UTI Impact Report 2026
It’s time to talk more openly
about UTIs and their impact.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are the second-most common infection in the U.S.¹
Uqora’s UTI Impact Report offers a new, data-driven exploration of UTIs. Leading with insights from Uqora’s primary survey data, this report covers topics from UTI symptoms and mental health effects to proactive care trends -- raising awareness of the widespread, often overlooked condition.
A closer look at UTIs and their impact.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary system, which includes the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys.²
UTIs are the second most common type of infection, and for many women, repeat cases are a frequent occurrence.¹
66%
of women surveyed have experienced a UTI at some point in their life.³
7 UTIs
experienced on average by sufferers at the time of Uqora’s survey.⁴
1 in 3 women
in the U.S. are diagnosed and treated for a UTI by age 24.⁵
A significant share of UTI sufferers experience recurrent infections, caught in a persistent cycle of infection and recovery.
32%
of UTI sufferers surveyed experience a UTI every 1-6 months.⁴
10-15%
of women over the age of 60 have experienced at least one incidence of a recurrent urinary tract infection. ⁶
Three of the most commonly reported symptoms among UTI sufferers are: ⁴
Frequent
urination
Pain when
urinating
Urgency/sudden
strong urge to urinate
Frequent
urination
Pain when
urinating
Urgency/sudden
strong urge to urinate
Notably, UTIs generate over 8 million annual doctor visits, and their evaluation/treatment costs approximately $2 billion per year in the United States. ⁷,⁸
The signs and symptoms of UTIs may resemble a variety of other conditions. To ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, it’s important to seek professional medical care.
Exploring the hidden mental health impact of UTIs
For many, the experience of a UTI is not just physical, but also emotional.
UTIs carry a significant emotional impact for more than half of women who experience them.
If you’ve experienced changes in your mental health because of your urinary health, you’re not alone. While the mental health impacts of UTIs may be less discussed than their physical symptoms, both contribute to a broader, often overlooked, burden of infection.
55%
of women ranked the emotional impact of UTI symptoms as very to extremely impactful.⁹
Women with recurrent UTIs commonly experience emotional burdens, including anxiety and depression.¹⁰
UTIs have also been shown to affect relationships, intimacy, sleep, and social activities for many women.¹¹
One of the top UTI category entry points for consumers is the desire to “feel more in control of my own health”.¹²
Approaches to proactive UTI care
and treatment
In the historically underserved women’s health category, proactive UTI care, including supplements and probiotics, can offer women an empowering option for taking control of their urinary health.
48%
of women would be willing to use oral supplements/probiotics for proactive urinary health support.⁹
3 in 4 consumers
shop for proactive UTI solutions in-store.⁴
As women seek proactive solutions, in-store retail is a key access point for urinary health support.
$105
UTI sufferers spend an average of $105 on proactive solutions annually.⁴
Prescription antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs, designed to address the underlying bacterial infection.
56%
of UTI sufferers try an over-the-counter solution upon first experiencing UTI symptoms, before contacting their healthcare provider.⁴
60%
of women use prescription medication from a healthcare provider to treat their UTIs.⁹
Note, we always recommend connecting with a healthcare professional to ensure proper UTI diagnosis and treatment.
Together, we can establish a more informed conversation around urinary health.
The UTI Impact Report explores insights on UTI symptoms, mental health, proactive care and treatment to raise awareness and understanding—dismantling long-held stigmas.
Uqora is committed to transforming the urinary health landscape with education, product innovation, and community building. To UTI sufferers—you’re not alone, and we’re here to help support you on your journey to better urinary health.
Check out our Facebook and Reddit group, The Uqora Collective, to connect with other members of the Uqora community.
Citations: Insights in this report were compiled primarily from Uqora survey data, as well as secondary sources.
- Urinary Tract Infections. June 2025. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/urinarytractinfections.html
- Understanding your urinary system: Your body’s filter. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21197-urinary-system
- Urinary Tract Infection A&U, October 2023. Quantitative survey among 5,120 U.S. women ages 18+.
- Uqora Survey, Urinary Tract Infection A&U, October 2023. Quantitative survey among 971 US women, ages 18+ who have personally experienced a UTI in the last 12 months.
- Dason, S., Dason, J. T., & Kapoor, A. (2011). Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of recurrent urinary tract infection in women. Canadian Urological Association journal = Journal de l’Association des urologues du Canada, 5(5), 316–322. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.11214 6.
- Glover, M., Moreira, C. G., Sperandio, V., & Zimmern, P. (2014). Recurrent urinary tract infections in healthy and nonpregnant women. Urological science, 25(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urols.2013.11.007
- Berg, S. (2025, February 7). What doctors want patients to know about UTI prevention. American Medical Association. https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/prevention-wellness/what-doctors-want-patients-know-about-uti-prevention
- American Urological Association. (2025). Recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: AUA/CUA/SUFU guideline (2025). https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/recurrent-uti
- Uqora Survey, Inside Her Health: Mapping the Gaps, Needs, and Opportunities, December 2025. Quantitative survey of 600 U.S. women ages 18+ who have experienced any health issue/condition related to women’s health.
- Chen, M., Yang, Y., Li, Y., Zheng, S., & Choo, C. (2026). Navigating healthcare, managing life, or falling through the cracks? A theory-informed systematic review of the chronic burden faced by women with recurrent urinary tract infections.
BMC public health, 26(1), 1879. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-27569-w - Grigoryan, L., Mulgirigama, A., Powell, M., & Schmiemann, G. (2022). The emotional impact of urinary tract infections in women: A qualitative analysis. BMC Women’s Health, 22(1), 182. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-022-01757-3
- Uqora Survey, UTI Focused Mental Availability, December 2025. Quantitative survey of 500 +18 women that are buyers or users of products to manage or prevent UTIs.