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 vagina 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?
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.
There’s An Issue With Your Thyroid
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck and it has a lot of responsibilities. It’s mostly known for regulating the body’s metabolism and temperature, but when it is producing too few or too many hormones it can impact your menstrual cycle.
According to the Office on Women’s Health, hypothyroidism often causes menstrual irregularities, including both late and absent periods. A study from the late 90s reported that hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, can throw off your cycle, too.
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Are Periods And Utis Connected
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.
- Sexual intercourse and birth control: Women who engage in sexual activity are more likely to develop UTIs because sex can introduce bacteria into the urethra. Hormonal birth control does not increase womens risk for UTIs, but it can delay their period.
If you have concerns about UTI symptoms, a missed period, or another aspect of your reproductive or genital health, talk to an OB-GYN.
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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Frequent Urination Missed Or Late Menstrual Period And No Menstrual Periods
- Medical Author: Dan Brennan, MD
Last Editorial Review: 6/15/2020
Your symptoms can be caused by multiple medical causes, including several gynecologic conditions. Your doctor may need to do some testing to make an accurate diagnosis. If you are concerned about your symptoms, please contact your doctor.
While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:
Would A Urinary Tract Infection Delay My Period 11
ChiefLibrarianOfRandallCounty · 30/06/2013 22:24
I am 7 days late which is most unlike me. Don’t think I am pregnant. About a week before I was due on I started weeing like a horse – no burning when on the loo and it looks a healthy enough colour- clear and very pale yellow. Then came familiar heaviness/mild pain in the general area where I guess my womb and bladder are situated and I thought either “here comes my period” or “ah, perhaps an unhappy bladder”. Cue lots of cranberry juice. But the heaviness is still there on and off, as are the horse wees.So am about to go off to dr’s tomorrow- but really, would a UTI delay my period?
ChiefLibrarianOfRandallCounty · 01/07/2013 13:03
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When To Call Your Provider
If your period is one to two weeks late, and you still are getting negative pregnancy tests, a visit to your gynecologist for a pregnancy blood test is recommended. If your periods are frequently irregular, talk to your provider about when theyd like you to call. Depending on your circumstances, many providers will want to induce a “period” if you go more than two or three months without menstruating.
If your cycle used to be regular but has become irregular, or your periods are irregular for more than three months after stopping birth control, you should see your provider. Irregular cycles can be a risk factor for infertility.
When To See Your Gp
See your GP if you’re not pregnant you’ve had a negative pregnancy test and you’ve missed more than 3 periods in a row.
If you’re sexually active and you have not taken a pregnancy test, your GP may advise you to take one.
They may also ask you about:
- your medical history
- any emotional issues you’re having
- any recent changes in your weight
- the amount of exercise you do
Your GP may recommend waiting to see whether your periods return on their own. In some cases you may need treatment for your periods to return.
You should also see your GP if your periods stop before you’re 45 or if you’re still bleeding when you’re over 55.
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Utiva Can Help You Prevent Your Next Uti
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The 36mg PAC formulation of our Cranberry PACs Supplement is doctor recommended and backed by urology Guidelines. Utiva also has D-Mannose for extra protection against E. coli and Probiotic Power for urinary tract and gut health.
You’ve Been Getting Less Sleep Than Usual
Our bodies need sleep for a number of reasons, including regulating our temperature and ensuring our organs are functioning normally. Since the uterus itself is an organ, it should come as no surprise that a lack of sleep can negatively impact its ability to do its job.
In 2008, The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reported that individuals with sleep disorders, like delayed sleep syndrome, were highly likely to have irregular menstrual periods.
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Referral To A Consultant
If your GP thinks a medical condition might have caused your periods to stop, they may refer you to a consultant who specialises in the condition.
Depending on what your GP suspects is causing the problem, you may be referred to:
- a gynaecologist a specialist in treating conditions that affect the female reproductive system
- an endocrinologist a specialist in treating hormonal conditions
You may have a full gynaecological examination and various tests, including:
- blood tests to see whether you have abnormal levels of certain hormones
- an ultrasound scan, CT scan or MRI scan to identify any problems with your reproductive system or the pituitary gland in your brain
Consider Buying The Right Feminine Care Product
Cotton, absorbable, chemical free, and breathable pads may help prevent UTIs in patients who are prone to infections during their menstrual period. If you do have a UTI, avoid using tampons, as they can worsen your symptoms.
Nannocare is a feminine care company that has innovated the pad industry by implementing Far Infrared technology developed to relieve menstrual discomfort. Utiva customers can check out Nannocare products and get a free trial here.
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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 Pms Make You Pee A Lot
Peer Answer: I havent run into the issue of peeing more than normal when I have PMS. Unfortunately, I have experienced the symptoms of a bladder infection. Im not sure whether or not your peeing a lot is related…
This is not intended to be medical advice. Everybody is different so please make sure to consult your physician if you’re having issues. Do not delay or refrain from seeking professional medical advice from your physician because of something you have read on this site.
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Why Do Utis Happen More Frequently In Women
While both men and women can get UTIs, they occur much more frequently in women. In fact, women get UTIs up to 30 times more often than men. There are several different reasons why this can happen. The first is that the urethra is shorter in female bodies, which means that bacteria has less distance to travel in order to reach the bladder.
