Top Questions About Your Menstrual Cycle Answered
Periods are characterized by bleeding from the uterus through the vagina and indicate the beginning of a new reproductive cycle. While periods are a normal biological occurrence, there are still some questions surrounding this phenomenon.
Kate Shkodzik, a medical specialist at Flo, answers the most commonly asked questions about periods.
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:
Can Ovulation Feel Like A Uti
Ovulation pain varies from woman to woman and, as MacKay says, may either be a dull ache or a sharper pain. 37-year-old Jasmin Harsono says she experiences: A sharp pressing pain at the exact time and side where Im ovulating, and I also get symptoms of a urinary tract infection around the same time.
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- Home pregnancy test is positive
- You want a pregnancy test done in the office
- Sexual intercourse within the last 3 months
- Recent breast swelling, weight gain or nausea
- Teen acts sick
- Has missed 2 or more periods and prior periods were regular
- Recent weight loss
Recent Stress Causing Late Period
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What Causes Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs usually happen because bacteria enter the urethra, then make their way up into the bladder and cause an infection. Girls get UTIs much more often than guys, most likely due to differences in the shape and length of the urethra. Girls have shorter urethras than guys, and the opening lies closer to the anus and the vagina, where bacteria are likely to be.
Bacteria can get into the urethra several ways. During sex, for example, bacteria in the vaginal area may be pushed into the urethra and eventually end up in the bladder, where pee provides a good environment for the bacteria to grow. This is why females who are sexually active often get UTIs.
Bacteria may also get into a girls bladder if she wipes from back to front after a bowel movement , which can contaminate the urethral opening. The use of spermicides and diaphragms as contraceptives also may increase the risk of UTIs.
Sexually transmitted diseases may cause UTI-like symptoms, such as pain with peeing. This is due to the inflammation and irritation of the urethra or vagina thats sometimes associated with chlamydia and other STDs. If untreated, STDs can lead to serious long-term problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Unlike UTIs, STDs are contagious.
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Can Antibiotics Affect Your Period
To diagnose you with a urinary tract infection, your doctor may ask for a urine sample that they can take to the lab.
If the lab finds indications that you are suffering from a UTIusually by finding red or white blood cells or bacteria in your urineyour doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to help you fight off your infection.
They may also tell you to drink lots of water and make other lifestyle changes to stave off future infections.
The antibiotic your doctor prescribes will often depend on your health history, cost considerations, and the type of bacteria that they find in your urine. Common medications include :
In complicated cases or infections the prove difficult to treat, doctors may prescribe amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium , ciprofloxacin , or levofloxacin to eradicate bacteria and soothe UTI symptoms.
If your infection is advanced, you have a fever, or you are pregnant, you may need antibiotics via an IV.
In that case, your doctor might recommend ceftriaxone, gentamicin, or tobramycin to treat your condition.
Antibiotics work by helping your bodys immune system fight bacteria.
Most do not interact with your reproductive system or affect your period.
Of all the antibiotics doctors prescribe to treat UTIs, only one, rifampin , may impact your hormones or delay your monthly cycle.
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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.
Why Are Your Kidneys Important
The kidneys are our bodys main filter, cleaning close to 180 to 200 quarts of blood every day. For the average person, the kidneys clean and produce one to two quarts of urine. Urine is created by pulling water and waste from your bloodstream. In normal circumstances, urine travels from the kidneys down to the bladder and out through the urethra.
Additionally, the kidneys control waste removal, as well as manage electrolyte, fluid, red blood cell, and blood pressure levels. Unfortunately, kidney infections and disease can cause period changes, other painful symptoms, as well as lead to life-threatening health issues.
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How Long Without A Period Is Normal
Menstrual cycles that are 2135 days long are considered normal. A period is considered late if its more than five days past its expected start date.
Sometimes a period delay can be due to stress or rapid weight loss.
More rarely, it may be a sign of an endocrine condition like polycystic ovary syndrome , thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, or another health issue. If your period is late, take a pregnancy test and dont hesitate to visit a health care provider.
If your periods are late for several months, make sure to consult a health care provider to figure out possible underlying reasons.
Women Taking The Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
If you are taking a fixed-dose combined oral contraceptive pill then simply start the next pack without the usual seven-day break. Taking two packs back-to-back in this way is safe if it is done occasionally. You still only need to have a seven-day break at the end of these two packets.
If you are taking a triphasic or biphasic type of pill then you will need to take the last phase of the pills from the second pack immediately after finishing the first pack. Alternatively, you can change to a fixed-dose pill.
You should see your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are not sure which pill you are taking. The pills most commonly used are fixed-dose. If it is triphasic or biphasic usually the colour of the pill or the packet will not be the same throughout the month.
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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.
I Have A Big Increase In Hunger Before My Period Is That Normal
Increased hunger, anxiety, mood fluctuations, headache, and weight gain are all common premenstrual symptoms. Premenstrual symptoms are the result of cyclic changes in progesterone and estrogen, and fluctuations in serotonin.
Most people experience premenstrual symptoms before their period. As long as these symptoms do not disrupt everyday life, there is nothing to be concerned about.
