Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and Uterine Bleeding: Unraveling the Connection
Can my UTI cause vaginal bleeding? The answer is yes, however, UTI doesn’t cause vaginal bleeding directly; instead, the irritation and inflammation that UTI causes in a vaginal system can affect vagina tissues too and cause vaginal bleeding. While it is usually mild and doesn’t cause any severe symptoms, sometimes it’s associated with severe conditions that need immediate medical attention. Learn how a UTI causes vaginal bleeding and when you should seek medical help in this article. If you want to know more about urological health, visit us at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center and consult with the best nephrologists and urologists in East New York.
Can a UTI cause vaginal bleeding?
The answer is yes that a UTI can lead to vaginal bleeding. However, UTI doesn’t directly cause vaginal bleeding, UTI mainly affects the urinary system, including the bladder and urethra. But, in some cases, the irritation caused by a UTI can lead to inflammation in the surrounding tissues, which results in vaginal bleeding.
This bleeding is very light, however, if you have any underlying condition like cervical inflammation or cervicitis, then UTI can exaggerate the symptoms and cause vaginal bleeding. So, you should address any abnormal bleeding and seek medical attention to find the underlying cause and get treated.
Possible causes of vaginal bleeding during UTI
If you’re experiencing vaginal bleeding along with UTI symptoms, then several causes might be the reason. It includes:
• Irritation and inflammation: This is typically caused by UTI when the bacteria infect the lining of the urinary tract and surrounding tissues of the urinary system, which includes the vagina. This can lead to vaginal bleeding.
• Sexual activity: Sometimes sexual intercourse can cause small tears or abrasions in the vaginal area. And if you already have a UTI and engage in sexual activity, those tears can make you bleed, leading to vaginal bleeding.
• Underlying gynecological conditions: In case you have a pre-existing gynecological condition such as cervicitis or cervical inflammation, then, it can be aggravated by a UTI. It can cause vaginal bleeding along with UTI symptoms.
Vaginal bleeding with UTI symptoms is not severe, however, in case you are experiencing heavy or prolonged bleeding, severe pain, or any other concerning symptoms, then see your doctor immediately.
Vaginal discharge during UTI
Generally, UTI symptoms stay the same even after vaginal discharge. However, in some cases, vaginal discharge may change appearance due to UTI. Any of the following signs of vaginal discharge appearances can be concerning and recognized as UTI vaginal discharge symptoms.
• An unpleasant odor
• Foamy or cottage cheese-like texture.
• A greenish hue that appears like pus in vaginal discharge.
• Vaginal bleeding without a menstrual period.
• Vaginal itching, dryness, burning, redness, or swelling.
Too much vaginal discharge is considered an abnormality, however, it is not the only way to determine whether you have UTI discharge or not. Because out of a group of perfectly healthy women, only a few may have little to no amount of vaginal discharge, whereas others may present with moderate to heavy vaginal discharge. Some people may use pantyliners to prevent their underwear from getting wet from excessive amounts of normal vaginal discharge.
When to see a doctor?
During a UTI, a small amount of vaginal bleeding is not a major concern, however, you should see a doctor when it happens. In case you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms along with vaginal bleeding, then you should seek medical attention:
• Heavy or prolonged bleeding: If the bleeding is heavy, lasts longer than your usual menstrual period, or occurs with large blood clots, then you should see a doctor.
• Severe pain or discomfort: Having severe pain or discomfort along with vaginal bleeding is a sign of a more severe underlying issue. This requires immediate medical attention.
• Fever or chills: If you have a UTI and develop a fever or chills, then it is a sign of infection that spreads to your kidneys. Kidney infections can be serious and need immediate medical attention.
• Recurrent UTIs: Frequent UTIs or multiple UTIs along with vaginal bleeding, need a healthcare consultation to investigate its potential underlying causes.
Remember, it is always a better choice to seek medical attention even if you have mild symptoms to prevent serious complications especially if you have concerns and doubts about your symptoms.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and uterine bleeding are connected but not directly. When UTI causes inflammation and irritation in the urinary tract and surrounding tissues, sometimes, it affects the vaginal too and leads to vaginal bleeding. This is mostly mild, however, if you have vagina bleeding alongside UTI symptoms, you see a doctor for a consultation to manage your UTI symptoms and prevent severe complications.
Need help with UTI symptoms or vaginal discharge, visit our gynecology clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now and resolve your UTI issues that make you feel uncomfortable and embarrassed!!!
At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our team of urologists will work with you in managing your disease and your quality of life. We also offer services, such as renal and bladder ultrasound. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/.