Women can also get UTIs during sex. While a UTI isnt a sexually transmitted disease, bacteria can spread during sexual activity because the urethra and vagina are located next to each other. Bacteria can come from the genitals, hands, and even the mouth of your partner. Urinating after sex can help flush any bacteria out of the urinary tract.
UTIs are also common in older women going through menopause. When a woman enters menopause, her body starts producing less of the hormone estrogen. This can change the tissue within the urinary tract, making it easier for bacteria to stick to the lining. UTIs can be confused with other symptoms of menopause, making it hard to diagnose.
How Do Urine Pregnancy Tests Work
Pregnancy tests look for the pregnancy hormone hCG, which increases as a pregnancy progresses. The normal range for hCG levels in pregnant people can vary widely. It’s possible that your levels arent yet high enough to be detected .
An early pregnancy test might pick up very low amounts of hCG. However, its possible that you dont have enough circulating hCG to get a positive result even on a sensitive test.
This doesnt mean anything is wrong. How much hCG you have isn’t important rather, it’s how quickly your levels double and increase .
Another common reason for getting a false negative is not having enough hCG in the urine you test. In early pregnancy, you can dilute the hormone concentration in your urine if you drink a lot of water before testing.
This is more likely to happen in very early pregnancy when you take the test later in the day. The hCG concentration is higher when youve held your urine for a while, which is why it’s recommended that you take a pregnancy test in the morning.
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Rare Causes Of A False Negative
In rare cases, an ectopic pregnancy can cause a false-negative test result. An ectopic pregnancy is when the embryo implants somewhere other than the uterus. This usually occurs in the fallopian tubes, but it can also happen elsewhere.
An ectopic pregnancy does not develop properly and is not viable. The formation of the placenta is delayed which impedes the production of hCG. An ectopic pregnancy can be dangerous if it causes the fallopian tube to rupture.
Ectopic pregnancies are rare, occurring in around 1 in 40 pregnancies. However, they can be fatal. Around 9% of pregnancy-related deaths are caused by an ectopic pregnancy.
If your period is late and you are experiencing severe pain, call your provider right away or go to the emergency room.
Another rare cause of a false negative test is gestational trophoblastic disease , more commonly known as a molar pregnancy. GTD is a rare type of tumor that forms from a developing embryo. In less than 1 in 100 cases, a healthy baby can develop from a molar pregnancy. Usually, however, a molar pregnancy ends in miscarriage.
GTD causes extremely high levels of hCG. As mentioned above, elevated levels of hCG can throw off an at-home pregnancy test and give a negative result. While GTD is a tumor, its rarely cancerous. The treatment is usually having a D& C. If pregnancy hormone levels remain high, chemotherapy might be needed.
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.
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Get The Right Kind Of Feminine Care Product
It can be tempting to purchase feminine care products that have nice scents and soft textures. However, these can increase the risk of infection. Products with synthetic chemicals like scents can be irritating to your urinary system and leave it more prone to infection. Always look for cotton, chemical-free, and breathable pads and tampon products.
Rare Causes Of Test Malfunction
A rare, counterintuitive cause for a false negative is that you are too far along in your pregnancy. For example, if your period is weeks to months late, a pregnancy test might come up negative. This is called the variant hook effect.
Another unusual but possible reason for a false negative is that youre expecting triplets or even twins. In this case, a false negative pregnancy test can be caused by what is known as the high dose hook effect. Ironically, unusually high levels of hCG can cause a pregnancy test to give a false negative result.
A very rare cause of a false negative pregnancy test is when the hCG hormone in your body does not react with the anti-hCG chemicals in the test. In this case, you might need to wait a few more days before you can get a positive result or need to have a blood test.
You might ultimately need to have a serum pregnancy blood test or ultrasound to confirm pregnancy.
If you still haven’t gotten your period after a few more days, try the test again. If subsequent tests continue to show a negative pregnancy test result, you’ll want to talk to your healthcare provider about further testing.
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Impact Of Urine Infections On Periods
Urinary Tract Infection is a common bacterial infection in women, with every one in two women affected by it at some point in time. When bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra and starts to multiply, it results in urinary tract infection. Most of the times UTI is caused by the bacterium E.coli. This bacterium is found in the digestive tract and skin around the vagina. If it enters the urinary tract, it can cause a painful and a severe infection.
The common symptoms of urinary tract infection are burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, pain in the lowerabdomen, cloudy urine, sudden urge to urinate, loss of bladder control , strong urine odor, and vaginal irritation. If you have any ofthese symptoms, immediately visit a doctor. Your doctor will prescribe youantibiotics to treat the infection. It is also advised to drink lots of wateras it helps to clean the bladder.
Impact of urine infections on periods
Some standard measures that you can take to avoid UTIs are
- always wipe from front to back after urinating and bowel movement,
- pee after intercourse,
- wash the genitals after sex to clear out bacteria,
- avoid holding urine for long periods of time,
- drink lots of water,
- keep the genitals clean and dry,
- during periods change your sanitary napkin or tampon frequently and
- Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice also helps prevent UTIs.