Why Tracking Your Symptoms Can Help
Now, I dont know about you, but I love a good spreadsheet. And its amazing how much more fulfilling a health regimen can be when you plot it out, then mark off your progress daily. Feels so goooood.
I downloaded a counter on my phone to track how many days since my last UTI at the very least I would see how long I could last between episodes.
Every morning I woke up and looked at my counter. After 30 days I started to feel my first glimmer of hope. I was still getting twinges and minor symptoms, but nothing I couldnt handle.
My first milestone came around that time, when I went hiking with my partner. Without a map, without a compass, and without enough water. We got lost. We were out there for 10 hours and I was dehydrated.
But I didnt get a UTI. And I didnt even think about it until I was home safe again. That alone blew my mind. This thing that had been my focus for four years had somehow become an afterthought.
The counter kept going up. 45 days, 60 days, 90 days since a UTI. I suddenly felt like declaring myself officially healed of recurrent UTIs at the six month point might not be so far-fetched.
Sometime, around three months in, I had a relapse of symptoms and upped some elements of my regimen in response. That UTI never happened and my count remained intact.
Six months came and went and I set my sights on a year UTI free.
Amazingly, my UTI regimen also cleared up my yeast infections. Four years later, Ive not had even the slightest hint of one returning.
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.
Can Antibiotics Delay Your Period
If your UTI is caused by bacteria, you will be prescribed antibiotics to cure the infection.
Antibiotics work by killing or stopping bacteria from multiplying. Most antibiotics dont impact your hormones that regulate ovulation and menstruation.
Lower tract UTIs, the most common type, typically respond well to oral antibiotics. The most commonly used antibiotics for lower tract, simple UTIs are:
- cephalexin
- nitrofurantoin
None of these medications have been shown to delay menstruation.
One antibiotic, rifampin, may impact upon hormonal levels, causing your period to be late. Rifampin used with trimethoprim can be effective against UTIs, but is not commonly prescribed for this condition.
Upper tract UTIs may require intravenous antibiotics, such as Vabomere. Theres no data linking Vabomere to a delay in menstruation.
If you are sexually active and your period is late, the first reason which may come to mind is pregnancy.
If youre not pregnant, there are other health conditions which may delay your period. They include:
In addition to a late or missed period, some symptoms of early pregnancy may seem like a UTI. They include:
- fatigue
- nausea
- frequent urination
Its possible to have a urinary tract infection during pregnancy. The best way to know for sure is to call your doctor.
If you have a UTI, taking antibiotics or another recommended form of treatment is essential for getting back on the road to health.
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Your Pee Smells Like A Kitty Litter Box
Urine that smells like ammoniaa pungent chemical commonly used in kitty litter and window cleanersis one of the first really noticeable signs of a urinary tract infection, says ob-gyn Sherry Ross, MD, women’s health expert and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide To Women’s Intimate Health.
Stinky pee can be a side effect of many things, ranging from medical issueslike other types of infectionsto silly things, like eating certain foods. Still, it can be difficult to know what’s causing the down-there smell, so give your doc a call, Dr. Ross says.
One of the main determinants in terms of *what* type of infection you’re dealing with is discharge, says ob-gyn “Dr. Lady Doctor,” Kelly Culwell, MD. “Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or sexually transmitted infections will have vaginal discharge as one of the symptoms, which doesn’t happen with UTIs,” she notes.
Urinary Tract Infection Diet
There is no specific diet that will treat a UTI, but there are certain foods you can add to your diet to reduce the risk of UTIs.
Berries are full of antioxidants and ideal for keeping bacteria at bay. Cranberries are known to help with UTIs, but other berries like blueberries are also beneficial. You also want to eat plenty of yogurt because its beneficial probiotics prevent bacteria from living in your urinary tract.
In addition to this, there are certain things to avoid when you want to prevent UTIs. If you have a UTI, you need to avoid caffeine and alcohol until the infection is cleared because these drinks can irritate your bladder. You also want to avoid acidic and spicy foods during an infection.
Citrus fruit after an infection is great for preventing future problems because of the high vitamin C content.
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How Are Urinary Tract Infections Diagnosed
Your doctor will use the following tests to diagnose a urinary tract infection:
- Urinalysis: This test will examine the urine for red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria. The number of white and red blood cells found in your urine can actually indicate an infection.
- Urine culture: A urine culture is used to determine the type of bacteria in your urine. This is an important test because it helps determine the appropriate treatment.
