Thursday, March 28, 2024

Can A Bladder Infection Affect Your Period

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Are Periods And Utis Connected

Can antibiotics for a UTI delay ovulation or a period?

There is a connection between reproductive health and urinary tract infections, but a UTI will never directly affect your menstrual period.

Classic UTI symptoms include frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or an urge to urinate even when the bladder is empty.

In addition, some people feel a burning sensation in their genital area when they pee, have bloody or cloudy urine, or feel a cramping sensation in their lower abdomen.

If their UTI has advanced into a kidney infection, patients can have chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, and lower back pain when they urinate as well.

If you are experiencing one or more UTI symptoms and have a late period, there are a few reasons so much might be happening at once.

  • Menopause: As women age, their estrogen levels drop and genital muscles atrophy, making them more susceptible to irregular periods and UTIs.
  • Pregnancy: Early pregnancy symptoms often mirror UTI symptoms. Many women in their first trimester experience nausea, vomiting, and a frequent urge to urinate.

If you have concerns about UTI symptoms, a missed period, or another aspect of your reproductive or genital health, talk to an OB-GYN.

Spotting And Preventing Uti Complications

Spotting is a term thats often used to describe vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods. If you have spotting, you might notice a small amount of bright red blood in your underwear or when you use the bathroom.

Spotting is common among women between the ages of 15 and 45. But if you dont have a menstrual cycle, or you notice other symptoms along with spotting, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection .

UTIs affect women and men of all ages, and theyre one of the most common types of infection. Although UTIs usually arent a sign of something more serious, they can cause complications like kidney infection or chronic bladder pain. Trust our team at Advanced Urology for expert diagnosis and treatment to prevent UTI complications at our offices in Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, Culver City, and San Pedro, California.

What Can Actually Delay Your Period

Although urinary tract infections dont affect your period, there are other reasons that you might be experiencing an irregular cycle.

Hormonal changes, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors can all play a part in delaying your periodor keeping it from arriving at all.

  • Body weight: If you are overweight or underweight, it can impact how your body produces hormones, making your periods more erratic or unreliable.
  • Breastfeeding: When you breastfeed, your body produces prolactin, a hormone that helps you make milk and simultaneously stops you from ovulating or menstruating with regularity.
  • Celiac disease: Although researchers are still studying the connection between celiac disease and irregular menstruation, evidence suggests that nearly a quarter of women with gluten intolerances report a history of dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
  • Certain medications: Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs can impact cycle regularity. Hormone replacement therapies, hormonal birth control, blood thinners, thyroid medicines, antidepressant medications, and aspirin can affect how regularly you menstruate.
  • Diabetes: Research suggests that up to 50% of women with diabetes also struggle with dysfunctional, excessive, and unreliable periods.
  • Endometriosis: Women with endometriosis often have long, heavy periods with short intervals between cycles. They can also experience pain and bleeding during ovulation, have pain during bowel movements, and pain during sexual intercourse.

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Pain Relief Is Within Reach

The good news: Once the antibiotics kick in, youll start feeling much better. The bad news: It might take a day or two. How can you find relief if youre in crazy pain while waiting for a doctors appointment or the antibiotics to work their magic?

The best thing you can do is drink lots of water. Yes, this will make you pee more, but frequent bathroom trips will help move the bacteria out of your system. Plus, the extra water will dilute your urine, taking away some of the sting. Keeping the bladder flushed can help with the pain while waiting for treatment, says Dr. Carusi.

Over-the-counter medication like AZO, which acts as an antiseptic for your bladder, can also diminish your discomfort. Pain relievers like ibuprofen can help ease your aches and any flu-like symptoms.

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Classification Of Urinary Tract Infections

Does a UTI Delay your Period

UTIs are classified into 6 categories. The first category is an uncomplicated infection this is when the urinary tract is normal, both structurally and physiologically, and there is no associated disorder that impairs the host defense mechanisms. The second category is an complicated infection this is when infection occurs within an abnormal urinary tract, such as when there is ureteric obstruction, renal calculi, or vesicoureteric reflux. The third category, an isolated infection, is when it is the first episode of UTI, or the episodes are 6 months apart. Isolated infections affect 2540% of young females. The fourth category, an unresolved infection, is when therapy fails because of bacterial resistance or due to infection by two different bacteria with equally limited susceptibilities. The fifth category, reinfection, occurs where there has been no growth after a treated infection, but then the same organism regrows two weeks after therapy, or when a different microorganism grows during any period of time., This accounts for 95% of RUTIs in women. Bacterial persistence happens when therapy is impaired by the accumulation of bacteria in a location that cannot be reached by antibiotics, such as infected stones, urethral diverticula and infected paraurethral glands. The sixth category, relapse, is when the same microorganism causes a UTI within two weeks of therapy however, it is usually difficult to distinguish a reinfection from a relapse.

