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can dehydration cause uti
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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #25992
22 days ago
43

can dehydration cause uti - #25992

Aditi

I am really worried about something that’s been going on with me. The past few weeks, I have felt super tired and have been drinking less water than usual, like way less. I started getting these weird burning sensations when I pee, and I thought, OMG, can dehydration cause UTI?? I mean, I’ve heard people say it can but wasn’t sure. I don’t have any fever or back pain, just this annoying urge to go to the bathroom, and sometimes it hurts. A friend of mine had a similar thing last year and her doctor told her that dehydration was a factor in her getting a UTI. That got me thinking, can dehydration cause UTI? Or am I just freaking out for nothing? I tried to drink more water but still feel like every time I gotta go it’s uncomfortable. Should I check with a doctor or is it something that can just go away if I hydrate enough? I don't wanna ignore it, but also don't wanna overreact. Help!!! What do you all think? Can dehydration cause UTI and how can I figure out if that's the issue?

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Doctors' responses

Dehydration itself doesn’t directly cause a urinary tract infection (UTI), but it can definitely be a contributor. When you’re dehydrated, you’re likely producing less urine, which means your urinary tract isn’t being flushed out as frequently as it should be. This stagnant environment can allow bacteria that naturally reside in your body or enter through the urethra, to multiply, leading to a UTI. Given the symptoms you’re describing—a burning sensation when urinating and an increased urge to pee—it’s wise to consider the possibility of a UTI. Drinking more water can help to a degree by increasing urine flow, which may clear out some of the bacteria and relieve symptoms, but it might not fully resolve an infection if one has taken hold. Since you’ve been experiencing discomfort despite trying to hydrate, it’s advisable to consult a doctor. They can perform a urinalysis to confirm whether you have an infection and recommend treatment, which typically would involve a course of antibiotics if a UTI is diagnosed. Addressing it sooner rather than later is important, because untreated UTIs can sometimes progress to more severe infections, including those affecting the kidneys. Also, keep an eye out for worsening symptoms like fever or back pain, which would necessitate urgent medical evaluation. In the meantime, continue to stay well-hydrated and perhaps include cranberry juice in your diet, as it’s known to support urinary health to some extent, though it’s no substitute for medical treatment. Please ensure your healthcare decisions are based on professional medical advice tailored to your specific condition.

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