Urinary infections during menstruation

Urinary infections during menstruation are quite common; therefore, it is not surprising to feel intense pain when urinating when you are "in those days".

The cause of these infections are bacteria. And the most common is E-Coli, present in the intestine and within reach of the urethra, which often leads to cystitis or inflammation of the bladder. Due to the female anatomy they are more common in them.

Keep reading to learn about urinary infections from all sides and you can avoid them during your period. The idea is to help you maintain your well-being, no matter what day of the month it is.

Why do urinary tract infections occur during menstruation?

Urinary infections or cystitis are an infection of the bladder and urethra, organs that expel urine from the body. It can be caused by any type of microorganism: bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, although most frequently it is bacterial.

Women tend to suffer more from intimate infections due to the anatomy of their lower urinary tract, with the pelvis, urethra, bladder, uterus and rectum being in a very small sector.

In addition, the female urethra is very short and its end is located inside the vagina, a place populated by bacteria that, when they move towards the bladder or urethra, are very aggressive and cause infections.

To this we add that, during menstruation, the production of estrogen and progesterone increase, also the pH is unbalanced as a result of the elimination of cellular debris and the formation of endometrial scales.

This causes the temperature and humidity to promote an ideal environment for bacteria to develop and there is a greater possibility of having infections in the vaginal region.

What are the symptoms of urinary infections?

The first urine infection can be a scary experience, and once you've had one, you'll definitely know when you have another.

Important: Seek immediate medical attention if you have a fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.

Factors that predispose to urinary infections

There are triggering situations that increase the probability of urinary infections. Here I mention a few:

How is a urinary infection diagnosed?

Doctors rely on the patient's medical history, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests. They ask if there is a history of health problems that cause susceptibility to any type of urinary infection, as well as the symptoms.

In addition, they can request:

• Urinalysis: A urine sample is obtained in a special container at the doctor's office or a laboratory. From there, the bacteria and white blood cells that the body produces to fight infections are analyzed. The bacteria can also be found in the urine of healthy people, so a UTI is diagnosed based on laboratory results plus symptoms.
• Urine culture: In some cases, a urine culture may be needed to see what type of bacteria is causing the infection. It is recommended when you have repeated infections or certain medical problems.

Can there be complications as a result of a urinary infection?

When treated promptly and properly, complications from lower urinary tract infections are rare. But if it is left untreated or the treatment is not adequate, it can have serious consequences.

Complications of a urinary infection may include:

Can a urinary infection be prevented?

The answer is yes. To do this, you can take the following measures:

Remember: in the event of any health problem, see a doctor, especially if you have a urine infection or discomfort in your intimate area. Self-medication is not an alternative.