Can birth control cause UTI?

Birth control, also known as contraception, anticonception, and fertility control, is a method used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control has been used since ancient times, but effective and safe methods of birth control only became available in the 20th century. In the modern era birth control is used often. 

They do have some side effects and some birth control can increase your risk of getting a urinary tract infection. Keep reading to learn more about the types of birth control that can increase your risk of developing a UTI, and which types likely won’t.

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection, also known as UTI, is an infection in any part of the urinary system (that is your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra). The majority of infections are located in the lower part of the urinary tract. The people who stand the most chance of getting a UTI are women. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men.

What are the causes of UTI?

A urinary tract infection is caused by an infection of microbes. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by fungi and in rare cases by viruses. UTIs are among the most common infections in humans.

What are the risk factors of UTI?

There are also many factors that can put you at an increased risk of getting a UTI. These include 

• Age
• Gettting a sexually transmitted infection
• Reduced movement after surgery
• Prolonged bed rest
• Kidney stones
• A previous UTI
• Urinary tract blockages like kidney stones, enlarged prostate, certain forms of cancer, diabetes, pregnancy, 
• Abnormally developed urinary structures from birth
• Weakened immune system

What are the symptoms of UTI?

Symptoms of a UTI depend on what part of the urinary tract is infected, be it the upper or lower part. Let’s take a look at the symptoms associated with these parts.

Lower urinary tract symptoms of UTI

The lower urinary tract consists of the urethra and bladder. When the lower urinary part is affected by an infection, the symptoms below can be experienced

• burning sensation with urination
• increased frequency of urination without passing much urine
• increased urgency of urination
• bloody urine
• cloudy urine
• urine that looks like cola or tea
• urine that has a pungent smell
• pelvic pain in women
• rectal pain in men

Upper urinary tract symptoms of UTI

The upper urinary tract consists of the kidneys and ureters. When the upper urinary part is affected by an infection, the symptoms below can be experienced

• Pain and tenderness in the upper back and sides
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Treatment for urinary tract infections

Treatment of a UTI depends on its cause whether it is bacterial, viral or fungal. 

• Bacterial UTIs are treated with antibiotics
• Viral UTIs are treated with medications called antivirals
• Fungal UTIs are treated with medications called antifungals.

What is birth control?

Birth control, also known as contraception, anticonception, and fertility control, is a method used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control has been used since ancient times, but effective and safe methods of birth control only became available in the 20th century.

The world health organization and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both provide guidance on the safety of birth control methods among women with specific health conditions. 

The most effective methods of birth control are sterilization by means of vasectomy in males and tubal ligation in females, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and implantable birth control.

Which types of birth control may increase your risk of a UTI?

Not every type of birth control can increase your chance of developing a urinary tract infection. However, there are studies that show that there are some types of birth control that can increase your chance of getting a UTI. These types of birth control include

• Diaphragms: This is a reusable silicone cup that’s placed inside the vagina. It fits over the cervix (opening of the uterus) and creates a barrier between the uterus and sperm.
• Cervical caps: A cervical cap is similar to a diaphragm and also works by preventing sperm from entering the uterus. The main difference is that it’s smaller than a diaphragm and fits more tightly over the cervix.
• Spermicide: Available as a cream, gel, foam, or suppository, spermicides work by killing sperm and blocking the cervix. Spermicide can be used alone or with diaphragms, cervical caps, or condoms.
• Spermicide condoms: Some condoms are coated with spermicide as an extra layer of protection.

Is there any connection between some types of birth control and UTIs?

Yes, there is a connection. The vagina naturally contains good bacteria that help keep the vagina healthy and the pH level balanced. However, certain things, like some birth control products, can destroy these good bacteria.

When this happens, it can disrupt the natural balance of the vagina and cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This, in turn, may increase the risk of a UTI.

In addition, diaphragms can put pressure on your urethra, making it harder to completely empty your bladder. When urine stays in the bladder, it may increase the risk of bacteria growth and infection.

Do birth control pills increase the risk of a UTI?

Research has shown that birth control pills don’t increase your risk of developing a UTI. In 2019, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality stated in a topic briefing that: “Risk factors for recurrent UTI are well-established, and do not include oral contraceptive use.”

Although some women who take birth control pills have reported having more UTIs compared to not taking oral contraceptives, there may be another reason for this.

Some experts believe that women who take birth control pills have more sex, and this may be why they develop more UTIs. Having sex, in general, is a risk factor for a UTI because sexual activity can move bacteria into the urinary tract.

The takeaway from this article

There are many factors that can increase the chances of you getting a UTI and some types of birth control such as diaphragms, cervical caps, spermicides, and spermicide condoms are part of these factors.