Your New Exercise Regimen Could Be Depleting Hormone Levels That Make Your Period Happen
Even if you aren’t training overly strenuously, any change in exercise habits can cause changes in your period, according to a Harvard Study reported by the New York Times.
Strenuous exercise decreases the body’s estrogen levels and since estrogen is the primary hormone that triggers ovulation, a lack of it can slow down the entire menstrual cycle. Sometimes this can result in delays that last as long as several months.
Can A Bladder Infection Affect Your Period
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
Utis And Menstrual Bleeding: Can A Urinary Tract Infection Delay Or Affect Your Period
While science now shows that men have a hormonal cycle of sorts, much as women do, they dont menstruate meaning that most women between puberty and menopause deal with monthly bleeding that men do not.
As if that isnt enough of an issue for women, with cramps in their uterus and ovaries that can range from annoying to debilitating, women are also more prone to urinary tract infections, or UTIs, with about 50 percent of women experiencing at least one UTI in their lifetime. Of course, a UTI can have complications that eventually affect more than just the urinary tract.
Don’t Miss: Parkinson’s And Overactive Bladder
Is My Period Making Them Worse
Lots of women report UTIs around the time of their period, and there are definitely factors that can contribute to this link, such as hormone imbalances, stress, sex and hygiene
It turns out that were not imagining things: the experts agree that anecdotally there is a connection, as Dr Lakhani explains: Lots of women report UTIs around the time of their period, and there are definitely factors which can contribute to this link, such as hormone imbalances, stress, sex and hygiene.
Lets break it down.
Change Feminine Care Products Frequently
Weve all been drilled on the importance of changing pads and tampons to avoid infections like toxic shock syndrome . Similarly, changing pads and tampons frequently can help reduce the chances of a UTI. As mentioned earlier, pads and tampons can hold bacteria and spread it into the urethra. Changing them reduces that risk.
You May Like: Why Do I Get Bladder Infection After Intercourse
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection typically is a result of the bacteria E. coli entering the urinary tract through the urethra, which opens to the exterior of the body. This is why women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections. First, the opening of the female urethra is located close to the and , where bacteria that can cause a UTI thrive. Second, the female urethra is much shorter than a males, which makes it easier for UTI-causing bacteria to reach the destination of the bladder, where they grow easily.
In both men and women, the sexual organs are in close proximity to the urinary tract, and that means that an infection can easily spread from the urinary organs to the sexual organs. This can lead to extreme complications like infertility over time, especially if the UTIs are recurrent.
This is only one reason its important for both men and women to see a physician at the first sign of a UTI. The question, though, is that, if the UTI is able to affect the sexual organs, can it also cause problems with a womans period?
Many Women Report Utis In Conjunction With Or Immediately Following Their Menstrual Cycle
Many women who struggle with chronic UTIs notice trends in the timing of their infections. These trends should be taken seriously as they may give insight into how they can be appropriately managed. Many women report UTIs in conjunction with or immediately following their menstrual cycle. There is a limited amount of quality research on the topic, with mixed findings, but the magnitude of anecdotal evidence suggests that this association does exist. The mechanism of why UTIs might be linked to periods is not completely understood. However, there are a few biological changes during the menstrual cycle that are likely factors.
Higher vaginal pH during menstruation could increase the risk of UTIs in this window by impacting the vaginal microbiome.
Higher vaginal pH during menstruation could increase the risk of UTIs in this window by impacting the vaginal microbiome.
Also Check: Can A Prolapsed Bladder Cause Uti
Why Cant Utis *directly* Mess With Your Period
UTIs can mess with your life in addition to your urinary tract, and in extreme cases, your kidneys. The pain and discomfort can leave you feeling sick and stressed. As a result, this stress may delay your period.
According to a 2015 study, perceived high levels of stress can impact your menstrual cycle. Basically, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed TF out may make your period show up late, become erratic, or not come at all.
How Do You Get Urinary Tract Infections
The design of the human body makes it so it isnt hard to get a bacterial UTI, because the infection comes from outside, through the urethra. Bacteria in the genital area can enter the urethra and the urinary tract, either because wiping after going to the bathroom, sexual activity, or unsanitary conditions. Once the bacteria have entered the urethra, the body tries fight them off, but sometimes the bacteria multiply and cause an infection.
