Periods and UTI: Is There A Link?

What is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection of any part of the urinary system, which includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria that enter your urethra (the tube through which urine exits your body). Escherichia coli (E. coli) are the main pathogenic factor, accounting for up to 90% of urinary tract infections.

Most UTIs affect your urethra and bladder. However, if left untreated, a UTI can spread upwards and affect your ureters (the pair of tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder) and kidneys. 

UTIs can range from a simple infection and inflammation of the urinary bladder (cystitis) to more complicated and life-threatening conditions like urosepsis if the bacteria spread to your bloodstream. In many cases, UTIs can cause symptoms, but not in all cases.

What are the tell-tale signs of a UTI? Symptoms of UTIs during periods include:

• Pain and burning sensation while peeing (dysuria).
• Need to pee more frequently.
• Passing only small quantities of pee at a time.
• Need to pee suddenly or urgently.
• Strong-smelling urine that looks cloudy.
• Pain in your lower tummy, pelvic region or lower back.
• Fever and chills.

How Menstrual Cycles May Influence UTI Risk

Why do many women experience UTIs around their periods? Certain changes taking place in your body during your menstrual cycles may increase the risk of infections, including UTIs. Here’s a list of potential causes:

Hormonal Changes and UTIs

• Hormonal fluctuations, particularly those of oestrogen and progesterone, are a normal part of your menstrual cycle. During your periods, oestrogen levels are at the lowest, making your vaginal and urethral areas more susceptible to bacterial growth. This increases the risk of UTIs.

Altered pH Levels

• Menstruation can cause changes in the pH of the vagina and surrounding tissues. A study showed that vaginal pH was significantly higher during menstruation. Increased vaginal pH disrupts the natural balance and makes your vagina and urethra more hospitable to harmful bacteria, and increases the risk of UTIs.

Use of Pads and Tampons

• Women commonly use pads and tampons for menstrual hygiene purposes. However, with your hectic work schedules, it might not always be possible to change them on time. Prolonged use of the same pad or tampon can create a suitable damp environment for bacterial growth and proliferation, which also increases the chances of UTIs during menstruation.

Stress

• In some women, periods might cause severe pain and cramps, disrupting their daily activities and leading to stress. Stress leads to high levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in your blood, which, together with the hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, throws your body off balance, weakens your immunity and makes you more prone to infections like UTIs.
• Read more - Guide to Managing Stress for a Healthier Mind and Body.

Why Women Are More Prone to UTIs During Their Periods

Wondering why women are more prone to UTIs than men? It is all about how our bodies are made. Also, natural processes like menstruation and the associated hormonal fluctuations can make you more prone to infections.

1. Anatomy

Did you know?

The female urethra is just 3-4 centimetres long, while the male urethra is 20 centimetres long.

Women have a shorter urethra compared to men, which makes it easier for harmful bacteria to enter your bladder and cause inflammation and infections.

2. Menstrual Hygiene Practices

Using sanitary products like pads and tampons during your periods, especially the same one for prolonged periods of time, causes hygiene issues – they create a warm and moist environment suitable for bacterial growth.

3. Weak Immune Response

Hormonal fluctuations and stress associated with menstruation can weaken your immunity, reducing your body’s ability to fight off disease-causing microbes, including those that cause UTIs.

Preventive Measures to Reduce UTI Risk During Periods

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some expert-recommended tips to help prevent UTIs during periods:

1. Maintain Proper Hygiene

Practising period hygiene tips, such as changing pads and tampons at regular intervals, can prevent bacterial buildup and reduce the chances of UTIs. Wash and dry your genital region after you’ve had a bowel movement to prevent E. coli from spreading to the urethra.

2. Stay Hydrated

• The secret to pollution is dilution. What does that mean? Even if harmful bacteria enter your bladder through the urethra, drinking plenty of water can lead to more urine production and excretion, which flushes out these harmful microbes before they get a chance to grow and multiply.
• Read more - Guide to Understanding the Connection Between Hydration and Optimal Menstrual Health.

3. Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks

• Excessive sugar is not good for your overall health and can definitely irritate your bladder and make it susceptible to infections.

4. Pee Before and After Sex

• Peeing before and immediately after sex flushes out any bacteria that have entered your urethra. This prevents the microbes from moving up into your bladder. 

5. Choose the Right Products

• Washing your genital areas with a mild soap and water is enough to keep them clean. Always choose hygiene products that are hypoallergenic and unscented to prevent vaginal irritation and alteration of pH. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleaches and scented douches in your private areas, as well as strong detergents for washing your undergarments.

6. Wipe Properly

• Make sure to keep your genital area clean and dry at all times. Always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anal region from spreading to the urethra. 

Signs to Watch For

We have already seen the symptoms of UTIs. If you are experiencing any of these signs, like burning and pain while peeing, pain in your pelvic region or lower back, or increased frequency and urgency to pee, seek medical attention. 

Early diagnosis and treatment of UTIs can prevent the infection from spreading upwards into your kidneys or the bloodstream, which can lead to serious complications like:

1. Repeated Infections:

Some women experience chronic, recurrent urinary tract infections, which means they have two or more episodes of UTIs within six months or within a year.

2. Kidney Infections:

If UTI spreads up to your kidneys, it can lead to pyelonephritis, which causes severe lower back pain, vomiting, high fever and chills.

3. Sepsis:

If UTIs are left untreated, bacteria from your urinary system can enter your bloodstream and cause sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition.

4. Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease:

Recurrent UTIs or untreated UTIs which affect your kidneys can gradually slow down kidney functions and increase the risk of chronic kidney disease.

Wrapping Up

Are UTIs and periods directly linked? No. Your urinary system and reproductive system are two separate groups of organs carrying out different bodily functions. However, in women, certain factors related to your menstrual cycle can increase the likelihood of developing a UTI. 

Natural hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, the short length of the female urethra, the anatomic proximity of your urethra and vagina, and hygiene-related causes are the major reasons why women experience UTI around their periods.

Periods themselves can be challenging with all the bleeding and cramping, and a UTI on top of that can be even more uncomfortable and frustrating. Understanding why UTIs are so common during periods can help you take the necessary preventive measures and reduce the risk of contracting it, thereby maintaining urinary health during your menstrual cycle.