A urologist treats acute bacterial prostatitis with antibiotics. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. "Bacterial infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and sexually transmitted infections can cause the inside of your uterus to become inflamed and bleed," says Dr. Lara-Torre. Check with your doctor if you're seeing the red flag of a missed period, or if you have a family history of thyroid conditions that could be a cause of irregular periods. You should also make sure you are changing your pad on a regular basis. Rapid weight gain, such as putting on 50 pounds over the course of a few months, can throw your hormones for a loop, making it one of the causes of irregular periods. There are lots of potential causes for intermenstrual bleeding including hormonal contraception, STIs, and cervical problems. Bleeding between periods is very common and happens to most women at some point in their lives. It is caused by an overgrowth of normal germs (bacteria) in the vagina. Having a late period or an irregular cycle can be . A number of factors might increase your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, including: There is a small increased risk of PID after the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD). The Best Ovulation Tracker Apps to Identify Your Fertile Window, What to Know About the Period Hack Sydney Sweeney Used to Try to Stop Her Flow, Get to Know All 4 Menstrual Cycle Phases and How Each Impacts Your Mind and Body, 'Period Flu' Is Worse Than Your Average PMS Here's What You Can Do About It, 8 Medical-Related Reasons for Unexplained Weight Gain, The Relationship Between Birth Control and Hair Loss, The Best Period Tracker Apps to Stay On Top of Your Cycle, 12 Reasons Why Your Boobs Might Be Hurting, Plan B Side Effects: What You Need to Know. If medication doesnt help, your provider may recommend surgery. Rarely, bloody vaginal discharge is a sign of a more serious problem in your reproductive system, such as: Length of time between cycles varies by more than nine days. A number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infections, and cancerous conditions can cause irregular periods, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, vaginitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), among others. Her work can be found in Shape, Prevention, Women's Health, Parents, MSN, and more. Vaginal or cervical infections can also be a reason for irregular periods. Some examples of lifestyle factors include: Certain medications, complications of pregnancy or breastfeeding (chestfeeding) may also cause your period to be irregular. But, late periods can also be a common occurrence and do not always indicate a pregnancy. Rotavirus (RVA) G8 is frequently detected in animals, but only occasionally in humans. A woman's cycle can be irregular in several ways. Dr. Fejes says that "weather changes can lead to frequent yeast vaginitis and bacterial infections," which can cause irregular cycles. The disease causes the formation of abnormally thick mucus, which can lead to the buildup of bacteria and infection in the reproductive organs, making it difficult for men to produce sperm and women to conceive. Nutrients. So your period might raise your risk for BV, but what about the other way around? This content does not have an English version. In other words, the hormonal changes around your period might bring upon BV, but there doesn't seem to be a link to that being the other way around. The most common causes of irregular periods are: 3. Getting ready for the return of natural periods after the pill. For this reason, it might be a good idea to transition to the use of pads or menstrual cups. BMC Womens Health. Can a bacterial infection cause bleeding between periods? Illness A sudden, short illness like fever, cold, cough etc. Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). The Femedic 2023. Menstrual flow (bleeding) thats much heavier or lighter than usual. 04. Thrush treatments like creams (containing the anti-fungal clotrimazole) or tablets (containing the anti-fungal fluconazole) can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription. It's caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. But since menstrual blood is more neutral (around 7.4 pH), this can raise the acidity level of the vagina, making you more susceptible to vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis. Changing birth control pills or using certain medications. All Rights Reserved. PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in people with vaginas because it is a hormonal imbalance where the body has high levels of androgens, which blocks ovulation. Pelvic inflammatory disease. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered . The infection may come back; therefore, some urologists recommend taking oral antibiotics for 6 to 8 . For a bacterial infection to occur, bacteria have to find their way into the bloodstream. Both over-productivity or under-productivity of the thyroid gland is strongly correlated with menstrual problems because the thyroid helps regulate the body's hormone production, according to the Office on Women's Health. By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH Infections should get immediate treatment as they can lead to sexually transmitted diseases like trichomoniasis . Even though there isnt a direct connection, this can also be true for UTIs. Call your healthcare provider if you miss your period for three or more months in a row or if you experience other unusual symptoms during your next period. Pain management: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like. Again, it is tested for using a swab and is also treated with antibiotics. Squirting, orgasm, and female ejaculation: whats the difference? As a result, you might not realize you have it until you have trouble getting pregnant or you develop chronic pelvic pain. If bacterial infections are discovered early and treated effectively, they are more likely to have healthy babies and healthy births. Infectious Disease 58 years experience. A high level of cortisol (known as the stress hormone) can alter the menstrual cycle and lead to irregular periods. However, if some time passes and you still have symptoms of feeling off, it doesnt hurt to consult your doctor, whether youre on your period or not. Due to the low estrogen levels that occur near menstruation, you may be more likely to get a UTI during this . With all these factors to keep in mind, it can be difficult to determine the cause of your irregular bleeding, particularly if you suspect its down to an infection. S. aureus can cause inflammatory diseases, including skin infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and abscesses. There are other symptoms associated with it too, like pelvic pain, fever, and pain during sex. Contact your gynecologist if youre concerned about your menstrual cycle or if youre trying to