A lot of my patients are surprised to learn that their UTI like symptoms are actually not caused by an infection. If you are experiencing recurrent UTI symptoms this blog is for you!
What is a UTI?
A UTI is a bacterial infection of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. It is mainly associated with a strong, persistent urge to urinate and a burning sensation when urinating. It is diagnosed using a urine test that identifies the presence of bacterial cultures in the urine.
Another important factor in the occurrence of a UTI is estrogen levels. Women who are post-menopause have reduced levels of estrogen, which can result in a variety of symptoms such as vaginal tissues that are thinner and drier, and an increase in urgency and UTI frequency. If you are post-menopause, ask your doctor about using an estrogen treatment to help relieve these symptoms.
How can a tight pelvic floor mimic a UTI?
A tight pelvic floor can create a feeling of urgency to find a bathroom RIGHT NOW and cause pain, burning, and muscle spasms that mimic symptoms of a UTI. The one main difference is that urine cultures will come back negative. This is usually when things can get really frustrating. A good doctor will send you to a specialist such as a urologist or pelvic floor physiotherapist, but sometimes patients are left without answers. The problem just keeps recurring and the tests come back negative.
How do I know if my pelvic floor is tight?
There are a few clues that your pelvic floor might be holding too much tension:
- Leaking with exercise or jumping, sneezing, coughing , etc
- Low back pain, SI joint pain, or hip pain
- Difficulty taking a deep breath in
- Difficulty starting the flow of pee without pushing
- Chronic constipation
- Pain with intercourse
Of course the best way to confirm if you have a tight pelvic floor is to check in with a pelvic floor physiotherapist.
How to prevent recurring UTIs?
If you are experiencing frequent UTIs that are confirmed with a urine culture test then try the following:
- Drink plenty of fluids (water is best, about 8 glasses a day) – enough to pass clear urine 4 to 6 times a day
- Do not let the bladder get too full. Aim to go about 5-8 times a day and count to about 8-mississippis when voiding (ie: don’t go every 30 minutes just to have a little trickle)
- Avoid constipation
- After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back
- Cleanse your genital area daily but not too frequently or vigorously
- Avoid potential irritants such as perfumed bath oils and vaginal deodorants
- Lubricate adequately during intercourse
- Go to the bathroom before and as soon as possible after having sex
- Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes so air can keep the area dry. No thongs!
How to treat a tight pelvic floor?
First we need to figure out what is causing your pelvic floor to hold too much tension: is the area compensating for another part of the body? Is the pelvic floor weak and holding tension is the only way for it to create support for the area? Are you holding too much tension due to stress and anxiety?
Figuring out the cause is key to treatment. Releasing the pelvic floor is easy. Keeping it relaxed requires more work.
To begin the work of releasing your pelvic floor, start by taking deep breaths. You should feel your belly, sides, and back expand. Think about the breath reaching all the way to your pelvic floor and the muscles letting go.
You can also use a tool such as a wand (I like: https://www.intimaterose.com/products/pelvic-wand). I do strongly recommend that you see a professional before starting treatment on your own, to evaluate your needs.