Why do you keep getting UTIs?

Although everyone's anatomy is slightly different, some factors make certain people more susceptible to UTIs than others. For example, simply having a female anatomy increases your risk of getting a urinary tract infection by 30% since women have shorter urethras than men. Understanding your unique triggers so you can take preventative steps is key to breaking the cycle of recurring infections.

Select a topic to learn more about common UTI triggers

Sexual Activity

Sexual activity is the most commonly reported cause of UTIs. During sexual activity, bacteria, most commonly e. coli, are transferred from the vagina, anus, or sexual partner to the urinary tract. Any form of sexual activity physically moves or transplants bacteria to the urethra, where they can travel up and establish an infection. The longer the time the bacteria have to travel up the urinary tract, the more likely an infection is. This is why peeing after sex is always a good idea. However, this is not always enough to keep bacteria from traveling through the urinary tract.

Exercise

Sweat and moisture allow bacteria to move around when exercising, which can transfer them to the urethra. If the clothes worn while exercising are not breathable, this typically increases moisture and makes bacterial travel more likely. Exercising and then not showering for an extended period of time will allow bacteria more time to travel before washing.

Holding It

Our first line of defense against bacteria entering the urinary tract is physically flushing them out via urination. The more time that we allow bacteria to travel up the urinary tract (aka the longer we hold it), the higher the risk of UTI. This is also why people with certain professions, like teachers, nurses, and more, who may not be able to use the bathroom as frequently as they’d like, may experience higher rates of UTIs.

Menstruation

Many women report getting UTIs cyclically immediately following their period due to the important role the vaginal ecosystem plays in your overall urinary heatlh. As blood and tissue from the uterus travel through the vagina, the vagina becomes much less acidic creating a better environment for bacteria growth. Changes in hormones during your period also alter the PH levels of the vaginal microbiome making it more vulnerable. Research also shows that more frequent changing of feminine hygiene products during menstruation can help decrease the risk of UTIs.

Menopause

As women enter menopause, UTI risk goes up. During menopause, estrogen production declines. This leads to big changes in the vaginal microbiome and a decline in lactobacilli (good bacteria). With a decrease of good bacteria, e.coli that is introduced has a higher presence and can increase frequency of UTIs.

Travel

Long airplane rides with limited restroom breaks can increase UTI risk. Additionally, a long travel day might mean you are wearing the same pair of underwear for an extended period of time. We recommend bringing a pair of underwear to change into during your travel day if you are traveling for an extended period of time.

26-44% of females will experience a second UTI within 6 months of the initial infection

Why is that? Biofilm is to blame. Biofilm is a protective network of bacterial cells and compounds that acts as a shield to UTI causing bacteria. Once formed, Biofilm protects the bacteria from the immune system and even antibiotics. Because this bacteria is never cleared, it causes a relapse infection when it ends it's dormancy. A UTI caused by old bacteria left over from a previous infection is called a replace infection or a recurring UTI (rUTI). 

The role of biofilm in a relapse infection

Today, around 77% of all UTIs are considered recurring UTIs

If you've had at least 3 episodes of UTIs in the previous 12 months or at least 2 episodes within the previous 6 months, then there's a high chance you are dealing with a recurring UTI. Because these chronic infections are caused by a different, more complicated mechanism, they require further diagnosis and treatment solutions. We always recommend to talking to your doctor if you think you are dealing with this type of an infection.

A note from our CEO: I had 8 UTIs in one year

I've been there—stuck in the awful cycle of UTIs. In 2014, I had 8 UTIs. I was miserable and repeatedly told there was little I could do to get ahead of the issue.

This experience inspired my husband and I to start Uqora. Built in collaboration with doctors and scientists, Uqora is dedicated to making UTI relief products that work. We also make best-selling urinary tract health supplements so you can finally get proactive.

Today, we’re helping thousands of people take control of their urinary health. We're so glad you’ve found us.

— Jenna Ryan, Uqora Co-founder

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We recommend:

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Flush

Starts at $36.33
4586 reviews
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We recommend Flush because you want better urinary tract health.

Flush is a drink mix that proactively flushes the urinary tract. Ingredients help to alkalize the urine, plus binds to microorganisms in the urine and flushes them from the urinary tract.

Try risk free with our 60 day money back guarantee!

We recommend:

Uqora Defend

Defend

Starts at $36.33
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We recommend Defend because you said urinary tract health affects you 3+ times a year. Defend cleanses biofilm, which helps to keep the urinary tract clear on a day-to-day basis. It also supports bladder wall integrity.

(Psst, we really recommend you also try Flush (our drink mix) to flush your urinary tract in addition to Defend since you’re frequently affected by urinary tract health. Find that bundle here.)

Try risk free with our 60 day money back guarantee! 

We recommend:

Uqora Promote Vaginal Probiotic

Promote

Starts at $36.33
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Promote is formulated with clinically studied ingredients, including lactoferrin and two strains of “good” lactic acid-producing bacteria. These ingredients work together to support a balanced vaginal microbiome. Plus, Promote helps maintain a healthy vaginal pH with a fast-acting formula that reduces itching and discharge in as little as 15 days, providing lasting benefits throughout the month. †

(Psst, if you also struggle with urinary health issues, we recommend trying Flush, our drink mix, which is essential for ongoing urinary health support.)

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We recommend:

Uqora Complete Regimen, Pink Lemonade Flavored Flush, Defend, and Promote

Complete Regimen

Starts at $78.38
15980 reviews
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We recommend our Complete Regimen — 3 products intentionally designed to provide our maximum support.

✔️️Flush is a drink mix that proactively flushes the urinary tract.

✔️️Defend cleanses biofilm, according to mechanism research, and supports bladder wall integrity, which is key for day-to-day urinary tract health. †

✔️Promote is a vaginal probiotic blend with clinically studied ingredients to support your vaginal health.  †

Each product has a distinct function and supports you in a different way, keeping you covered from multiple angles.

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We recommend:

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In Control Bladder Support

Starts at $37
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We recommend In Control Bladder Support to help maintain healthy bladder function.

Formulated with a scientifically tested and clinically studied blend of herbal ingredients, this daily supplement helps reduce urinary urgency, frequency, & occasional accidents or leaks associated with normal aging to provide you with 24-hour support. Results in as little as 2 weeks, with greatest results at 8 weeks.

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We recommend:

A box of packets that says 'Uqora Pink Lemonade' Flush, and a bottle with pills that says 'Uqora Defend'

Flush & Defend

Starts at $59.56
2323 reviews
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Flush, because you want better urinary tract health.

Flush is a drink mix that flushes the urinary tract. Drink Flush every 3 days and immediately after sex, if sexually active.

Defend, because you said urinary tract health affects you 3+ times a year.

Defend supports bladder wall integrity and continually cleanses biofilm, which is key for day-to-day urinary tract health. Take two capsules a day.

Try risk free with our 60 day money back guarantee! 

We recommend:

Box of packets that reads 'Uqora Pink Lemonade Flush' and a bottle of pills that reads 'Promote Vaginal Probiotic'

Flush & Promote

Starts at $59.56
491 reviews
VIEW PRODUCT

Flush, because you want better urinary tract health.

Flush is a drink mix that flushes the urinary tract. Drink Flush every 3 days and immediately after sex, if sexually active.

Promote, because sex and hormonal changes (especially menopause) affect your vaginal microbiome, and can impact urinary tract health.

Promote is a vaginal probiotic formulated with clinically studied ingredients. These ingredients work together to support a balanced vaginal microbiome—which is key, since vaginal health and urinary health is tightly linked. †

(Psst, we really recommend you try Defend in addition to Promote & Flush since you want better urinary tract health. Defend cleanses biofilm, which helps to keep the urinary tract clear on a day-to-day basis. Find that bundle here.)

Try risk free with our 60 day money back guarantee!

We recommend:

A clear plastic jar with pills and a 'Uqora Defend' label, and a plastic pill bottle with a 'Uqora Promote' label

Defend & Promote

Starts at $59.56
4447 reviews
VIEW PRODUCT

Defend, because you said urinary tract health affects you 3+ times a year.

Defend cleanses biofilm, according to mechanism research, and supports bladder wall integrity, which is key for day-to-day urinary tract health. †

Promote, because you want to support your vaginal health. † 

Promote is a vaginal probiotic formulated with clinically studied ingredients. These ingredients work together to support a balanced vaginal microbiome—a key component of urinary tract health. †

(Psst, we really recommend you try Flush to flush your urinary tract in addition to Promote & Defend since you’re frequently affected by urinary tract health. Find that bundle here.)

Try risk free with our 60 day money back guarantee!

UTIs Happen — We've Got You Covered

That's why we created our UTI Emergency Kit. With this all-in-one bundle you can test if you have a UTI, quickly relieve pain and burning, and control the infection until you can see a doctor.

Trusted by doctors and scientists who believe in being proactive

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    Dr. Alyssa Dweck, MS & MD, FACOG, MSCP

  • Dr. Katherine Klos, Urologist

  • Uqora Advisor Dr. Payal Bhandari, M.D.

    Dr. Payal Bhandari, Functional Medicine M.D.

  • Uqora Advisor Dr. Susan Mitmesser, Scientist at Pharmavite

    Dr. Susan Mitmesser, PhD

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