Can Stress Cause a UTI? Here’s What an Expert Doctor Says

Urinary tract infections, commonly known as UTIs, target the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. The Cleveland Clinic reports that each year, eight to ten million people seek medical treatment for UTIs. Samuel Mathis, MD, MBA, a board-certified family medicine physician and assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch, notes, “[The infection] could be as high up as the kidneys (pyelonephritis) or in the bladder (cystitis).”

You may already be familiar with some of the symptoms of a UTI: A painful or burning sensation during urination (dysuria), frequent urges to urinate, unusual urine odor, urgent trips to the bathroom, blood in the urine (hematuria), or cloudy urine (pyuria). When the infection reaches the kidneys, it can lead to more severe symptoms like fevers, chills, nausea, vomiting, and even flank or back pain.

Get The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter

What exactly triggers a UTI, and could stress be a contributing factor? Here’s what an expert MD has to say.

What causes a UTI?

“The most common cause of UTI is a bacteria known as E. coli,” Dr. Mathis shares. These bacteria are normal residents of the colon. “These infections occur when bacteria climb up the urethra into the bladder and possibly up the ureters into the kidneys.” Women tend to get UTIs more frequently due to their shorter urethras and the close proximity of the urethral opening to the anus compared to men.

What increases your chances of getting a UTI? Here are some common risk factors:

• Age is a factor, with kids and the elderly being more susceptible. Issues often arise in kids from not wiping properly after using the bathroom.
• Holding in your urine
• Wearing tight clothing
• Sexual activity
• Certain medications or health conditions that weaken the immune system
• Diabetes, due to high blood sugar levels in the blood and urine

Can emotional stress cause a UTI?

“Stress does not directly cause UTIs, but it can make you more susceptible to an infection through its effect on our immune system,” Dr. Mathis explains. When stress enters the scene, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that can dampen the immune system’s efficiency in fighting off infections.

“Our response to stress can also increase our risk of infections,” he adds. Typical reactions to stress—like withdrawing, binge eating, or increasing alcohol consumption—do more than just sour our mood; they can heighten our risk of catching an infection. For example, if we ignore our need for water, our urine output drops, allowing bacteria to travel up the bladder. And under stress, few of us opt for nutritious meals.

Dr. Mathis highlights that eating “high sugar, highly processed foods increase inflammation in the body and can increase the amount of sugar in our urine, making the urine a great place for bacteria to grow.” Also, drinking more alcohol, which acts as a diuretic, might mean more trips to the bathroom and could lead to dehydration.

Symptoms that can mimic a UTI

It’s important to recognize that certain symptoms might suggest a UTI yet stem from other conditions. Dr. Mathis points out, “Sexually transmitted infections mimic the pain with urination. Occasionally yeast infections or bacterial overgrowth in the vagina can also cause these symptoms.”

Besides these, other culprits include kidney stones, which can cause pain and blood in urine, diabetes with frequent urination and unusual urine odor, and chronic conditions such as interstitial cystitis. Even dietary changes, like consuming asparagus, can influence urinary symptoms.

How to prevent a UTI

There are several steps you can take to help prevent a UTI. Here are some of Dr. Mathis’ top recommendations:

Hydration is key: “First and foremost is hydration. It is recommended we drink six to eight glasses of water a day. This helps to keep the kidneys hydrated and functioning at their optimal level.”

Respond to nature’s call: “When you need to urinate, you should go. Urine helps to flush out bacteria from our bladder.” Holding it in can allow bacteria to settle in, so it’s best to go when you feel the urge.

Hygiene habits: Always remember to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. Dr. Mathis suggests a simple rhyme for the little ones: “Pat, pat, pat from front to back.” It’s also important to wash daily and change your underwear every day.

Be mindful of bath products: For women, it’s best to avoid douching and using scented sprays or powders in the genital area.

Shower post-bath: Always shower quickly after a bath to ensure no bacteria linger on your skin.

Opt for comfortable clothing: Tight clothing can increase the risk of UTIs. If you’re susceptible, wearing loose clothing can help.

Limit sugars: Decrease your intake of high-sugar foods and beverages to reduce the risk of infections.

Post-intercourse care: While it’s still being debated, peeing after sex might help. For those frequently affected by UTIs, doctors might recommend a preventative antibiotic post-sex.

The benefits of cranberries: Incorporating cranberry products can help, as they contain proanthocyanidins, which prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls, making it easier for your body to clear them out.

How do you stop a UTI when you feel it coming on?

“If you feel a UTI coming on, the first thing you should do is drink more water to try to flush out the bacteria,” suggests Dr. Mathis. Also, some home remedies may help combat a UTI before it worsens. Research indicates that cranberry juice, vitamin C, and probiotics could provide some benefits. A heating pad may also be beneficial for alleviating pain.

“However,” Dr. Mathis adds, “UTIs can be difficult to self-treat once they come on. If these do not work, you should schedule a time with your [healthcare provider] to see if an antibiotic would be appropriate for your infection.”

If you frequently experience UTIs, your healthcare provider should conduct a urine culture. This can help pinpoint the bacteria responsible and check for any resistance to typical antibiotics.

For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

• The 6 Best Supplements for Your Bladder, According to a Urologist
• 10 Weird Reasons Your Pee Smells Funny
• Can You Have Sex With a UTI? Here’s Current Wisdom from Women’s Health Doctors
• 10 Things Your Pee Reveals About Your Health (Besides Dehydration)