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A Period And A Uti At The Same Time Nooooooooooo

J.B.

Theres no such thing as a good time to get a urinary tract infection. But getting a UTI at the same time as your period? Oh, no!

The urinary tract is a brilliant drainage system for getting rid of excess fluid. The kidneys remove extra fluid from the blood to make urine. The urine travels from the kidneys to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The bladder stores the urine and then drains it through another little tube called the urethra. But like any other complex system, things can occasionally go wrong.

How Do UTIs Happen?

UTIs occur when bacteria has entered the urinary tract where they can multiply and create an infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, most infections involve the lower part of the urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.

Interestingly, women are much more likely to develop a UTI. Kidney Health Australia calculates that roughly 1 in 2 women will get a UTI in their lifetime, compared with 1 in 20 men. That doesnt seem quite fair, but there are anatomical reasons for it. A womans urethra is situated close to the anus, making it possible for bacteria from fecal matter to invade the urethra. And a womans urethra is short and straight this makes it easier for germs to travel to the bladder.

Get Treatment for UTIs

Precautions Against UTIs

There are some precautions you can take to help protect against UTIs.

Help from NannoPads

Precautions For Urine Test During Menstruation

The best way to avoid menstrual blood from flowing into the urine sample is for a woman on her period to insert a fresh tampon, and cover the entrance of the vagina with a piece of clean cloth or any material that would absorb the blood, and avoid the contamination of the urine sample.

If you dont want to use a tampon. Then you can collect the urine sample by placing the collection cup given by the lab as far enough away from the body. As possible to ensure that only the stream of urine will flow and collect in the cup without the entrance of the menstrual blood. Also, remember to submit the urine sample to the lab within one hour of collecting it.

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Can A Kidney Infection Delay Your Period

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There Is One Big Maybe

Can you get a UTI on your period?

Rifampin , an antibiotic sometimes used to treat UTIs, may impact your hormones and delay your period. However, your doc is very unlikely to prescribe you rifampin to treat your UTI.

Sometimes, upper tract UTIs are treated with intravenous antibiotics like Vabomere. No data suggests these IV antibiotics will delay your period.

Recommended Reading: Can A Bladder Infection Turn Into A Kidney Infection

How Is A Vaginal Yeast Infection Diagnosed

To test for a yeast infection, your doctor will start by asking you questions about your medical history. Because recurring yeast infections are common, your doctor will likely want to know about any previous yeast infections youve had. Your physician may also ask you whether youve had any sexually transmitted diseases in the past.

Your doctor is likely to perform a pelvic exam. This will involve examining both the inside and outside of your vagina to look for symptoms.

Lastly, your doctor may take a swab of your vaginal fluids for testing. They will use the sample to try and identify the exact strain of fungus causing the infection. This may help your doctor to create a treatment plan thats most effective for your yeast infection.

Can A Kidney Infection Affect My Period

Your period has been extremely irregular for the last few months. Some months its so heavy youre forced to change your super absorbent tampon every hour and others its almost nonexistent. Not only have you been experiencing abnormal periods, but youve had other symptoms like lower back pain and chills which arent typical during your cycle. Irregular periods often cause a bit of alarm, especially if youre someone who is usually pretty consistent.

Thankfully, if youve been following our blog, you know that its crucial to see a doctor even if youre pretty sure its nothing. You should always inform your physician of any changes to your periods length, volume, and regularity. This is because your period can actually tell you a lot about your health and might even signify underlying conditions that you may not be aware of.

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Hold Up: Can A Uti Really Delay Your Period

The short answer is no. UTIs dont directly delay your period. The infection is caused by bacteria in the urinary tract, and it shouldnt impact your reproductive organs or menstrual cycle.

However, illness and stress in itself *can* mess with your cycle.

Heres what to know about UTIs and a late period.

Can You Take A Urine Test On Your Period

Bladder Infection Pregnancy Affect Baby

While menstruation is not a contraindication for a urine test, it is best to take the advice of a doctor before you take the urine test during menstruation. The doctor might want you to wait for a few days to conduct the test or start the treatment for any disease based on your history and physical examination, without conducting the urine test.

However, if your symptoms are severe and indicative of any kidney disease, such as frequent urination, painful urination, dizziness, swelling of the face, hands, and feet, and shortness of breath. The doctor may advise you to undergo a urine test during the period is right away to help diagnose the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Women undergoing menstruation should take extra care while collecting the urine sample for a urine test. Because the vagina and the urethra lie very close to each other. It makes it difficult to collect a urine sample without contaminating it with menstrual blood.

