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.

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.


What Causes a UTI?

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.


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

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

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.

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 more vulnerable temporarily to infection as bacteria travel from the vagina to the urethra. Increased moisture can also play a part, 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 bacterial, 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.

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 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 more vulnerable temporarily to infection as bacteria travel from the vagina to the urethra. Increased moisture can also play a part, 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 bacterial, 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?

When you take antibiotics to treat a UTI, they wipe out the good bacteria along with bad. This puts you at a higher risk for another UTI among other issues, such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

When bacteria attaches to the wall of the urinary tract it has the ability to produce biofilm. Biofilms are sticky networks of microorganisms that act as a shield for the bacteria, protecting it from your immune system and antibiotics. When bacteria protected by biofilm ends its dormancy, they cause what is called a recurring UTI (rUTI) or a UTI caused by bacteria from the initial infection that was never cleared.

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.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics

When you take antibiotics to treat a UTI, they wipe out the good bacteria along with bad. This puts you at a higher risk for another UTI among other vaginal issues, including yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

When you take antibiotics to treat a UTI, they wipe out the good bacteria along with bad. This puts you at a higher risk for another UTI among other vaginal issues, including yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

Biofilm

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 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.  


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


You’re not alone. We're helping over 400,000 people of all ages stay healthy with our proactive urinary tract products.

You’re not alone. We're helping over 400,000 people of all ages stay healthy with our proactive urinary tract products.

UTIs Happen - We've Got You Covered

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.

 

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.

I had 8 UTIs in one year - a note from our founder

“I was stuck in the cycle of UTIs for years. I was desperate for a way to get ahead, but was told there was little I could do. This inspired my husband and I to start Uqora, alongside doctors & scientists. Now, we’ve been able to help over 200,000 people and counting. Ready to give us a try?”

UTIs happen - that's why we created our UTI Emergency Kit

Our UTI Emergency Kit has everything you need until you can see a doctor. With this 3-in-1 bundle you can test if you have a UTI, quickly relieve pain and burning, and control the infection.

Our refund policy

Your well being is our #1 priority. If Uqora doesn’t work for you, we’ll give you your money back.

And we promise our customer success team will make it easy. We pride ourselves on having a responsive, caring team full of real people ready to answer all your questions and help in any way.


Have a UTI Now?

Have a UTI Now?

Get the UTI Emergency Kit. You can test if you have a UTI, quickly relieve pain and burning, and control the infection until you can see a medical professional.

With our UTI Emergency Kit you can test if you have a UTI, quickly relieve pain and burning, and control the infection until you can see a medical professional. We always keep one on hand!

UTIs happen - that's why we created our UTI Emergency Kit

Have a UTI Now?

Our UTI Emergency Kit has everything you need until you can see a doctor. With this 3-in-1 bundle you can test if you have a UTI, quickly relieve pain and burning, and control the infection.

With our UTI Emergency Kit you can test if you have a UTI, quickly relieve pain and burning, and control the infection until you can see a medical professional. We always keep one on hand!

Trusted by doctors and scientists who believe in being proactive

Dr. Katherine Klos, Urologist

Dr. Payal Bhandari, Functional Medicine M.D.

Dr. Susan Mitmesser, Scientist at Pharmavite

Trusted by doctors and scientists who believe in being proactive

Uqora promises

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Money-back guarantee

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Support team that cares

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Science-backed ingredients

Dr. Katherine Klos, Urologist

Dr. Payal Bhandari, Functional Medicine M.D.

Dr. Susan Mitmesser, Scientist at Pharmavite

Uqora promises

Keep scrolling to hear what our community has to say

Below is a place for our customers to share their stories. We stay out of it! These reviews are unfiltered and uncurated. You can also access these by clicking 'reviews' in the menu.

Uqora's dietary supplement products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Results may vary.

Keep scrolling to hear what our community has to say

Below is a place for our customers to share stories. We stay out of it! These reviews are unfiltered and uncurated. You can also access these by clicking 'reviews' in the menu.

Uqora's dietary supplement products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Results may vary.


Trusted by doctors and scientists who believe in being proactive

Our refund policy

Your well being is our #1 priority. If Uqora doesn’t work for you, we’ll give you your money back.

And we promise our customer success team will make it easy. We pride ourselves on having a responsive, caring team full of real people ready to answer all your questions and help in any way.


Keep scrolling to hear what our community has to say

Below is a place for our customers to share stories. We stay out of it! These reviews are unfiltered and uncurated. You can also access these by clicking 'reviews' in the menu.

Uqora's dietary supplement products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Results may vary.