In the case of a fungal infection, usually the fungus gets to the urinary tract through the blood stream. Those who develop this type of infection are usually ill with a disease that has compromised their immune system, such as AIDS.
In general, women get more UTIs than do men and this increases with age. Statistics show that many women get more than one. Almost 20% of women who have had one UTI will go on to have a second. Of this 20%, 30% of those will have a third, and in turn, 80% of these women will have more.
Dont Miss: How To Cure Tonsil Infection
You May Like: Tens Placement For Bladder Control
Treatment Options For Uti
UTIs dont go away on their own. In fact, they may get worse, and the infection could spread elsewhere in your body without proper care. Seeking prompt medical care is the best way to stop the infection and prevent UTI complications like kidney infection.
If you notice signs of a UTI, our Advanced Urology team is equipped to diagnose and treat it so you start feeling better. Most acute UTIs resolve with a course of prescription antibiotic medication.
If youre dealing with chronic UTIs or ongoing bladder pain, you may benefit from a longer course of low-dose antibiotics. Our team may recommend at-home urine tests throughout treatment or prescribe medication to take when you have sexual intercourse to help prevent recurrent UTIs.
Be sure to take all of your medication, even if your UTI symptoms disappear during the course of treatment. Finishing your antibiotic is the only way to ensure the infection is gone and avoid UTI complications.
What Is The Treatment For A Kidney Infection
Kidney infections are treated with antibiotics. Your health care provider may tell you to take an antibiotic medicine that treats the most common types of infections, until your urine can be looked at to figure out the exact type of infection you have. Once your urine test results are available, your health care provider might tell you to take a different type of antibiotic, depending on the type of infection you have.
If you have a very serious infection, you may need to stay in the hospital to receive treatment.
If your kidney infection was caused by a problem with the shape of your urinary tract, you may need to have surgery to correct the problem and prevent future kidney infections.
Don’t Miss: How Did You Find Out You Had Bladder Cancer
Reasons For A Late Period
Pregnancy might be the top reason for a missed period but if youre not trying for a child, there may be other reasons for your late period . It may be caused by:
- too much exercise and excessive weight loss a dramatic drop in body weight may lead to missed periods and so can excessive exercise. For instance, training for a marathon puts the body in too much stress and prevents ovulation in the process.
- stress period hormones are regulated in the hypothalamus which can be affected by stress.
- thyroid imbalance the thyroid gland is responsible for regulating metabolism and problems with it can affect your period.
- polycystic ovary syndrome a hormone imbalance that leads to lack of ovulation causing you not to menstruate.
- birth control method the side effect of some products include missed periods plus it takes a while for menses to return if youve stopped birth control.
- chronic diseases celiac is often mentioned but chronic diseases in general cause stresses your system which can then affect your period.
You Can Get A Uti Againand Again
Sad, but true: Your first UTI is likely not your last. Recurrent UTI is fairly common, Jennifer Ashton, MD, an ob-gyn and chief medical correspondent and health editor for ABC News, tells Health.
UTIs come back for a number of reasons. One big one: not finishing your antibiotics. This can allow lingering bacteria to multiply and re-start the infection, so be sure to finish the entire prescribed course, even after you start feeling better.
Also, simply being female puts you at risk for repeat infections because women have shorter urethras compared to men, which makes it easier for bacteria to get in to the tract and reach the bladder, says Dr. Carusi.
Don’t Miss: Bladder Leak Protection For Men
When Will My Periods Return After I Stop Taking The Pill
It takes a while for your periods to come back after you stop taking the pill. Most women will have a period around two to four weeks after stopping the pill, but this depends on you and what your cycle is normally like.
Weight, health, stress, exercise and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome can all influence your cycle of periods.
Your periods may be irregular when you first come off the pill, and you should allow up to three months for your natural menstrual cycle to re-establish itself fully.
This is because the pill contains the hormones that stop ovulation each month.
The first period after stopping the pill is known as a âwithdrawal bleedâ. The next period after this withdrawal bleed is your first natural period.
