Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Urinary Incontinence (UI) are common issues many women face, yet there are many UTI myths and misunderstandings that can lead to confusion, mismanagement, and unnecessary embarrassment. Let’s debunk these UTI myths and explore how these conditions are related.

Common UTI Myths

Myth 1: UTIs Only Affect Older Women
Reality: While postmenopausal women are at a higher risk of UTIs due to hormonal changes, UTIs can affect women of all ages. Young women, especially those who are sexually active, pregnant women, and women using certain types of birth control like diaphragms, are also at increased risk.

Myth 2: UTIs Are Always Caused by Poor Hygiene
Reality: Hygiene is just one factor among many that can contribute to UTIs. Women can develop UTIs due to anatomical differences, hormonal changes, immune system deficiencies, or blockages like kidney stones. Sexual activity and menopause are also significant risk factors. Practicing good hygiene and staying hydrated is important. Avoiding douches or scented lotions are other good hygiene practices.

Myth 3: Drinking Cranberry Juice Can Cure UTIs
Reality: Cranberry juice may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract lining, but it is not a cure for UTIs. Once a UTI is present, antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider are necessary to treat the infection effectively.

Myth 4: UI Is a Normal Part of Aging
Reality: While UI is more common in older women, it is not an inevitable part of aging. Younger women can also experience UI due to factors such as childbirth, obesity, or pelvic floor disorders.

Myth 5: UI Is Only a Postpartum Issue
Reality: While childbirth can lead to UI, it is not the only cause. Women who have never been pregnant can also experience UI due to genetic factors, obesity, certain medications, and chronic conditions like diabetes. Menopause and aging can also contribute to the development of UI.

How are UTIs and UI Related in Women

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (RUTI) can lead to incontinence (specifically Urge Incontinence). The reason for this is that the bladder mucosa is constantly weakened which means that the bladder lining and nerves are not as strong leading to incontinence. Which then goes into this cycle of UTIs then incontinence over and over.

Not only can UTIs lead to incontinence but if a woman is post-menopausal and has incontinence, they are also very likely to get UTIs because of weaker pelvic floor muscles. The valve mechanisms become less effective. This weakening can lead to looser urethral opening and increased susceptibility to UTIs.