Even though your menstrual cycle may be unpleasant with all of its symptoms, such as cramping, it is still an essential component of female health. Although skipping just one period might seem like a relief, there are reasons to be concerned.
A late menstruation may occasionally be a sign of more underlying medical issues. Is infection one of them, though? Let’s explore.
What is an Urinary Tract Infection?
Millions of individuals get urinary tract infections (UTIs) every year, which are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra or bladder and grow there.
Common signs of a UTI include:
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- A strong need to pee, but only a little comes out
- Dark, bloody, or cloudy urine
- Urine with a strange smell
- Fever and chills
- Feeling tired
Severe UTIs may cause:
- Fever
- You may experience continuous pain in the lower abdomen, back, or groin
Relation Between UTIs and Periods
Some women may be affected by UTIs during their periods. However, it may not be valid to think that both UTIs and Periods are related. Although they are connected, the reproductive and urinary systems are not directly related.
For your clear picture, a UTI:
- Cannot directly result in a missed or delayed period (although the body may experience minor alterations, such as early, late, or irregular menstruation).
- Cannot directly affect your reproductive organs.
Does the Menstrual Cycle Increase the Risk of a UTI?
Yes, some activities in menstruation may develop the risk of urinary tract infection. They are as follows:
Stress
Some women may not have pleasant periods, instead of being accompanied by arrant pain and discomfort. This makes the body unable to fight against harmful bacterial infections.
Unbalanced hormones
Bacterial infections are more common when there is a drastic lower level of estrogen hormones during their period. This imbalance in estrogen hormones paves the way for bacterial infections.
Engaging in sexual activities
The belief in a lowered risk of pregnancy during or early period encourages women to be involved in more sexual activity. This causes some imbalance in the pH of the vagina as well as irritates the sensitive urethra. This results in an increasing risk of UTI.
Products that Women Used for Hygiene Purposes
During this period, women must change their pads, tampons, or menstrual cups enough times to maintain their hygiene. If they fail to change them sufficiently, they might promote the growth of bacteria and illnesses.
Dehydration
Women may feel more dehydrated during their period. Drinking more water can help to eliminate harmful bacteria from your urine.
Impact of UTI During Menstrual Cycle
A UTI might delay your period, although the infection itself isn’t directly responsible. This is because the stress a UTI puts on your body may affect your menstrual cycle.
Let’s explain! You notice that your production of estrogen decreases during your period. Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, estrogen helps prevent infection and maintains the health and activity of the beneficial bacteria in the vagina, which lowers the number of dangerous bacteria.
You are therefore more susceptible to infection when your estrogen levels fall.
More stress (causes a delay period) → Lower estrogen levels (causes UTIs during your period)
Can a UTI Cause Delayed Periods? Factors to Consider
A UTI or late menstruation might be brought on by anything that causes hormonal changes. A UTI or a delayed period can be caused by a few different things. Among them are:
- Anxiety
- Birth control and sexual activity
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
Key Point: Do Elderly People Have a Higher Chance of Getting a UTI?
Older women are more likely to get UTIs for several reasons, such as:
- Menopause
- A weakened immune system
- More challenges in maintaining their basic personal hygiene
- Making use of catheters
- Urinary tract procedures or examinations
- Damage to the kidneys
- A weakened pelvic floor
Reduce the Risk of Developing a UTI During Period
Use some preventative measures to lower your risk of contracting a UTI during your period. Here are some general and menstruation-specific tips:
General Tips:
- Consume a lot of water to help flush away harmful bacteria and dilute your urine.
- In addition to vitamins, think about consuming berry fruits and juices to help reduce your illness.
- Perfumed soaps or douches should be strictly avoided; doctors also advise that these things may worsen the infection if you already have it or pave the way for new infection. Plain water is enough to clean your vagina.
- The spread of harmful bacteria from the anus to the urethra can be prevented by wiping from front to back after a bowel movement.
- Some usage of birth control devices like diaphragms that encourage the growth of bacteria.
- Urine should be released as necessary; do not hold it in.
- To maintain hygiene and prevent infections, make it a practice to take a bath and urinate immediately after having sex.
During Menstruation:
- Maintain the good bacteria in your urinary tract by taking healthy probiotics.
- Menstrual products such as period cups, tampons, or pads should be changed frequently to avoid infections or bacterial growth.
- Consider having safe sexual activity to avoid discomfort and infection.
- To make up for fluid loss from bleeding, drink more water.
- Drink water and urinate after having sex.
- Reducing stress can boost immunity and aid hormone balance.
How Antibiotics for UTIs May Affect Your Menstrual Cycle
Some may have a doubt whether antibiotics taken for UTIs may affect the hormones that control ovulation and menstruation. The real fact is the majority of the antibiotics do not affect the hormones that are responsible for your pregnancy and menstruation.
Among all other infections, lower tract infection is the most prevalent kind of UTIs, which can be cured using simple oral medications. The list is given below:
- Cephalexin with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
- Ceftriaxone, nitrofurantoin, and fosfomycin
Menstruation is not postponed by any of these drugs. One antibiotic that changes hormone levels and postpones the menstrual cycle is rifampin. Rifampin is not often used to treat UTIs; however, it can be beneficial when combined with trimethoprim.
For upper tract UTIs, vabomere and other intravenous antibiotics can be necessary. If you are pregnant or having your periods, just inform your healthcare provider while consulting to ease yourself.
UTI Testing for Pregnant Women
In some cases, pregnant women may not be able to find out whether they are having UTI or normal pregnancy changes. But regular urine tests using urine test strips or dipsticks have been conducted for pregnant women to identify the presence of urinary infections. Because, if they are unnoticed, they may cause serious kidney infections and preterm labour.
Conclusion
A UTI does not directly delay your period or pregnancy, but you may experience UTIs during menstruation or pregnancy. Regular checkups, preventive measures, and hydration can help prevent urinary infections.
A simple urine test can confirm an infection, and following your doctor’s treatment plan can help you stay healthy.
