Which came first, the bladder leaks or the urinary tract infection? It’s not the first line of a thought experiment but rather, a common and frustrating cycle when these two conditions show up together. If you’re dealing with both, you have to wonder: do the UTIs cause the leaks, or did ongoing leaks create the perfect conditions for infection? Today, we’re going to be talking about understanding both sides of the equation so you can free yourself from the vicious cycle.
Let’s explore how UTIs can lead to leaks—and vice versa.
When Does A UTI Leads to Bladder Leaks?
A UTI is what happens when bacteria get into the urinary tract and make themselves comfortable, multiplying and causing inflammation in the bladder. (Can’t you feel it just thinking about it?) When the bladder lining is irritated, it can cause:
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Sudden urgency: That gotta-go-now feeling
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Frequent urination: Even if there’s not much pee, and often with pain or burning
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Urge incontinence: Leaking before you make it to the bathroom
In this case, the bladder leaks are a symptom. They are brought on by the inflammation and infection, and once the infection is treated, the leaks should subside.
How to Handle a UTI Causing Bladder Leaks
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See a healthcare provider to confirm the infection and start treatment, which usually involves antibiotics.
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Stay hydrated to help flush bacteria from your system and dilute urine, which can irritate the inflamed bladder lining.
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Embrace skin-safe and toxin-free incontinence pads or underwear temporarily if you don’t normally experience leaks, and opt for our high-performing options: by locking away leaks quickly, avoiding skin moisture and irritation, and maintaining a dry environment, your pad doesn’t have to become a damp breeding ground.
When Do Bladder Leaks Cause UTIs?
Let’s talk about the flip side: UTIs caused by bladder leaks. How does chronic incontinence raise your risk?
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Continuous dampness/moisture and bacteria in the genital area can create a breeding ground for infection.
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Urine retention AKA incomplete bladder emptying allows bacteria to stick around and multiply.
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Low quality pads that lack proper absorption and moisture-wicking are problematic because after a bladder leak, they don’t create the dry and hygienic environment that keeps bacteria at bay. This can also occur with continuous use of pads without breaks or use of period pads for urine absorption.
In this case, incontinence is the root cause, and the infection follows.
How to Handle Bladder Leaks that Lead to UTIs
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Focus on managing bladder leaks, whether through pelvic floor therapy, medications, a kegel device, or by identifying underlying causes of bladder weakness.
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Prioritize hygiene by selecting high-performing and skin-safe pads, change them frequently, wipe from the front to the back, and strive to keep the genital area clean and dry.
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Find out if urine retention is a problem for you (in other words, your bladder isn’t totally empty after using the bathroom.) You can also try double-voiding to encourage total emptying.
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Talk to a urologist or pelvic floor specialist, especially if you have frequent UTIs and known bladder leaks.
Breaking The Cycle of Leaks and UTIs
Especially in older adults, people with mobility challenges, or people with chronic health conditions, the relationship between UTIs and bladder leaks can become a continuous cycle that is tricky to break. To get back on track, choose high quality bladder leak protection, stay hydrated, and work with a provider to find out what’s really going on. If you’re experiencing these two troubling conditions together, start by asking yourself:
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Did the leaks start suddenly, along with pain or burning? You might be dealing with a UTI.
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Have you been managing leaks for a while, but only now you’re noticing pain, odor, or confusion? A UTI might have developed as a result of those leaks.
Remember, in both cases, good hygiene, hydration, and professional support are your best allies.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This content is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.