If your infection does not respond to treatment or if you keep getting infections over and over again, your doctor may use the following tests to examine your urinary tract for disease or injury:
- Ultrasound: In this test, sound waves create an image of the internal organs. This test is done on top of your skin, is painless and doesnt typically need any preparation.
- Cystoscopy: This test uses a special instrument fitted with a lens and a light source to see inside the bladder from the urethra.
- CT scan: Another imaging test, a CT scan is a type of X-ray that takes cross sections of the body . This test is much more precise than typical X-rays.
What Is The Long
UTIs become more serious the further the infection spreads, so seeking prompt medical treatment is essential to a positive outlook.
UTIs can be prevented by staying hydrated each day and not holding urine in for long periods of time. You can also reduce the risk by regularly including cranberries in your diet.
Most UTIs will go away after treatment, but some can become recurrent. The same bacteria are usually the cause of recurrent infections, but in most cases, you can get rid of recurring infections too.
In This Article
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Cranberry Juice Really Might Help
We’ve all heard that cranberry juice is great for your bladder. While a helping of cranberry can’t treat an infection, drinking cranberry juice in addition to staying hydrated generally might be helpful for supporting the health of your urinary tract. The theory is that interferes with the bacterial ability to adhere to the bladder wall, says Dr. Ashton.
What Is The Prognosis For A Person With A Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections typically respond very well to treatment. A UTI can be uncomfortable before you start treatment, but once your healthcare provider identifies the type of bacteria and prescribes the right antibiotic medication, your symptoms should improve quickly. Its important to keep taking your medication for the entire amount of time your healthcare provider prescribed. If you have frequent UTIs or if your symptoms arent improving, your provider may test to see if its an antibiotic-resistant infection. These are more complicated infections to treat and may require intravenous antibiotics or alternative treatments.
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Is It My Fault That I Keep Getting Utis
Even the second or third time you get a UTI it can seem like a bit of a coincidence. The words recurrent urinary tract infections dont really register at this stage. You figure you just havent been sleeping enough.
Or maybe youve been fighting a virus and your immune system is just having a rough time.
Denial is probably the most accurate word for this phase. I was just so certain the antibiotics would work every time. Even though they didnt.
Selling my business and packing up my life for a move overseas was my priority, and the frequent trips to the doctor for antibiotics were more of a nuisance than cause for concern.
I thought I was being responsible when I asked my doctor for antibiotics to take abroad with me in case I got another UTI. That optimism is almost laughable now.
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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Many Women Report Utis In Conjunction With Or Immediately Following Their Menstrual Cycle
Many women who struggle with chronic UTIs notice trends in the timing of their infections. These trends should be taken seriously as they may give insight into how they can be appropriately managed. Many women report UTIs in conjunction with or immediately following their menstrual cycle. There is a limited amount of quality research on the topic, with mixed findings, but the magnitude of anecdotal evidence suggests that this association does exist. The mechanism of why UTIs might be linked to periods is not completely understood. However, there are a few biological changes during the menstrual cycle that are likely factors.
Higher vaginal pH during menstruation could increase the risk of UTIs in this window by impacting the vaginal microbiome.
Higher vaginal pH during menstruation could increase the risk of UTIs in this window by impacting the vaginal microbiome.
What Are Chronic Urinary Tract Infections
A chronic urinary tract infection is a repeated or prolonged bacterial infection of the bladder or urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
While urinary tract infections are common, some women suffer from repeated or recurrent infections .
Women suffering from chronic urinary tract infections may have:
- Two or more infections in a 6-month period and/or three or more infections in a 12-month period
- Symptoms that don’t disappear within 24 to 48 hours after treatment begins
- A urinary tract infection that lasts longer than two weeks
Chronic urinary tract infections can be a painful and frustrating disorder, but effective treatment is available.
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You Need To See Your Doctor
If you’re feeling the burn, dont wait around. You need to see a doctor to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the urinary tract. While over-the-counter remedies help you feel better , only antibiotics can cure an active infection.
Your doc can take a urine sample and do a rapid, in-office test for infection. Sometimes other problems like yeast infections can mimic the symptoms of a UTI, so she’ll want to know exactly what’s going on. If the test is positive, she can prescribe the correct antibiotic.
While all UTIs require prompt treatment, this is particularly important if youre pregnant. If you dont treat it, even in the early phases, it can cause early labor, says Dr. Carusi
Uti Causes And Risk Factors
The most common cause of a UTI in the urethra is a sexually transmitted disease. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two STDs that can cause a UTI. STDs are also the most common cause of UTIs in younger men.