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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.
Can You Test For A Uti On Your Period
Unfortunately, at-home UTI tests such as Utivas 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.
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What Are The Very Early Signs Of Pregnancy
The most common early signs and symptoms of pregnancy might include: Missed period. If youre in your childbearing years and a week or more has passed without the start of an expected menstrual cycle, you might be pregnant. Tender, swollen breasts. Nausea with or without vomiting. Increased urination. Fatigue.
You Have No Symptoms At All
Sometimes a UTI may show very minor symptoms or no symptoms at all, Ross says. This is one reason why she advises women to still have regular checkups with their gynecologists even if theyre not in need of a Pap smear.
Regular pelvic exams can help diagnose urinary tract infections before they cause detectable issues, she says. Ideally, you should have one per year.
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Can Chlamydia And Other Stis Make You Miss Your Period
Hopefully, the information we presented here has helped you understand STIs, symptoms, and how they can impact your period. To summarize, STIs usually wont make you miss your period, but it is more likely if an untreated STI has progressed to PID. In addition to missed periods, PID can also cause spotting between periods.
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What Is A Urinary Tract Infection
As its name suggests, a UTI is the infection of the urinary system which includes the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. Most of the infections occur in the lower urinary tract which includes the bladder and urethra. A UTI can be a painful experience for a sufferer and symptoms include:
- a burning sensation when urinating
- constant need to urinate
- passing small amounts of urine frequently
- urine with a strong smell
- cloudy urine
- pelvic pain
A UTI affects different parts of the urinary tract and, there are specific signs and symptoms depending on which part is infected:
- bladder discomfort in the lower abdomen, urination that is frequent and painful, blood in the urine, pelvic pressure
- kidneys pain on the upper back and side, high fever, nausea, vomiting, shaking and chills.
- urethra burning sensation when peeing, discharge
UTI occurs when bacteria gets into the urinary tract by way of the urethra and multiply in the bladder. Your urinary system is designed to keep them out, but there are occasions when they fail. The uncontrolled growth of bacteria is what leads to infections.
Normal case UTIs can be treated with antibiotics but more severe varieties may need hospital treatment.
There are ways to limit the risk of UTIs , and these include:
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How Can I Make My Period Come Earlier
People who are taking birth control pills can switch to placebo pills to schedule their period. However, taking placebo pills during the first 10 days of the pack can lead to heavy and prolonged periods. Its better to consult a health care provider before making a switch.
Some people claim that vitamin C, ginger, parsley, turmeric, or other herbs can induce periods. However, there is no reliable scientific evidence that they work.
What Can You Do To Prevent Utis
There are several measures you can adopt to prevent UTIs:
- Make sure to wipe from front to back after peeing and pooping to avoid bacteria from travelling to your urethra from your anus.
- Always pee after you have sex.
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
- Try to keep the genitals clean and dry at all times.
- Make sure to clean the toilet seat in public urinals before sitting on them, or try not to touch the seat at all while peeing in public toilets.
- Thoroughly wash your genitals post-sex to get rid of any bacteria.
- Try not to hold in pee for long durations.
- Unsweetened cranberry juice is known to help prevent UTIs.
- Dont wear the same pad or tampon for more than recommended durations, or change them frequently if you are very prone to UTIs.
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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.
Is It Normal To Have Periods Twice A Month
For menstrual cycles that are 21 days long, its possible to have a period twice during one calendar month. However, bleeding twice or more during one menstrual cycle, blood after sex, or bleeding that stops and then starts again after several days could indicate a health issue.
Hormonal imbalance, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and cervical neoplasia can cause irregular bleeding. If there is any bloody vaginal discharge outside of a normal period, visit a health care provider to find out whats causing it.
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Can A Uti And Yeast Infection Delay Or Stop Your Period
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How Many Days Late Can A Period Be Before Worrying About Pregnancy
You can take a pregnancy test about two weeks after your estimated ovulation day, but the earlier you take a test the less accurate it may be and some brands are more sensitive than others . You should probably take a pregnancy test or contact your healthcare provider if your period is nine or more days late.
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Can You Be 14 Days Late And Not Be Pregnant
Some people have their period every 28 days like clockwork. But most people will experience a late or missed period at least once without being pregnant, and thats perfectly normal. For many, a late period can trigger thoughts of potential pregnancy. But a late period doesnt necessarily mean that youre pregnant.
You’re Experiencing Early Menopause
One of the defining signs of menopause is the total disappearance of the menstrual cycle for more than 12 months. Most individuals who have a menstrual cycle anticipate they will experience this sometime during their late 40s or early 50s. But for some, it can happen earlier.
Perimenopause refers to the temporary stage right before full-blown menopause occurs. During this time, the ovaries start to produce less estrogen than normal, which causes you to get your period less often.
Even if you’re below the typical menopausal age, this is not something you should rule out entirely. The American Pregnancy Association says one out of every 1,000 women between age 15 and 29 will experience premature menopause.
In general, if your late period is accompanied by night sweats or vaginal dryness, you may want to ask your doctor about checking for perimenopause.
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