Itâs unlikely that how long you have been on the pill will cause fertility problems. Some women conceive immediately after they stop taking the pill.
However, while the pill doesnât cause fertility problems, it can mask underlying problems you may already have, such as irregular periods.
You can get pregnant as soon as you come off the pill, so itâs important to use another form of contraception, such as condoms, straight away.
Read Also: Having Sex While On Your Period
What Is A Uti
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
Read Also: Nerve Stimulator Implant For Bladder
Practice Good Sexual Hygiene
Because UTIs can occur during sex, its important to have good sexual hygiene. Urinating after sexual activity can flush out any bacteria in the urinary system. This is true both during solo intimacy and sexual activity with a partner. If youre prone to UTIs you might suggest to your partner that you start things off in the shower to avoiding sex-related infections.
There Is One Big Maybe
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.
You May Like: Can A Bladder Infection Clear On Its Own
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.
You Can Get A Uti From Having Sex
There is a clear link between UTIs and sex. For many people, having sex causes UTIs to occur over and over again. Data shows that UTI symptoms most often begin about 2 days after having sexual intercourse.
Sex can cause a UTI. This is because the friction involved in sexual activity pushes bacteria toward the urethra. Anything that allows or encourages bacteria to enter the urinary tract increases the risk of UTI.
UTIs should be treated to keep them from getting worse. This usually requires a prescription for antibiotics. Since going to see your healthcare provider every time you have sex isnt a reasonable option for many people, its helpful to think ahead. There are things you can do to prevent a UTI before it starts.
Don’t Miss: Does Bladder Cancer Metastasis To Bone
Your Weight Has Been Fluctuating
According to UC Riverside Health, both the ovaries and fat cells throughout the body produce estrogen. This means a sudden increase or decrease in weight can alter your period.
A 2012 study published in the Endocrinology and Metabolism Journal also found that irregular periods are more prevalent in individuals who suddenly gain or lose weight.
Seeking Treatment For A Bladder Infection
If your bladder infection is mild and hasnt spread to your upper urinary tract, you may be able to wait out the infection at home. During this time, you should avoid sex and drink plenty of water you can also self-medicate with over-the-counter painkillers.
For more information on treatment visit our cystitis clinic.
References
Recommended Reading: How Do You Treat A Kidney Infection At Home
You May Like: How To Help Bladder Incontinence
Can You Test For A Uti On Your Period
Unfortunately, at-home UTI tests such as Utiva’s UTI Diagnostic Test Strips are not recommended for use due to traces of menses within the urine can produce a false positive WBC result. If you believe that you are suffering from a UTI during your period, please contact your doctor.
To find out more about UTIs, visit www.utivahealth.com. Utiva Cranberry PACs supplementsare clinically proven and medically recommended to be part of a safe, natural, drug-free daily regime to maintain a healthy urinary tract and protect against UTIs.
Stopped Or Missed Periods
There are many reasons why a woman may miss her period, or why periods might stop altogether.
Most women have a period every 28 days or so, but it’s common to have a slightly shorter or longer cycle than this .
Some women do not always have a regular menstrual cycle. Their period may be early or late, and how long it lasts and how heavy it is may vary each time.
Read more about irregular periods and heavy periods.
Don’t Miss: What Causes Sudden Loss Of Bladder Control
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.
RELATED: What Your Urine Color Says About Your Health
Can An Infection Stop You From Seeing Your Period
If you mean Can an infection stop your period from coming thenyes it can. Any stress to the bodybe it physical or emotionalcan effect hormone and chemical levels, thereby effecting themenstrual cycle.
Sometimes a urinary tract infection, forms of staph infections,and infections of the pelvis can also change the menstrualcycle.
STD bacteria can also effect the timing of your period.
Remember to get any infections checked by a doctor, or anymenstrual irregularities that haved stated and lasted for more thanone cycle.
Sometimes, you cycle just wont come, will come late, lastlonger, last only a few daysetc for no reason at all andreadjust itself the coming month.
Remember.even without insurance you local ER must take youin, so if price is an issue go there with concerns.
Peace& Respect
Also Check: Will A Yeast Infection Affect My Period
You May Like: How To Pass Bladder Stones