If you’ve ever had a UTI, you’ll know it’s not a fun experience. It’s painful, annoying, and all-around uncomfortable. But can a UTI cause incontinence?  Keep reading to learn more about UTI incontinence treatment.

Why do UTIs happen?

They can develop when bacteria enter the urethra and travel up to the bladder. In some cases, these bacteria can even spread and travel to the kidneys and lead to sepsis.  While there are lots of things that can contribute to you developing a UTI, can a UTI cause incontinence?

Can a UTI Cause Incontinence?

Can a UTI cause incontinence?  On its own, not necessarily BUT incontinence can lead to UTIs and can cause and worsen your incontinence.

The urethra is a tube that carries urine out of the bladder, usually a one-way pathway, and a valve keeps it closed. When the valve (part of the pelvic floor muscles) is weak, it leads to stress incontinence, and it allows for a looser opening which causes more UTIs.

One of the symptoms of a UTI is the strong urge to urinate. What happens is the infection leads to irritation and inflammations which leads to bladder spasms and an increase in urgency.

Chronic UTIs contribute to bladder dysfunction, as it damages the bladder lining and the nerves.

So, What Does This Mean?

This means that weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to more UTIs and UTIs in return can cause and worsen urge incontinence. What is the best UTI incontinence treatment?

1. Drink more water (many with incontinence tend to do the opposite)
2. Urinate after sex
3. Take cranberry supplements
4. Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles

In one study of 420 women, UTIs went away in 82% of women who fixed their incontinence.