get pregnant and have unpredictable periods (this can make getting pregnant difficult). Infection Vaginal bleeding between periods may indicate an infection of your reproductive organs. A number of bacteria can cause UTIs, most commonly bacteria which is normally found in the gut. Signs & Symptoms. Many things cause irregular periods (or irregular menstruation) such as changes in hormone levels, stress, certain health conditions, medications and more. A normal menstrual cycle lasts 24 to 38 days. If we combine this information with your protected They can cause bleeding outside of the period. She loves running, cycling, and going to the gym, and is passionate about encouraging involvement and equal opportunities for women in sport. Take a look at any changes in your life recently. Intense exercise: Strenuous exercise and resistance training has been found to cause irregular periods in female athletes because it causes a decrease in luteinizing and gonadotropin-releasing hormones. Urolithiasis (contnd week 22 topic), pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, & female infertility, urinary infections, bening prostatic hyperplasia She was suffering with fatigue, skin breakouts, irregular periods, and feeling cold. Syphilis is caused by a bacterial organism called a spirochete, also known as Treponema pallidum in scientific terms. Treatment may include hormonal birth control, IUD, and pain management techniques. The standard course of treatment for BV is a prescription for either metronidazole (Flagyl)or clindamycin (Cleocin) antibiotics, and these may be taken orally or administered vaginally. An infection of your reproductive organs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause inflammation and bleeding mid-cycle. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. There may be an evolutionary explanation behind this phenomenon: When you're focused on survival (whether the threat is a saber-tooth tiger or paying your mortgage) your body and brain shut down the hormones needed to make your body ovulate in order to prevent reproduction in a threatening environment, says Dr. Lara-Torre. Common causes of vaginal bleeding between periods are infection, injury and using hormonal contraception. vaginas internal pH hovers within the acidic range of 3.8 to 4.5, untreated BV can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), your doctor might wait to treat the bacterial vaginosis, Rebalance Personal Moisturizing and Cleansing Wipes, What Every Woman Needs to Know About Vaginal pH, may disrupt the overall bacterial balance in your vagina, the insertion of tampons may affect the overall bacterial balance, if you start noticing any strange symptoms, IUDs, a common form of birth control, may alter the vaginal microbiome, Caring for Your Vaginal Microbiome: The First Step in the Journey to Pregnancy, Gratitude 101: How to Let Loved Ones Know You Appreciate Them, How Vaginal Health Can Reduce Risk of UTIs. These bacteria are usually acquired during unprotected sex. (Hold on, can antibiotics make your birth control less effective?). This may make you think that youre getting your period, when youre really dealing with a vaginal infection. Busting PMS myths do home remedies actually help? . Vaginal bleeding is not a symptom of bacterial vaginosis (BV). 5. UTIs don't directly delay your period. Yeast infections-which are caused by a treatable overgrowth of a certain type of naturally-occurring fungus called Candida in your body-can be a real b*tch. If left untreated, it can raise your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cause problems . Pelvic ultrasound: An ultrasound can diagnose uterine fibroids, polyps, or, Regular visits with your healthcare provider. In short, bleeding in between periods can occur for a huge variety of reasons. It's typically caused by an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI). Can bacterial infection cause irregular periods? Why You Might Have 2 Periods in One Month, Endometriosis Bleeding: Patterns, After Sex, and Relief. Bacterial vaginosis can often be instigated by hormonal changes, such as those that occur as a part of your menstrual cycle, since these hormonal changes can affect the overall acidity and bacterial balance inside the vagina. . If youre concerned about bleeding or it lasts longer than a few months, you should seek medical advice. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea frequently infect the cervix (cervicitis) but they can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Can bacterial infection cause late period? Can a bacterial infection cause irregular periods? Causes. As a result, your periods may become irregular or you may even skip them. While BV may not actually change the hormonal fluctuations that cause your period, it is possible that the infections may cause uterine contractions and/or a bit of spotting and bleeding. This can happen during menstruation and after childbirth, miscarriage or abortion. Gonorrhoea very commonly causes a change in vaginal discharge, causing it to become thicker or change colour for example. Its caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the vagina caused by an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria. A number of other digestive diseases and conditions may lead to more gas or gas symptoms, including. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Fertility and Conception. How do you deal with trauma in injustice? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Thrush is opportunistic, and often infects an area when the bodys defences are low this can be caused by anything from being on antibiotics which have wiped out all the good bacteria, to having chemotherapy which causes the immune system to function less well and increases the risk of infections. "There are a number of places bacteria can enter," says Fairweather, "but the skin is a very good defense. They are common in sexually active women (although theyre not sexually transmitted). Long-term use of steroids may cause heavy or irregular periods. These bacteria are usually acquired during unprotected sex. BV is common, and any woman can get it. Researchers aren't sure how much alcohol it takes to disrupt your cycle the quantity likely varies from person to person, but sticking to the guideline of one drink or less per day is the best way to keep your pinot from interfering with your period. Having a UTI does not delay your period. The infection is caused by bacteria in the urinary tract, and it shouldn't impact your reproductive organs or menstrual cycle . Stress. Passing Blood Clots When Not on Your Period, Why Is My Period Late? American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. And take a look at these common causes of irregular periods, so you can begin tracking your cycle's changes addressing these menstrual changes early on can prevent them from getting worse, so you can sail smoothly through your monthly flow.