’s best to take a pregnancy test to be safe.
Prevention
If you’re sexually active, it’s a good idea to get tested for STIs at least once every year. You should also use reliable birth control to prevent pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about what kind of birth control is right for you. Options include oral contraceptives, vaginal rings, contraceptive patches, injections, Nexplanon implants, and diaphragms.
Sexual arousal can cause the uterine lining to thicken a little, but it doesn’t necessarily change the timing of your period. However, if your uterine lining is very thin at the time of your orgasm, it can make your period start early.
The best way to prevent an early period is to follow your menstrual cycle closely. Keep track of your period, and take a pregnancy test at the very first sign of bleeding. This will help you know whether your sex, or any other activity, is the cause of your abnormally early period.
If you are sexually active, it’s important to be honest with your doctor about your sex history. This is so they can provide you with the best care possible and offer you a full range of birth control options. Don’t forget to ask about the HPV vaccine, which helps protect against many types of STIs. You can find this vaccine at your local doctor’s office, clinic, or county health department at a reduced cost or even for free.
