Can Probiotics Cause UTI? (or help to cure?)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Adil July 8, 2023
There is a lot of debate surrounding the use of probiotics. Some people swear by them, while others claim that they do more harm than good.
One thing that is for sure, however, is that probiotics can cause some pretty serious side effects in some cases. Recently, there has been some concern over whether or not probiotics can cause UTIs.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this issue and explore the evidence on both sides.
First…
Why take Probiotics in the first place?
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. We usually think of these as germs that cause diseases.
But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad.
Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.
A healthy gut is important for many aspects of your health, including proper digestion, absorption of nutrients, and strong immunity. Probiotics can be found in supplements and some foods, such as yogurt and sauerkraut.
They can also be taken as a liquid, capsule, or powder. Probiotic supplements usually contain one or more strains of bacteria, such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium.
Probiotics are generally considered safe for most people, although there’s a chance they could cause allergic reactions or digestive problems in some people. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any probiotic supplement.
What causes a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can occur anywhere along the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra.
Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, and they can be painful and uncomfortable.
Symptoms of a UTI include:
- strong urge to urinate
- pain or burning during urination
- cloudy or bloody urine
- and fatigue
If left untreated, a UTI can lead to serious kidney problems. While anyone can get a UTI, they are more common among women. One reason for this is that the female urethra is shorter than the male urethra, making it easier for bacteria to travel from outside the body to the bladder.
Other risk factors for UTIs include pregnancy, diabetes, and history of UTIs.
Several things can be done to help prevent UTIs, including drinking plenty of fluids, urinating after sex, and wiping from front to back after using the restroom.
Can Probiotics Cause UTI?
According to a study, 15% of women in the probiotic group had recurrent UTIs, compared with 27% in the placebo group. In addition, the vaginal tract showed higher colonization levels with the probiotic. According to a 2014 study, urge urinary incontinence (UUI) may also be caused by the urinary microbiome.
I also discovered that women who took a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus bacteria were less likely to develop UTIs than those who didn’t.
This means there are increasing signs that it may be possible to use them as a first step to reduce the risk of or as a treatment for certain urinary diseases.
It’s thought that probiotics work by keeping the urinary tract free of harmful bacteria. Probiotics may also help by boosting the immune system.
This means that – as when writing this – there are no concrete studies to suggest that probiotics can cause UTIs.
There is, however, some anecdotal evidence from people who claim that they have experienced UTI symptoms after taking probiotics.
One theory is that the probiotics may alter the vaginal microbiome in a way that makes it more susceptible to UTI-causing bacteria.
Another theory is that the probiotics may actually be treating a different condition, such as bacterial vaginosis, which can lead to UTI symptoms.
It’s also possible that the person was taking a low-quality probiotic supplement that didn’t contain the right strains of bacteria.
If you’re considering taking probiotics, it’s important to talk to your doctor first. This is especially important if you have a history of UTIs.
It’s important to remember that UTIs are relatively common, and most people who take probiotics will not develop one. However, if you are taking probiotics and you develop symptoms of a UTI, such as pain or burning during urination, it’s important to see your doctor right away.
Which is the Best Probiotic for UTIs?
There are many different probiotic supplements on the market, and it can be difficult to know which one to choose. When selecting a probiotic supplement, look for one that contains multiple strains of bacteria, such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium.
Lactobacillus is a type of probiotic that is effective in preventing and treating UTIs.
In one study, women who took a daily supplement containing Lactobacillus were less likely to develop a UTI than those who did not take the supplement.
It’s also important to choose a probiotic supplement that contains at least 50 million CFUs (colony-forming units). This will ensure that you’re getting an adequate amount of bacteria.
When selecting a probiotic supplement, be sure to choose one that is made by a reputable company and that has been third-party tested for quality.
For instance, one of my favorite probiotics called Yourbiology Gut+ contains 4 live + potent strains of good gut bacteria that deliver 40 billion CFUs safely and without stomach issues and is made by a reputable company.
It’s also third-party tested for quality and purity, which I always look for when choosing a supplement. Not to mention the strains in Yourbiology Gut+ have all been clinically studied for their effectiveness.
See for yourself:
I learned that most Probiotics supplements are generally safe to take, but they can cause side effects in some people. These side effects may include gas, bloating, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking the probiotic and see your doctor.
