Can constipation cause UTIs?

If you’ve ever wondered whether constipation and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are connected, you’re not alone. The relationship between digestive health and urinary health is more intertwined than it seems—often involving shared muscles and functions you might not expect.

What is constipation?

Constipation happens when bowel movements become infrequent or difficult to pass. Most doctors define it as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, or needing to strain to pass stool.[1]

Common signs of constipation include:[1] 

• Fewer than three bowel movements per week
• Hard, dry, or lumpy stool 
• Pain or straining during bowel movements
• Feeling like you haven't fully emptied 
• A sensation of blockage in the rectum

Constipation typically develops when stool moves too slowly through your large intestine. When this happens, your body absorbs excess water from the waste, making it hard, dry, and difficult to pass. Several everyday factors can contribute to constipation, including:[1]

• Not drinking enough fluids: Dehydration makes stool harder to pass
• Low fiber intake: Your digestive system needs fiber to move waste effectively
• Lack of exercise: Physical activity helps stimulate bowel movements
• Ignoring urges: Delaying bathroom visits can worsen constipation over time

Some medications can also have constipation as a possible side effect. If you're unsure whether a medication is contributing to the issue, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.[1]

Additionally, your pelvic floor muscles support your bladder and bowels. For normal elimination, these muscles need to relax and contract at the right times. When they’re not working properly—a condition called pelvic floor dysfunction—it can cause chronic constipation and affect bladder emptying. Various health problems can contribute to constipation, including irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, nerve problems, pregnancy, and more.[1]

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection can affect any component of your urinary system, from your kidneys down to your urethra. E. coli bacteria is the cause of most UTIs. Common symptoms of UTIs are frequent urination, pain during urination, and pain in your lower back or side. Doctors typically treat UTIs with antibiotics, which are usually effective at clearing the infection.[2]

The link between constipation and UTIs

The relationship between constipation and UTIs isn’t simple, but there’s a definite connection. Understanding how these two conditions influence each other can help you manage both more effectively.

Can constipation cause UTIs?

The short answer? Not directly—but it can increase your risk.

Constipation doesn’t cause UTIs outright. However, underlying issues like pelvic floor dysfunction, which often contribute to constipation, can potentially increase your chances of developing a UTI.[3]

Pelvic floor dysfunction happens when the muscles that control urination and bowel movements don’t coordinate properly.[3]  Instead of relaxing when they should, these muscles stay tense, making it harder to fully empty your bowels—or your bladder.

When you can't fully empty your bladder—a condition known as non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction—urine can remain behind after you think you're finished. This leftover urine creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and multiply, increasing your risk of a UTI.[4]

In both children and adults, voiding dysfunction is linked to a higher risk of UTIs, bladder stones, and kidney stones. In severe cases, it can even lead to kidney damage if left untreated.[4] 

Can UTIs cause constipation?

While constipation can contribute to UTIs, the connection also works in reverse—UTIs can sometimes lead to constipation.

The main factor is related to antibiotic therapy prescribed to treat UTIs. Antibiotics are essential for clearing a UTI, but their activity isn’t limited to the infection-causing bacteria. These medications also act on the beneficial microbes that live in the gut, disrupting the delicate balance of the microbiota. This disruption, known as antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis, has been shown to reduce microbial diversity, alter normal metabolic activity, and interfere with gut–microbe interactions.[5]

When dysbiosis develops, it can trigger a range of digestive symptoms. Research notes that common signs include bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. In other words, constipation in the setting of a UTI may not come from the infection itself, but rather from the unwanted side effects antibiotics have on gut health.[5]

What to do if you have both constipation and a UTI

If you’re dealing with both constipation and a urinary tract infection (UTI), it’s important to address both issues together. While a UTI typically requires antibiotics to clear the infection, managing constipation is also key to preventing the problem from recurring.

Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of treatments, including:

• Antibiotics to treat the UTI and clear the infection.[2]
• Lifestyle changes to relieve constipation, such as:
  • Eating more high-fiber foods (fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains)[1]
  • Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated[1]
  • Engaging in regular physical activity to stimulate digestion[1]
  • Establishing a consistent bathroom routine and not ignoring the urge to go[1]

If your doctor suspects that pelvic floor dysfunction is contributing to both issues, they may refer you to a specialist, such as a pelvic floor physical therapist, who can provide targeted exercises and therapies to improve muscle coordination.[3] 

Addressing both constipation and UTIs as interconnected issues often leads to better outcomes. Ignoring constipation can increase your risk of recurring UTIs, so it’s essential to take a comprehensive approach to treatment.

How to prevent UTIs related to constipation

Remember that constipation itself isn't the real culprit behind UTIs — it  could be due to underlying pelvic floor issues that can affect both systems, or imbalances in the gut. Getting to the root cause is key to preventing future problems with both urinary frequency and bowel irregularity. To help prevent constipation-related UTI risk, try these strategies:[6]

• Eat a high-fiber diet: Eat foods like fruits and vegetables to support your digestive system and keep it moving smoothly.
• Drink plenty of water: Adequate hydration helps both your digestive and urinary systems function properly.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps improve  bowel function.
• Practice good bathroom habits: Don't delay when you feel like you need to urinate or have a bowel movement.

UTIs and constipation FAQs 

What foods help with both constipation and UTI prevention?

Eating plenty of high-fiber foods like leafy greens, whole grains, fruits, and legumes supports healthy digestion and overall balance.[7,8]

Fiber helps keep bowel movements regular and promotes a diverse gut microbiome, which plays a role in maintaining immune and overall balance throughout the body.[7] Research also suggests that the gut and vaginal microbiomes are connected through a shared network of bacteria and immune signals, meaning changes in gut health can influence the vaginal environment.[8]

Because vaginal and urinary health are closely connected, maintaining balance in the vaginal microbiome may help support urinary tract health.[9]

For more on foods that support vaginal health, check out our full guide.

Are children more likely to get UTIs from constipation?

Yes, children can be especially susceptible to this connection. Constipation is a frequent cause of UTIs in kids.

When stool builds up in the rectum or colon, it can press against the bladder or even block it, making it difficult to fully empty. Any urine left behind creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and cause infection.

Kids may also hold their bowel movements or not fully empty their bladders, which can worsen both constipation and UTI risk. Pelvic floor coordination issues that link these conditions can be particularly problematic in children who are still developing proper bathroom habits.[10]

Take proactive care of your health

Understanding the connection between constipation and UTIs empowers you to take a more comprehensive approach to your health. While these conditions might seem separate, they often share a common factor: pelvic floor dysfunction. Addressing this root cause can make a significant difference in managing both issues.

Rather than treating constipation and UTIs as isolated problems, it’s important to consider how your pelvic floor health impacts both your urinary and digestive systems. Working with a healthcare provider who understands this link can help you find solutions that go beyond symptom relief and focus on long-term improvement.

Remember—if you’re dealing with recurring constipation or UTIs (especially if they occur together), it’s essential to seek medical guidance. A proactive approach that includes pelvic floor support, proper hydration, a fiber-rich diet, and regular physical activity can help prevent future episodes and support your overall well-being.

Taking care of these connected systems is a powerful step toward feeling better and staying ahead of potential issues.

Share article