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I've Been Having Strange Bleeding For The Last 24 Hours
Question: I've been having strange bleeding for the last 24 hours that I thought was the start of my period but it doesn't seem like normal period blood consistency and seems to show up in my urine over the course of the last day. I just finished a 5 day course of antibiotics for a uti so I'm concerned about if this is something more serious. No pain. How can I tell if this is actually period related or the infection? I had a urine sample taken Wednesday that showed minimal bacteria. Help
Brief Answer:
Detailed explanation below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for asking at "Ask a Doctor" service.
I went through your query and this is my advice.
Urinary problems do not generally cause blood on your underwear or need for pads so if the bleeding is present only when you urinate but not on your underwear (you do not need to wear pads) then very likely it is due to blood in urine and not a menstrual bleeding (or vaginal bleeding).
If the blood appears on your underwear or you need to wear pads then very likely it is vaginal bleeding.
If you are having vaginal bleeding that is not on your due day of your periods and you are sexually active, you might need to have a pregnancy test just to make sure you are not pregnant. If the pregnancy test comes out negative then you will need to have a visit with your doctor and have gynecological examination and possibly tests (pap smear, transvaginal ultrasound and cervical samples for chlamydia and gonorrhea- the doctor will decide after the gynecological visit if you need tests and if so which of these).
If you are having bleeding with urine (not vaginal bleeding, you do not need to use pads) then you will have to let your doctor know.
I personally believe it is very likely it is vaginal bleeding if it looks like a period and you have no urinary symptoms (frequency or burning).
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Detailed explanation below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for asking at "Ask a Doctor" service.
I went through your query and this is my advice.
Urinary problems do not generally cause blood on your underwear or need for pads so if the bleeding is present only when you urinate but not on your underwear (you do not need to wear pads) then very likely it is due to blood in urine and not a menstrual bleeding (or vaginal bleeding).
If the blood appears on your underwear or you need to wear pads then very likely it is vaginal bleeding.
If you are having vaginal bleeding that is not on your due day of your periods and you are sexually active, you might need to have a pregnancy test just to make sure you are not pregnant. If the pregnancy test comes out negative then you will need to have a visit with your doctor and have gynecological examination and possibly tests (pap smear, transvaginal ultrasound and cervical samples for chlamydia and gonorrhea- the doctor will decide after the gynecological visit if you need tests and if so which of these).
If you are having bleeding with urine (not vaginal bleeding, you do not need to use pads) then you will have to let your doctor know.
I personally believe it is very likely it is vaginal bleeding if it looks like a period and you have no urinary symptoms (frequency or burning).
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
I do have some need to frequently urinate, but I have read that vaginitis can mimic those symptoms. Could that be it? And if so, what is typically the treatment for that?
Thanks, I plan to pop in to the clinic in a few hours when they open but I guess I'm just anxious and nervous.
Thanks, I plan to pop in to the clinic in a few hours when they open but I guess I'm just anxious and nervous.
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Vaginitis can cause urinary frequency but is not expected to cause period like bleeding.
Treatment of vaginitis depends on the possible cause: it can be fungal/candida infection (local clotrimazole), vaginal bacteriosis (metronidazole locally) or STD (sexually transmitted diseases) and in this case cetriaxone/doxycycline/metronidazole is needed.
Pregnancy can also cause some urinary frequency and bleeding in the beginning so a pregnancy test would be good to rule it out.
Irregular bleeding can also happen without urinary/gynecological infection or pregnancy, this is the case if all the tests and examinations come out normal.
It is good you are having a visit soon, the visit will give good information to be able to determine the possible cause and needed treatment.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Vaginitis can cause urinary frequency but is not expected to cause period like bleeding.
Treatment of vaginitis depends on the possible cause: it can be fungal/candida infection (local clotrimazole), vaginal bacteriosis (metronidazole locally) or STD (sexually transmitted diseases) and in this case cetriaxone/doxycycline/metronidazole is needed.
Pregnancy can also cause some urinary frequency and bleeding in the beginning so a pregnancy test would be good to rule it out.
Irregular bleeding can also happen without urinary/gynecological infection or pregnancy, this is the case if all the tests and examinations come out normal.
It is good you are having a visit soon, the visit will give good information to be able to determine the possible cause and needed treatment.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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