Prostate problems can also cause UTIs. An enlarged prostate is common in older men and can block the flow of urine. This can increase the odds that bacteria will build up and cause a UTI.
Prostatitis, which is an infection of the prostate, shares many of the same symptoms as UTIs.
Diabetes and other medical issues that affect your immune system can also make you more likely to get a UTI.
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Leaving Uti Anxiety Behind
Out of fear, leftover antibiotics had become a permanent feature in my bag. If I changed bags, the antibiotics came with me. I never opened them, but they were my psychological backup.
Around the nine month mark I made the momentous decision to leave the antibiotics behind. It might sound overly dramatic, but tearing up your safety blanket and tossing it to the wind IS huge. I hadnt taken antibiotics in nine months, but I still relied on their presence, psychologically speaking.
When I embarked on my healing regimen, I envisioned massive celebrations at the one year mark, for I would then be officially free of recurrent urinary tract infections. In reality, I had put UTIs so far behind me that it was almost a non-event.
I did have some celebratory drinks, with an emphasis on the fact I COULD drink alcohol without fearing a UTI.
How Is A Vaginal Yeast Infection Treated
The treatment your doctor prescribes depends on the severity of your infection as well as how often you tend to get them. Yeast infections are most commonly treated with:
- a one-time dose of fluconazole , a triazole antifungal medication that stops Candida fungus from multiplying pregnant women should not take fluconazole
- a short course of antifungal medication inserted into the vagina for three to seven days
- an over-the-counter cream, ointment, tablet or suppository medication like miconazole or terconazole these are most effective for mild yeast infections
For recurring or severe yeast infections, your doctor may prescribe the following treatments:
- azole resident therapy, which involves inserting a boric acid capsule into your vagina its used to treat yeast infections that do not respond to other antifungal medications
- a longer course of antifungal medication that involves inserting the medication into your vagina daily for up to two weeks, and then once a week for six months
- two single doses of fluconazole, taken three days apart
Be aware that if you use a cream or suppository to treat your yeast infection, you cannot depend on a condom or diaphragm for birth control. The oils in some medications can weaken latex, which is the material most commonly used in these contraceptive devices.
There are some simple home remedies that, when used in combination with your doctors treatment, may help to speed up your recovery.
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Is There Any Correlation Between Utis And Your Menstrual Cycle
Anyone whos ever had a urinary tract infection knows that those nasty buggers can be PAINFUL. Constantly having to pee, but being in extreme pain when you *do* pee?! Why, Mother Nature, whyyyy.
While UTIs are generally correlated with sexual activity, they tend to appear around your period, board-certified gynecologist Dr. Felice Gersh of Integrative Medical Group of Irvine said. Estrogen is anti-inflammatory and this hormone is at its lowest during your menstrual bleed, so you can be more susceptible during this time.
Oh, thats fun.
Naturally, those of us who are more prone to UTIs do everything we can to avoid them. Pee right after sex, wipe front to back, all that good stuff. These are things you should always be doing, but be extra conscientious around that time of the month. Because is there anything worse than the mere thought of getting a UTI on your period?
Answer: nope.
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Causes Of Cystitis During Your Period
Some women are more prone to cystitis during menstruation. And while burning urination is never fun it can be particularly loathsome when you have your period. In this article, I explain why this can happen and offer my advice on how you can help ease and prevent cystitis naturally, even when it occurs during your period.
Siobhán Carroll
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How My Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections Began
I was going through a stressful relationship breakup, and selling my business, and was completely run down.
I was still exercising daily, and had a fairly healthy vegetarian diet, but stress took its toll.
The UTI hit me fast. The pain was just as intense as I remembered, but I didnt panic quite as much as the first time. I knew Id get antibiotics when I showed up at the emergency room.
Plus, I didnt have time to think about it. Life was way too hectic for me to put extra energy towards my health.
Just as with my first UTI, the antibiotics worked and I dismissed it. But the symptoms crept back. A month later I was at a friends farm when it got so bad I had to make a run for the hospital.
Driving more than an hour was too much for me and I ended up squatting on the side of a dangerous road in the dark more than once.
Recurrent urinary tract infections had officially become a part of my life, though I had no idea of this at time.
The thing is, when it first hits you, its out of the blue, and you never imagine this is going to be your life now. You take antibiotics, it goes away, youre generally healthy, so chances are it was just an anomaly.