Urine Infection During Periods – Discomfort during your menstrual cycle is common for many women, but when a urinary tract infection (UTI) comes on, the pain can be worse. A UTI during your menstrual period can cause interesting issues, burning while urinating, lower abdominal cramps, an increased urge to urinate, and sometimes cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Some of those symptoms are similar, if not the same as some general period issues. When a UTI develops during your period it can be difficult to line up the two and easier to think you are simply dealing with period issues. Knowing how your period and UTI symptoms can correlate may help you identify the problem sooner and successfully treat the UTI at home.
Urine Infection During Periods – Why It Happens
There are a variety of ways the menstrual cycle may affect urinary health. Fluctuation of hormones, hygiene practices, and immune response during menses can all increase the likelihood of infections. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Hormonal changes that influence bladder sensitivity
- Inadequate menstrual hygiene or extended use of a pad
- Extended use of tampons without changing them
- Higher than normal vaginal secretions which may result in bacterial spreading to the urinary tract
- Wiping from back to front after using the toilet
- Decreased water intake during menses which decreases the flow of urine
All these conditions create an increased chance for bacteria to enter your urethra and create an infection.
Urine Infection During Periods – Stay Hydrated and Flush Toxins
Drinking more water can help the body naturally flush out harmful bacteria from the bladder.
Ways to stay hydrated are to:
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water during the day.
- Consider herbal teas like ginger and fennel to help with cramps and urination.
- Avoid sugary drinks or caffeinated beverages- these can irritate the bladder.
Proper hydration can lessen burning and help urination feel smoother during your period..
Leg Pain Due to Urine Infection
Warm Water Sitz Bath with Turmeric or Salt
Taking a sitz bath is one of the best ways to comfort the symptoms associated with a period and UTI.
Directions:
- Fill a shallow tub or basin with warm water
- Add a pinch of turmeric (or 1-2 tablespoons of salt)
- Sit in the bath for 15-20 minutes once or twice a day
Turmeric and salt reduce bacterial growth, relieve itching, and soothe the pelvic area.
Urine Infection During Periods – Change Pads Frequently
Good menstrual hygiene is imperative when it comes to preventing and managing UTIs.
Here are some tips:
- Change sanitary pads at least every 4-6 hours.
- Don’t use any scented products such as perfumed pads or wipes.
- Wear clean cotton underwear that allows your genital area to breathe.
- Gently wash your intimate area with plain water and avoid using soap.
Keeping the area clean during your period helps to prevent infection and minimizes any smell or discomfort.
Fenugreek and Cinnamon Water for Internal Relief
These two spices have inherent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that calm UTI symptoms and also regulate hormones.
How to make:
- Soak 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds overnight and drink the water in the morning on an empty stomach
- Boil a stick of cinnamon in water, strain the mixture and drink it once a day.
This will help with heavy menstrual flow and irritation of the urinary tract.
Urine Infection During Periods Cranberry Juice or Capsules for Protection
Urine Infection During Periods Cranberry is a popular natural remedy to stop bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls.
Use it this way:
- Drink 1 glass of unsweetened cranberry juice a day
- Or take cranberry supplements (after consulting with a healthcare professional about their use).
This remedy will work best with plenty of water and good hygiene.
Urine Infection During Periods – Yogurt for Good Bacteria
Yogurt contains probiotics which can help replenish the healthy bacteria in you body.
How to use:
- Eat one bowl of plain, unsweetened yogurt every day.
- You can also use a small amount externally (only around the outer vaginal area) if there is irritation.
Probiotics can help strengthen your immune response and reduce your chance of recurring infections.
Urine Infection During Periods When to See a Doctor
Urine Infection During Periods If you experience symptoms of blood in urine (not menstrual), pain with urination, fever, or foul-smelling skin (after your period), you should make an appointment with a physician. These symptoms could indicate a serious infection that might require antibiotics or further evaluation.
Conclusion
Having a urine infection during your period can feel like an insomniac hamster wheel, but don’t fret; it can be managed. Here are some simple remedies for covering off hydration, sitz baths, eating food rich in probiotics and practicing good hygiene! It is not uncommon for your period and a UTI to overlap. However, taking care of yourself early and naturally as best as you can will greatly reduce discomfort and can help prevent another infection. You should always listen to your body, especially if you feel the extent of your symptoms is quite severe or does not go away. Always seek a medical professional’s advice.
