Do sexually transmitted infections exacerbate negative premenstrual symptoms? Insights from digital health.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

The underlying reasons why some women experience debilitating premenstrual symptoms and others do not are largely unknown. Here, we test the evolutionary ecological hypothesis that some negative premenstrual symptoms may be exacerbated by the presence of chronic sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Methodology

34 511 women were recruited through a digital period-tracker app. Participants were asked: (i) Have you ever been diagnosed with a STI? (ii) If yes, when was it, and were you given treatment? Those data were combined with longitudinal cycle data on menstrual bleeding patterns, the experience of pain and emotions and hormonal contraceptive use.

Results

865 women had at least two complete menstrual cycle data and were eligible for anal

SUBMITTER: Alvergne A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6070031 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature