What Causes UTIs in Women?

Women get UTIs up to 30 times more often than men do, but why? We're Uqora - the UTI experts, and we've got the facts below.

We Hear You, UTIs are the Worst.

There are many different causes of UTIs. From anecdotal, clinical, and sample data, sex is the most common UTI trigger. However, it is far from the only cause of infections. Every body is different, and understanding what factors may be the cause is key to getting ahead. Here at Uqora, we are here to help destigmatize UTIs and help guide you every step of your urinary health journey.

What Causes a Urinary Tract Infection?

1. Bacteria enter the urethra, travel up to the bladder, and multiply.
2. This triggers an inflammatory response in your body which results in the symptoms you associate with a UTI.
3. Women are more likely to get a UTI than men because they have shorter urethras, so bacteria doesn't have to travel as far to reach the bladder.

Factors That Can Cause UTIs in Women

Sexual Activity

As mentioned above, 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 (the longer we hold it) that we allow bacteria to travel up the urinary tract, 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.

Hormonal Changes

Many women report getting UTIs cyclically immediately following their period. Like with sexual activity, the vaginal ecosystem plays an important role. Pathogenic bacteria thrive at a higher vaginal pH and are normally kept in check at a lower pH. Hormones are also changing as estrogen production dips prior to menstruation. This can make the urinary tract temporarily more vulnerable to infection as bacteria travel from the vagina to the urethra. Increased moisture can also play a part, and research has shown that more frequent changing of feminine hygiene products during menstruation can decrease the risk of UTIs.

Menopause

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, the vaginal microbiome could become dominated by pathogenic bacteria, even E. Coli. These bacteria are then more likely to travel to the urinary tract. While not necessarily a “cause” of UTIs, menopause, like periods, increases the risk of UTIs from all triggers. Menopausal and postmenopausal UTIs are still often triggered by certain activities, like sex and many other activities. With more pathogenic bacteria around, the more likely these triggers are to cause UTIs.

Travel

Similar to when not urinating for long periods, taking airplane rides and sitting for a long time at once may increase UTI risk. Travel can also be stressful and tiring, which may also contribute to the association between traveling and UTIs. Typical hygiene routines may also be disrupted when traveling, which could lead to a higher likelihood of bacteria getting into the urinary tract. If you’re camping, for example, you’re likely not able to shower or bathe with the regularity you’re used to.

Once you get a UTI, your chances of getting another increase — why?

Antibiotics
When you take antibiotics to treat a UTI, they wipe out the good bacteria along with bad. This can put you at a higher risk for another UTI among other vaginal issues, including yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.
Biofilm
Biofilms are sticky networks of microorganisms that act as a shield for certain bacteria, protecting them from your immune system and antibiotics. When bacteria protected by biofilm end their dormancy, they cause what is called a recurring UTI (rUTI). This is a UTI caused by bacteria from the initial infection that was never cleared.

A note from our founder: "I've been there"

I was stuck in this viscious UTI cycle for years and was desperate to get ahead of the issue. After repeatedly being told there was little I could do, my husband and I were inspired to start Uqora. Today Uqora has helped over 400,000 people and counting with our UTI relief products and proactive urinary tract supplements. Are you ready to join us?

— Jenna Ryan, Uqora Co-founder

OUR STORY

Our best-selling products: proactive urinary tract health supplements

Each product in our Complete Regimen supports your urinary tract in a different way, keeping you covered from all angles.

The ingredients in Uqora have been well-researched and were each selected for their unique ability to improve urinary tract health.

LEARN MORE

You’re not alone.

We're helping over 400,000 people of all ages stay healthy with our proactive urinary tract products.

ALL REVIEWS

Select everything that applies to you:

I wish I had better urinary tract health

Urinary tract health affects my life 3+ times per year

I want to support my vaginal health

I want maximum urinary tract health support

I want to help reduce urinary urgency, frequency, & occasional accidents or leaks associated with normal aging

We recommend:

Flush

Starts at $36

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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:

Defend

Starts at $36

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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:

Promote

Starts at $36

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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.)

Try risk free with our 60 day money back guarantee!

We recommend:

Complete Regimen

Starts at $77.69

15980

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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.

Try risk free with our 60 day money back guarantee!

We recommend:

In Control Bladder Support

Starts at $36.67

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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.

Try risk free with our 60 day money back guarantee!

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

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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

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

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.