As mentioned earlier, the contamination of the urine sample with menstrual blood will lead to a false positive diagnosis and might lead the doctor to conclude that there is some damage in the urinary system, if hes unaware of your menstruation.

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Your Favorite Gym Pants Are Suddenly Very Uncomfortable In The Crotch Region

Sitting around in damp, sweaty yoga pants or workout undies long after your workout creates a breeding ground for bacteria, Ross says. In the early stages, this may simply feel like irritation in your lady bits leggings or underwear that are normally comfy now suddenly drive you nuts.

Launder your gym clothes after every workout , Ross advises. Bonus: This also helps prevent other infections, like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

Heres When To Talk With Your Doc

If you think you have a UTI, the CDC recommends heading to your doctor for treatment.

There are natural treatments for UTIs , but the research on their effectiveness is limited. Delaying treatment can make your infection worse, so its better to play it safe.

If youre pregnant, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics that are safe to take while you have a bun in the oven.

If you have lower back pain in addition to UTI symptoms, that could signal a kidney infection, so talk to your doctor ASAP.

Also Check: What Is The Treatment For Low Grade Bladder Cancer

So Does Menstruation Increase Your Risk Of A Uti

Clearly, more conclusive research needs to be done here. While we can say there seems to be a strong correlation between menstruation and UTI occurrence or UTI symptoms for women with recurrent UTIs, additional research is warranted. Hopefully, as the urinary health space continues to grow with quality research, this apparent correlation can be better understood with applied science.

What Is A Uti

Does Getting Your Period Make You More Prone To UTIs?

A urinary tract infection is one of the most common infections found in women all over the world. In fact, one in two women has been affected by UTI at least once in her lifetime. The most common UTI is caused by a bacteria called Escherichia coli that commonly resides in the rectum and travels into the urethra from sexual contact.

There are other types of UTIs as well that are caused by fungi, and very rarely viruses. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria and can occur in any area of the urinary tract. While lower tract UTI affecting the urethra and bladder are more common, some UTIs can affect the upper tract consisting of the kidneys and uterus and are more severe in nature.

Also Check: How Can A Man Strengthen His Bladder

You’re Making Potty Stops All The Timebut Not Much Is Coming Out

Feeling like you have to pee all the time, even right after using the bathroom, is a telltale sign of a urinary tract infection, Ross says. It isn’t that you really have to pee every 10 minutes, but rather that you feel the urge to pee constantly. Why? When you have a UTI, bacteria irritate the urethra and bladder.

However, since you likely arent actually filled with pee, when you do sit on the toilet instead of finding sweet, sweet relief, not much urine comes out. All you get for your trouble is frustration . If you constantly feel the need to pee, but only a drop or two is coming out, it’s time to call your doctor, Ross says.

Managing Urinary Tract Infections

If symptoms such as painful or overly frequent urination occur, as in the case of a urinary tract infection, consult your healthcare provider. Infections are easily treated with antibiotics but often tend to recur. To help prevent these infections, urinate before and after intercourse, be sure your bladder is not full for long periods, drink plenty of fluids, and keep your genital area clean. Douching is not thought to be effective in preventing infection. Currently, a vaccine is being developed which may help prevent recurrent bladder infections.

Verywell / Gary Ferster

For some women with recurrent urinary tract infections associated with menopause, low-dose antibiotics may be needed. A 2016 study also found that a supplement of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, curcumin, and quercetin was effective in reducing the frequency of urinary tract infections in post-menopausal women, especially when combined with topical vaginal estrogen therapy .

Also Check: How To Train A Weak Bladder

Can Utis Be Prevented

A few things can help prevent UTIs. After peeing, girls should wipe from front to back with toilet paper. After BMs, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.

Also, go to the bathroom when needed and don’t hold the pee in. Pee that stays in the bladder gives bacteria a good place to grow.

Keep the genital area clean and dry. Girls should change their tampons and pads regularly during their periods. Bubble baths can irritate the vaginal area, so girls should take showers or plain baths. Avoid long exposure to moisture in the genital area by not wearing nylon underwear or wet swimsuits. Wearing underwear with cotton crotches is also helpful. Skip using feminine hygiene sprays or douches, as these can irritate the urethra.

If you are sexually active, go to the bathroom both before and within 15 minutes after sex. After sex, gently wash the genital area to remove any bacteria. Avoid sexual positions that irritate or hurt the urethra or bladder. Couples who use lubrication during sex should use a water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly.

Finally, drinking lots of water each day keeps the bladder active and bacteria-free.

UTIs are uncomfortable and often painful, but they’re common and easily treated. The sooner you contact your doctor, the sooner you’ll be able to get rid of the problem.

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