CAN A UTI CAUSE INCONTINENCE?

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) are an extremely common infection with 60% of females and 12% of males experiencing it in their lifetime. Incontinence can cause the development of a UTI and a UTI can cause the development of temporary incontinence. Both conditions give you the sudden urge to urinate however a UTI is painful, and incontinence is not. In the US, over eight million doctor visits are attended each year as a result of UTI’s.

A UTI develops when bacteria is introduced to someone’s urethra and travels up to the urinary tract to the bladder. On some occasions, the bacteria can affect more distant parts of the tract such as your kidneys. UTI’s are most often contracted by women as they have a shorter urethra compared to men. For reference, the urethra is a tube inside your body that carries urine from the bladder to the urethral opening, allowing urination to occur.

When bacteria gets into the urethral opening, it travels up to the bladder causing it to swell up and become irritated. As a result of this, urine can leak out. Other UTI symptoms include strong smelling urine, pelvic discomfort, fever, pressure or cramps in the groin area and bloody, cloudy or pink urine.

The elderly are more vulnerable to developing both UTI’s and urinary incontinence. Having urinary incontinence increases your chances of developing repeated UTI’s. Urine is antibacterial, so when you urinate, your system washes out bacteria. With some types of incontinence, it is unachievable for people to empty their bladder completely. This means that if you are not urinating properly, your system is not washing out bacteria effectively, therefore increasing your chances of developing a UTI.

On the other hand, if you have a UTI, you may become temporarily incontinent. If you have temporary incontinence and urinating is painful and your urine appears discoloured with a strong smell, it is likely that your incontinence is caused by the UTI. UTI’s irritate your bladder and when it becomes irritated, you feel strong, frequent urges to urinate and may not always be able to make it to the bathroom in time. Although it may feel like the incontinence will never end, if your UTI is the sole cause of your incontinence, it should stop when your UTI is treated. In some cases, it is a possibility that you may have developed incontinence and your UTI is worsening it. It is important to consult your doctor about concerns with your UTI or incontinence to find the best treatment options.  

To prevent a UTI from occurring, make sure that when you urinate to try to empty your bladder completely. Don’t try to hold urine for long amounts of time, it is very important to urinate frequently when you need to go. Keeping your private parts clean by showering frequently and wiping front to back after using the bathroom will lower the chances of bacteria spreading.

A UTI can also develop as a result of sexual intercourse, menopause or inadequate diet. Consult your doctor for appropriate advice on any of these topics to identify adequate treatments or adjustments to suit your lifestyle.

If you have incontinence, it is a good idea to use liners, pads or underwear specifically made for incontinence. This can help control any possible leakages that may occur throughout the day or night and will help you to feel confident, dry and comfortable on the go. Veeda offers an incontinence range that is designed around your individual needs; our products are comfortable, don’t leak, and no one will know you’re even wearing them!

Veeda hygiene products are pure, natural and eco-friendly:

Fragrance Free                      Allergy Certified                            No Lotion

No colourants                        No petrolatum                               FSC / PEFC 

Totally Chlorine Free             Renewable resources                  Natural resources

Natural polymers / No Plastics          Low carbon impact                 Responsibly managed forestry

Green Leaf extract             Vegan/ cruelty free                       Free of latex

Veeda offers natural products for your incontinence that are better for your body and better for the planet. Whilst providing you with a product that is natural, it is also reliable, ultra-thin and hypoallergenic. Our products are dermatologically tested, safe for sensitive skin and leave you feeling dry and comfortable all day long. Feel confident using Veeda for all your incontinence needs. Shop our Veeda incontinence range HERE

Medical Disclaimer: Articles are intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. Ask a medical professional if you have any health-related questions or concerns

Additional resources

Because Market. (2020). The relationship between incontinence and urinary tract infections.https://becausemarket.squarespace.com/articles/the-relationship-between-incontinence-and-urinary-tract-infections

Fletcher, J. (2020). Urinary tract infections and incontinence: what to know.https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/uti-and-incontinence#the-connection