Does COVID-19 Diagnosis Affect Menstrual Cycle Timing?

Does COVID-19 infection affect the menstrual cycle?

Hello Doctor, my girlfriend had sexual intercourse once last month just before her period, and we used a condom throughout.
After her ovulation, we had sexual intercourse twice, also with a condom.
About three weeks after ovulation, we had two more instances of intercourse; there was approximately 2-3 minutes of unprotected penetration at the beginning, but we used a condom afterward, and there was no ejaculation inside.
This month, every time we had intercourse with a condom, there were no tears in the condom.
This week, my girlfriend just tested positive for COVID-19, and we are unsure when she was infected.
The last time we had intercourse was four days ago, and her period is already four days late.
I would like to ask if a COVID-19 diagnosis can affect the timing of her menstrual cycle, and whether the sexual activity this month was safe.
Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to read my question.

Wei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/09

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the factors affecting the menstrual cycle or abnormal bleeding outside of menstruation are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptive pills, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine or cervical lesions, infections, ovulation, pregnancy, miscarriage, and breastfeeding, among others.
Some women also experience menstrual irregularities after vaccination or following a confirmed diagnosis of an illness.
Additionally, the failure rate of condoms as a contraceptive method is over 5%, making it less reliable compared to other methods.
Therefore, it is generally not recommended to rely solely on condoms for contraception.
If menstruation has not occurred for more than a week, it is advisable to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2022/08/09

More Info

COVID-19 has been shown to have various effects on the body, including potential impacts on the menstrual cycle. Your question about whether a COVID-19 diagnosis can affect menstrual cycle timing is quite relevant, especially given the ongoing research into the virus's effects on reproductive health.

Firstly, it is important to understand that stress, illness, and significant changes in health can all influence the menstrual cycle. COVID-19, as a significant health event, can lead to physical and emotional stress, which may disrupt hormonal balance and, consequently, the menstrual cycle. Studies have indicated that women may experience changes in their menstrual cycles during or after COVID-19 infection, including delayed periods, changes in flow, and even missed periods. This can be attributed to the body's response to the virus, including inflammation and the stress response, which can affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates hormones related to the menstrual cycle.

In your girlfriend's case, the delay in her menstrual cycle could be related to her recent COVID-19 diagnosis. While it is also essential to consider other factors such as stress, lifestyle changes, and any underlying health conditions, the timing of her illness could indeed be a contributing factor to the delay. It is not uncommon for women to experience menstrual irregularities following an illness, particularly one as impactful as COVID-19.

Regarding the sexual activity you described, it appears that you have taken precautions by using condoms, which significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Since you mentioned that there was a brief period of unprotected intercourse, albeit without ejaculation, the risk of pregnancy remains low but is not entirely eliminated. Sperm can be present in pre-ejaculate fluid, so it is always advisable to use protection consistently to minimize any risk.

If your girlfriend's period does not start soon, it may be wise for her to take a pregnancy test, especially considering the timing of her last menstrual cycle and the sexual activity. Additionally, if she experiences any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain, heavy bleeding, or other concerning signs, she should consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, COVID-19 can potentially affect menstrual cycle timing due to the stress and physiological changes associated with the illness. Your girlfriend's delayed period may be related to her recent diagnosis, but it is essential to rule out other factors, including pregnancy. If her period does not arrive soon, a pregnancy test would be a prudent next step, and consulting a healthcare provider for any concerning symptoms is always recommended.

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