posted
Hi, I have a question about UTIs: I was wondering whether period blood can cause UTIs. I am asking because when I used the bathroom two days ago I accidentally wiped from back to front inside of the other way around. Now I don't have any particular symptoms aside from a need to urinate-it could also be stress-related-I had a UTI about 2 months ago and thought I had one last month, but I actually didn't. In both situations I took antibiotics and just don't want to keep taken them as I know that the bacteria will become more resistant to them. I am taking cranberry pills and a dietary supplement. I'd just hate to have to go through the same ordeal again...
Posts: 46 | From: USA | Registered: May 2010
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posted
If you're asking if menses can carry bacteria which can create an infection, the general answer would be no, save that if any fluid or solid sits around for a while, it can.
In other words, if you're using a pad for a few hours, that can wind up collecting bacteria, to be sure.
That said, since trace fecal matter often holds bacteria, period, if you wipe back to front, it's bacteria from that you're much more likely to collect.
But one back-to-front wipe isn't likely to land someone with a UTI.
If you've had a UTI in the last two months, but since felt like you might have one twice since then, I'd suggest seeing your healthcare provider. To make sure that first infection really is all the way gone, but also to make sure what's been going on is a UTI, not another bladder or urinary tract issue.
Also, once someone has a UTI, cranberry isn't recommended anymore: that's only recommended to prevent them. Once you have one, it can exascerbate the infection instead of helping.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63666 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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Thank you, Heather for the explanation. I didn't realize that using cranberry pills after the UTI isn't recommended. I had a culture done last month and the test came out clear. I had a yeast infection, it turned out. I'll see how it goes in the next few days and if,it doesn't get better. I'll go get it checked. Thanks again.
Posts: 46 | From: USA | Registered: May 2010
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posted
Unfortunately, it's fairly common for people to wind up in alternating cycles of UTI-yeast-UTI-yeast. That's primarily about the impact of antibiotics, alas.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63666 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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