Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are prevalent infections affecting many individuals worldwide, and detecting the bacteria responsible for these infections through urine tests is possible. However, testing for UTIs can pose challenges, especially for those on their monthly menstrual cycle.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know on how to test for UTI when on period and how to take care of your health.
So, let’s look into the topic and learn more about it.
Can you test for a UTI on your period
The answer is yes. You can get a uti test while on period.
However, you should consider the following things before scheduling a test:
Menstrual blood contamination
Source: MehaniqMenstrual blood, if present during urine sample collection, has the potential to contaminate the sample, leading to inaccurate test results. This contamination can occur due to proximity and may result in inconvenience for the individual undergoing testing.
To mitigate the risks associated with sample contamination, it’s crucial to prioritize proper hygiene practices. This includes thoroughly cleaning the genital area before collecting the urine sample. By adhering to these hygiene measures, you can help ensure the accuracy of the test results and minimize any potential complications.
Effectiveness of testing
Your doctor may recommend waiting until after your menstrual cycle for more accurate results.
Menstrual blood has the potential to interfere with urine tests, possibly leading to false or inaccurate results due to contamination. Waiting until after your period can help ensure the reliability of the test outcomes.
If immediate testing is necessary, your healthcare provider may provide specific instructions to minimize the impact of menstrual blood on the test accuracy.
Evaluation of symptoms
On experiencing symptoms of UTIs, it is advised to visit your doctor and seek medical attention.
The delay during the diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious discomfort, such as pain and burning sensation while urinating. In this case, your doctor can prescribe the medicines even before the tests are available.
Fact:
Menstruation can elevate the White Blood Cell (WBC) count in urine samples, potentially leading to a false confirmation of UTI presence.
How to test for UTI when on period
There are various tests available to confirm the presence of a UTI by detecting Nitrites and/or Leukocytes (White Blood Cells) in the urine sample. However, it is important for women to avoid using test strips during their menstrual cycle.
Menstruation can make it difficult to detect pathogens accurately, potentially leading to false-positive results. Additionally, it causes an increase in the white blood cell count in urine samples, falsely indicating the presence of UTIs.
Some of the different diagnostic tests for UTIs are:
Urinalysis
This test examines the urine for any trace of infection-causing bacteria by checking the urine sample for color and concentration of certain substances. However, urine tests while on period should be avoided, as menstrual blood can contaminate the sample and give inaccurate results.
But if it cannot be avoided, you can follow the given procedure:
- Firstly, it is advised to take a first or second urine sample in the morning
- Wash your hands
- Wash external genitalia and wipe it
- Collect the “midstream” urine after discarding the first portion
Urine culture
Source: Md Saiful Islam Khan from Getty ImagesA urine culture, the gold standard for finding infection-causing microorganisms, may be affected by menstrual blood, so it’s advisable to test after your period.
However, if necessary, you can follow the steps given below to collect your urine sample:
- Start urinating and let some urine flow before collecting
- Then, collect 1-2 ounces of urine sample in a sterile container
- Do not collect urine from the toilet or unsanitized urine
- Cover the lid
Moreover, for a catheterized specimen (sample):
- The healthcare practitioner will collect the urine sample
- They will insert a catheter or thin, flexible tube into the bladder via the urethra
- Collect urine in a sterile container through the other end of the tube
- In rare cases, a syringe or needle is used to collect the sample
Dipstick test
The Dipstick test is a useful, cheap, and quick test for predicting the Urinary Tract Infection in patients.Although menstrual blood, along with concentrated urine, can cause a false-positive result, you can follow the given steps to test it:
- Collect urine samples in a sterile container
- Use the test strips to evaluate the parameters
- At last, check the result by following the instructions on the dipstick test kit
It is always advised to consult a healthcare professional to confirm the results.
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How to take care of your health for UTIs when on a period
As you have read earlier, getting a UTI while on your period is possible.
You can incorporate some healthcare tips into your life to stay healthy even when on your period:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water to flush out the infection-causing bacteria and treat UTIs naturally is beneficial
- Maintain good hygiene: You can maintain hygiene by changing sanitary pads regularly and washing your genitals with water
- Safe sex: Practice safe sex to reduce the risks of other infections
- Complete your antibiotic course: Antibiotics are generally prescribed to treat UTIs. You need to complete the course for effective results
Conclusion
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are among the most common outpatient infectious diseases requiring accurate diagnosis for pathogen detection. While effective urine tests facilitate pathogen identification, testing for UTIs during menstruation is generally discouraged due to the potential for false results caused by menstrual blood.
However, if necessary, you can conduct diagnostic tests such as urinalysis, urine culture, and dipstick tests at home or under medical supervision. Additionally, maintaining proper hygiene, staying hydrated, and completing prescribed antibiotic courses can help prevent UTIs.
Warning:
Testing for UTIs during menstruation may yield inaccurate results. Consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment if symptoms persist
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a UTI test on your period?
A person with UTI symptoms can test for UTIs during a period. However, urine tests are not recommended for women during their periods because the menstrual blood can intervene and give false or inaccurate results. However, you can take a urine sample (1-2 ounces) and test for the UTI results.
Can you do a urine culture while on your period?
Yes, you can do a urine culture while on your period. However, it’s recommended to wait until after your period ends for more accurate results, as menstrual blood can potentially contaminate the sample.
Can your period cause a false positive UTI result?
Urine samples collected with menstrual blood can cause a false-positive result. Therefore, your doctor can advise you to wait until your menstrual cycle is over and then collect the urine sample for testing the UTI infection. The menstrual blood can intervene with the bacteria in urine and give false results.
Does menstruation affect urine tests for UTI?
Yes, menstrual blood can intervene with the bacteria in the urine sample and give false results. Also, increased White Blood Cells (WBC) in the urine sample during periods can give false-positive results for UTIs. Therefore, you should consult your doctor and seek medical treatment.
Why does menstruation affect urine tests?
The various tests confirm UTIs by detecting the Nitrates and Leukocyte (WBC) count. Increased WBC denotes the presence of infection. However, menstruation also increases the WBC count in urine samples. Therefore, it can give false-positive results for UTIs. In this case, consult your doctor and test for UTI again.
How can I take care of my health for UTIs when on periods?
You can follow some simple tips to take care of your health when you are on your period, along with UTIs. Drink water to flush out the bacteria, maintain good hygiene by changing your pads, and have safe sex. Also, complete your antibiotic course to treat UTIs.
Citations:
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