Can Bladder Leakage Cause a UTI?
"Can Bladder Leakage Cause a UTI? Let’s Clear Up the Confusion!"
Picture this: You’ve just enjoyed a good belly laugh, but then it happens—again. A little bladder leak that catches you off guard. Annoying, right? Now, imagine you’re also dealing with frequent UTIs (urinary tract infections) that never seem to go away. You might start to wonder: "Are these two things connected? Is my bladder leakage causing my UTIs?"
It’s a good question, and one that I get asked a lot as a pelvic therapist. So let’s talk about it! Spoiler alert: bladder leakage doesn’t directly cause UTIs, but the two can definitely be related. And the key to solving both might just be your pelvic floor. Yes, that pelvic floor you’ve been hearing about but haven’t paid much attention to. It’s time to change that.
The UTI-Bladder Leak Puzzle: How It All Connects
First, let’s get something straight: UTIs are caused by bacteria, plain and simple. It usually happens when bacteria (often E. coli from the digestive tract) gets into your urethra, causing that dreaded burning sensation, urgency, and discomfort. So no, bladder leakage by itself doesn’t introduce bacteria or directly cause a UTI. But it’s more complicated than that.
Your pelvic floor, that wonderful hammock of muscles holding up your bladder, uterus, and other organs, plays a huge role in both bladder leakage and how your body manages urinary infections. If those pelvic floor muscles are too weak or too tight, they can cause a whole host of problems, including contributing to both leakage and recurring UTIs.
Why Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Can Make UTIs Worse
Let’s dive a little deeper. When your pelvic floor muscles aren’t working properly—whether they’ve been compromised from childbirth, holding tension from stress, or just out of balance—you might not be able to fully empty your bladder. When you leave urine sitting around in the bladder for too long, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. And boom—another UTI hits.
On the flip side, dysfunctional pelvic muscles can also cause bladder leakage when you cough, laugh, or sneeze, further irritating your urinary system. This constant cycle of leakage and incomplete bladder emptying can make you more prone to UTIs and make those infections feel never-ending.
How Can You Break the Cycle?
Here’s the good news: you can absolutely break the cycle of bladder leakage and recurring UTIs by retraining your pelvic floor. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t that what Kegels are for?” Yes, but… also no. Hear me out.
What most women know a “kegels” are great for activating the pelvic floor, but they’re often misunderstood. A lot of women think that all they need to do is squeeze, squeeze, squeeze, and everything will magically improve. In reality, your pelvic floor muscles need to be both strong and flexible. It’s not just about tightening up—it’s about finding the balance, which means learning to both contract and lengthen your pelvic floor. This is the key to improving bladder control, fully emptying your bladder, and reducing your risk of future UTIs.
The Right Way to Kegel (Hint: It’s Not Just About Squeezing)
This is exactly why I created my How to Kegel Correctly Workshop. It’s not just a one-size-fits-all guide on how to do Kegels; it’s a practical mini-series that walks you through the full picture of pelvic health. It’s designed to give you the tools to assess your own pelvic floor, strengthen it properly, and—most importantly—lengthen and relax those muscles so they’re functioning at their best.
In this workshop, you’ll learn:
Basic Female Anatomy – I break down the mysteries of your pelvic floor and explain how it supports your bladder, bowels, and uterus. You’ll understand where things might be going wrong and why retraining your pelvic floor is key.
Self-Assessment Techniques – Not sure if your pelvic floor is too tight, too weak, or just plain uncoordinated? I’ll show you how to assess your own pelvic floor, so you can tailor your approach and see real results.
The Real Way to Kegel – Forget what you’ve been told about just squeezing. I’ll teach you how to contract your pelvic floor muscles and how to lengthen them, which is crucial for both bladder control and preventing future incontinence or pelvic issues.
Why Does This Matter for UTIs?
If you’ve been suffering from recurring UTIs, your pelvic floor might be part of the problem—and that’s great news, because it means you can actually do something about it. When your pelvic floor is balanced, it helps your bladder empty fully, which lowers your chances of bacteria lingering around and causing infections.
And guess what? Retraining your pelvic floor also improves your bladder control. That means no more surprise leaks when you’re laughing with friends or sneezing during allergy season. You get the best of both worlds: fewer UTIs and better bladder function.
Take Control of Your Pelvic Health
I get it—UTIs and bladder leakage are no fun. They can make you feel frustrated, embarrassed, and out of control of your own body. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to keep living like this. With the right approach, you can take charge of your pelvic health, stop those leaks, and even reduce the chances of those irritating UTIs returning.
My How to Kegel Correctly Workshop is designed for busy women who are ready to ditch the bladder issues and regain control. It’s practical, easy to follow, and gets right to the point—because who has time to waste on doing Kegels wrong? Whether you’re currently dealing with bladder leakage, want to prevent future incontinence, or are just tired of recurring UTIs, this workshop has what you need.
Ready to Make a Change?
If you’re tired of constantly worrying about bladder leakage or UTIs, now is the time to take action. My How to Kegel Correctly Workshop will show you how to retrain your pelvic floor for lasting results. No more guessing. No more frustration. Just real tools to help you feel confident and in control again.
It’s time to stop treating the symptoms and start addressing the cause. Join me in the How to Kegel Correctly Workshop and let’s retrain your pelvic floor for a healthier, happier you. Your bladder—and your body—will thank you!
