UTIs Unveiled: How Menstrual Cycles Can Impact Urinary Tract Health
Did You Know Your Period Can Cause UTIs?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are incredibly common among women, with nearly 1 in 2 women experiencing a UTI in their lifetime. What many women don’t realize is that their menstrual cycle can influence their risk of developing a UTI.
In this post, we’ll break down the connection between your monthly cycle and UTIs. You’ll learn why you may be more likely to get a UTI around your period, how to differentiate period UTIs from other UTIs, and most importantly, how to prevent these pesky infections from ruining your cycle every month.
Let’s dive in!
What is a UTI?
A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The main types of UTIs are:
- Bladder infection (cystitis) – This is the most common type of UTI, causing inflammation of the bladder. Symptoms include pelvic pain, frequent and painful urination, and blood in the urine.
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) – This type infects one or both kidneys. It causes upper back and side pain, high fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Without treatment, it can permanently damage the kidneys.
Common symptoms of all UTIs include:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Frequent urge to urinate, even when little urine comes out
- Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain or pressure, especially around the pubic bone
- Low-grade fever and chills
UTIs are very common, especially in women due to their shorter urethras. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to relieve symptoms and prevent complications like kidney infections.
Why are Women Prone to UTIs?
Compared to men, women face a greater risk of developing a UTI for several anatomical reasons:
- Women have a shorter urethra, which allows bacteria quick access to the bladder. The female urethra is only about 1.5 inches long, whereas a male’s urethra is 8 inches. This shorter distance makes it easier for bacteria to enter a woman’s urinary tract.
- A woman’s urethral opening is positioned closer to the anus and vagina, where bacteria naturally reside. The proximity provides more opportunities for bacteria to migrate into the urethra and infect the urinary tract.
- The urethra’s location near the vagina also increases the chance of bacteria entering the urinary tract during sexual intercourse. This is why some women experience UTIs following sex.
- Hormonal changes, especially during menstruation and menopause, may create a vaginal environment more susceptible to harmful bacteria that can then infect the urinary tract.
So essentially, female anatomy and hormonal fluctuations create the optimal conditions for UTIs to occur. Men generally have lower UTI risk thanks to their longer urethra and the positioning of their urinary opening farther from the anus.
How do Menstrual Cycles Increase UTI Risk?
The hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle can make women more prone to UTIs in the days leading up to their period. There are two main reasons for this:
Hormonal changes around menstruation can promote the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. Estrogen levels peak just before and during the first few days of a period. This estrogen surge can increase glycogen (sugars) in vaginal secretions, allowing certain bacteria like E. coli to proliferate more easily in the urethra and bladder.
The menstrual cycle also causes changes in vaginal pH levels and fluid volume. Right before and during your period, the pH becomes less acidic and the cervix secretes blood and tissue into the vagina. This creates a more welcoming environment for bacteria. The blood and pH changes essentially make the urinary tract more vulnerable to infection during this time of the month.
Tips to prevent Period UTIs
Menstrual cycles can increase the risk of UTIs, but there are several things you can do to help prevent them during your period:
- Pee before and after sex – Flushing out your urinary tract before and after intercourse can help remove bacteria that may have been introduced.
- Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of fluids can help dilute your urine and allow you to urinate more frequently, helping to flush out bacteria.
- Wipe front-to-back – Wiping from front to back after using the toilet can help prevent bacteria from spreading from your anus to your urethra.
- Avoid potentially irritating products – Using deodorant sprays or douches in the genital area can irritate the urethra. Avoid these products or use alternatives during your period.
- Take showers instead of baths – Baths can introduce bacteria into the urethral opening. Showers are better for avoiding UTIs.
When to See a Doctor?
UTIs can usually clear up within 2-3 days with at-home treatment and lifestyle adjustments. However, you should see a doctor right away if:
- The UTI lasts longer than 2-3 days after starting treatment
- You develop a fever along with UTI symptoms
- The pain becomes severe or unbearable
Other concerning symptoms arise like back/flank pain, chills, nausea/vomiting, or blood in the urine
Seeking prompt medical care is crucial if the UTI is not improving or worsening. Lingering or advancing infections can spread to the kidneys, leading to more serious complications. Do not hesitate to visit urgent care or the ER if your UTI is severe, accompanied by a fever, or not getting better within 72 hours.
