Can my birth control cause uti?

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are an unfortunate reality that many women have to face. And if you’re a woman who’s on birth control, you may wonder whether there’s any connection between your contraception and this pesky infection. So, can your birth control be the source of your suffering? Well, let’s find out.

What is Birth Control?

Before we dive into whether or not birth control causes UTIs, let’s start with a basic understanding of what it is.

Birth Control refers to methods used to prevent unintended pregnancies. There are several types of contraceptive options available such as oral pills, patches, IUDs – all designed differently but work towards preventing pregnancy in one way or another.

What Are UTIs?

A urinary tract infection happens when harmful bacteria enter the urethra and multiply in the urinary tract; most commonly affecting women more than men.. Common symptoms include burning sensation while urinating (ouchie!), frequent need for bathroom visits accompanied by pain in pelvic region amongst other things!

Doctors always say “keep yourself hydrated” but did they forget how terrible those cringey trips to washrooms are?!

So now comes the actual question:

Does Birth Control Really Cause UTI?

The short answer: It’s complicated!

Various studies have shown that Women taking certain forms of Birth Control including their first time,broad spectrum antibiotics after surgery/illness ,etc,…have a slightly increased chance (slightly being emphasised!)of getting Urinary Tract Infection(UTI). However,it doesn’t mean it will happen.It may occur due to personal habits,routine hygiene,dietary intake,suppressed immunity or genetics.Therefore,the exact cause remains uncertain.

It must be noted that presumptively stating ‘yes’ as an answer might just land us on people thinking hit pieces ‘ridiculing birth-control practices’ and hence, we need to dive deeper.

So let’s break it down further:

Hormonal Birth Control Method

Many times Hbc methods are combined with estrogen/progestin hormones that may alter the environment in your urinary tract making you susceptible to UTI. Especially if Estrogen-rich lining of urethra or vaignal Flora is weakened.

What happens?

Estrogen is an important hormone beneficial for vaginal health. In women with weaker immune systems, use of BC pills can increase likelihood of vulnerability towards infections such as UTIs.Combinated hormonal types,either containing both progesterone and estrogen-and mini-pill types those contain only progestogen have been linked to some cases of bladder issues but majority experiences normalcy.

Therefore,you’re not entirely wrong when constantly seeing online forums where many doctors suggest using barrier contraceptives alongside hormonal ones,may just be a little safe strategy because nothing can prevent anything from happening altogether!

It must be remembered that contraceptions have various chances/ways they work against pregnancy before risking natural contraception

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) Methods

These refer to implants or intrauterine devices used by women who do not wish for children now.Talk about future planning !

According to quite recent studies ,women using few LARCs specifically copper IUDs -had increased occurrence risk however more research needs kepping tabs on whether they actually cause one!

Specifically Copper 7 device ..

This tiny structure embedded into uterus (‘til removed!) has helped as useful aids preventing unplanned pregnancies since decades ; However,some reports indicating causing irritation of cervicofacial area which remains unpresumptive.Oh,Uti loves also loves unclarity doesn’t it ?

Women Who Use Diaphragms/Spermicides &UTI Incidence

When sexually active; indirect effects from certain spermicides or using diaphragms that contain nonoxynol-9 ,a substance believed to cause some allergic reactions or reacting with your pre-existing mucous membranes making it easy for bacteria to escape breeding can additionally become one of the reasons.

Other possible factors are

  • Hydration levels
  • Frequency of intercourse
  • Personal hygiene
  • Diapers changing habits when UTI infected
  • Anal cleansing before vaginal sex methods (gross but facts…).

How To Prevent UTIs

If you’re someone who’s prone to getting UTIs, don’t worry as there are plenty of ways in which they can be prevented. Here are few tips:

Drink Plenty Of Water!

This is crucial especially during summers and monsoons. Make yourself drink atleast 8 glasses everyday no matter how busy procrastination kicks in.

It also helps reduce the bacterial balances thus reducing chances of walking into a trap!

Pee Before And After Intercourse !

Always make sure you empty bladder before and after doing so.When women have sex,it becomes even more necessary since friction between areas only makes increase in danger due to stimulation hence causing urine reduction slowing down release/Bacteria breeding.Ew,no thanks !

Maintain Cleanliness et.al.

Basic hand-washing,shower routines,cotton underwear choices,Hobby issues on hands-nails maintenance & laundering clothes well reduces chances reexposure/prevention yet maintaining pH balance; other healthy practices must not skip out either like eats nourishing substances(e.g:probiotic yogurt) etc.Textbook essentials.

All things considered, while birth control may cause a slight increase in risk for developing UTIs – but these raises aren’t definite .Either way,your safest bet would be staying hydrated,maintaining frequent peeing schedule,taking care by all means/circumstances regarding cleanliness.

Being aware about risks doesn’t mean we stop living our lives though! Stop seeing them as hurdles instead,”rise, period-proof and speak out for yourself” oh wait?! Not had sex in a while or inconsistent? Fear of introducing UTI when ‘just’ starting out,new partner jitters?-
Well as author Carrie Bradshaw once cited “follow your head but listen to your heart first”;At times like these,following the head may be more prudent!

UTIs might seem a little intimidating, but remember you’re not flawed or odd! It’s common and many people previously-or will encounter them .Staying safe doesn’t hurt either way – we’ve got this ladies.

Random Posts