You should also talk to your doctor before taking a probiotic supplement if you have a weakened immune system or a chronic illness. Probiotics may not be right for you if you have one of these conditions.
Ways to avoid UTIs
There are things you can do to lower your risk of developing a UTI;
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. This helps to flush out bacteria from your urinary tract
- Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom. This prevents bacteria from your anus from spreading to your urethra
- Urinate soon after having sex. This helps to flush out bacteria that may have been introduced during intercourse
- Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays, douches, or powders. These products can irritate your urethra and increase your risk of developing a UTI
- Avoid drinks and foods that are high in sugar and artificial sweeteners, as these can promote the growth of bacteria
- If you are prone to UTIs, you may want to consider taking cranberry supplements or drinking cranberry juice, as this can help prevent bacteria from attaching themselves to the urinary tract walls
- Take a probiotic supplement. Probiotics can help prevent UTIs by keeping the urinary tract free of bacteria.
My favorite Probiotic Supplement
There are a lot of different probiotic supplements on the market these days.
So, how do you know which one is right for you?
Well, as mentioned earlier, if you’re looking for a probiotic that is made with natural ingredients, is clinically backed, and is dairy-free, soy-free, and GMP-certified, then you want Yourbiology gut+.
This probiotic supplement contains 4 strains of bacteria with 40 billion CFUs. It is clinically proven to help with digestive and gut health.
Plus, it helps boost your immune system. So, if you’re looking for a probiotic that can do it all, then look no further than Yourbiology gut+.
I recently discovered this probiotic supplement and I’m really impressed with it.
It’s helped me with my digestive issues and it’s also boosted my immune system.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good probiotic supplement.
FAQs on Probiotics and UTIs
Can Lactobacillus cause urinary tract infection?
Lactobacillus is a type of bacteria that is present in the gastrointestinal tract, vagina, and mouth.
It is a normal and healthy part of the human microbiota. Lactobacillus can also be found in some fermented foods, such as yogurt and sauerkraut.
The specific strains of lactobacillus that are used in probiotic supplements are believed to have health benefits, including preventing and treating urinary tract infections (UTIs).
While lactobacillus is generally considered safe, there is some concern that it may cause UTIs in elderly women who are already susceptible to them.
What supplements can cause UTIs?
There are a few supplements that can cause UTIs, including those that contain vitamin C.
Vitamin C is known to adsorb to the walls of the urinary tract and create an environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. This can lead to increased UTI risk.
Additionally, cranberry supplements have also been linked to an increased risk of UTIs.
Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins which can inhibit the ability of E. coli (a common cause of UTIs) from binding to the walls of the urinary tract. However, it is worth noting that there is conflicting evidence on whether or not cranberry supplements actually increase UTI risk.
Can you treat a UTI with probiotics?
As we mentioned earlier, some strains of lactobacillus are believed to have health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of UTIs.
Probiotic supplements that contain these strains of lactobacillus may help to treat and prevent UTIs. Additionally, probiotics can also help to reduce the severity and duration of UTI symptoms.
What kind of infection can you get from probiotics?
There is a very small risk that you could develop an infection from taking probiotics.
The vast majority of infections that have been associated with probiotics are gastrointestinal in nature and occur when the probiotic supplement contains live bacteria.
These types of infections are usually mild and resolve on their own without treatment. However, in rare cases, more serious infections have been reported.
Should Lactobacillus UTI be treated?
From my research, I discovered that Lactobacillus UTIs are generally considered to be mild and resolve on their own without treatment.
However, if you are experiencing severe symptoms, or if your UTI does not seem to be improving, it is important to see a healthcare provider.
Why do I keep getting urinary tract infections?
It’s possible that you are getting urinary tract infections because you are not drinking enough water.
When you don’t drink enough fluids, your urine becomes more concentrated and acidic. This makes it a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and can increase your risk of developing a UTI.
Drinking plenty of fluids – preferably water – can help to flush out the bad bacteria and keep your urinary tract healthy.
Final Thoughts
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your gut.
They can be found in some foods and supplements. Probiotics are often used to prevent or treat UTIs.
Some people think that probiotics may cause UTIs, but there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, probiotics may help prevent UTIs by keeping the urinary tract healthy.
While it is always thought that taking probiotics may increase your risk of getting a UTI, there is no evidence to support this claim as of when writing this.