If you’re dealing with incontinence, you know firsthand how challenging it can be. The sudden urges, the fear of not going to the bathroom in time, and its impact on your daily life are often distressing. Maybe you are wondering if a urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause incontinence.
There may be a connection.
Understanding UTIs and Their Symptoms
A UTI occurs when bacteria, most commonly E. coli, enter your urinary system. The urinary system is made up of the:
- Urethra
- Bladder
- Ureters
- Kidneys
When bacteria multiply inside the urinary tract, they can cause an infection and a variety of symptoms, such as:
- A frequent and urgent need to urinate
- A burning sensation when you urinate
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pain in your lower abdomen or back
- Fever or chills, especially if the infection reaches your kidneys
Can a UTI Cause Incontinence?
A urinary tract infection causes inflammation and irritation in your bladder, which can lead to bladder spasms. Bladder spasms make you feel like you urgently need to urinate and might cause involuntary leakage.
If you’ve had multiple UTIs, you might notice that your bladder doesn’t function as well as it used to. Chronic or recurrent UTIs can damage the lining of your bladder, affect the nerves that control your bladder, or change your bladder muscle tone.
What is Urge Incontinence?
Urge incontinence, often referred to as overactive bladder (OAB), is a condition where you feel a sudden, intense urge to urinate that’s difficult to control. This can lead to involuntary urine leakage, even when your bladder isn’t full.
Symptoms of urge incontinence include:
- A sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate
- Frequent trips to the bathroom, often more than eight times a day
- Waking up multiple times during the night to urinate (nocturia)
- Involuntary loss of urine before you can reach the bathroom
I Have Symptoms, What Can I Do?
If you’re dealing with incontinence and suspect a UTI might be contributing, it’s essential to consult your doctor. They can assess whether a UTI is causing your symptoms and help you develop a treatment plan that addresses both concerns.
UTIs are typically treated with prescribed antibiotics to clear the infection.
Drinking plenty of water can also help flush out the bacteria from your urinary system. If you experience UTIs frequently, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes or preventive measures to reduce the risk of future infections.
However, if the cause of your incontinence is due to urge incontinence, different treatments are needed.
Managing urge incontinence starts with making some lifestyle changes. Keeping a bladder diary can help you identify patterns and triggers. Some helpful steps include:
- Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which can irritate your bladder.
- Gradually increasing the time between your bathroom visits to help your bladder hold more urine. This is known as bladder training.
- Strengthening the muscles that support your bladder and urethra to help you gain better urinary control by performing pelvic floor exercises.
When to See A Doctor
If these strategies aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend medications that relax your bladder or other treatments like physical therapy, nerve stimulation, or even surgery in severe cases.
With the right approach, you can manage your symptoms. Whether it’s through medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both, there are effective ways to address both UTIs and incontinence.
Don’t continue to live with incontinence from any cause – schedule an appointment today!