Fact Check: Can Tampons Cause a UTI?

If you’re a tampon user who’s ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you might wonder if there’s a link between the two. Could tampons be to blame for that uncomfortable burning sensation or the frequent urge to pee? Let’s dive into what causes urinary tract infections, and whether tampons have any role in bringing on these pesky infections.

What is a UTI? 

A urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra (the tube that carries urine outside of the body). Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria, with Escherichia coli (E. coli) being the most common culprit. 

While the urinary tract is already teeming with bacteria (it’s not sterile, contrary to popular belief), harmful bacteria can sometimes enter through the urethra, travel up the urinary tract, and cause an infection, typically in the bladder. This can lead to typical UTI symptoms, such as: 

• A frequent urge to pee
• A burning pain when you pee
• Cloudy or smelly urine
• Pelvic pain

Urinary tract infections are pretty common, especially among women, due to the anatomy of the female urinary tract. The urethra in women is shorter than in men and closer to both the anus and the vagina, allowing bacteria to travel to the bladder more easily. Certain factors, like sexual activity, history of UTIs, dehydration, menopause, or hormonal imbalances can increase the risk of UTIs. But do tampons promote bacterial growth that could put you at an increased risk of developing a UTI? Let’s explore. 

Can tampons cause a UTI?

The short answer is no — tampons themselves don’t directly affect your risk of UTIs. UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, not by the tampon itself. There is currently no scientific evidence directly linking tampons to UTIs. However, certain tampon-related practices can theoretically increase the risk of UTIs, although this association isn’t proven.

Here are some of the indirect factors often discussed:

1. Bacteria transfer: If tampons are inserted with unwashed hands, bacteria can be introduced near the urethra, though this has not been shown to directly cause a UTI.
2. Irritation: Using a high-absorbency tampon or leaving it in for too long may cause irritation or minor inflammation in the vaginal area, which could, in some cases, make it easier for bacteria to travel closer to the urethra. However, this has not been conclusively linked to UTI onset in studies.
3. Proximity of vaginal and urinary openings: Because the vaginal and urinary openings are close together, some have hypothesized that tampon insertion could introduce bacteria near the urethra, but again, there is no direct evidence that using tampons causes UTIs.

The general consensus among medical professionals is that tampons are safe when used as directed, and they're perfectly safe and don't directly cause UTIs.

UTI prevention

While there's no foolproof way to prevent infections, there are a few simple habits you can adopt to reduce the risk of bacterial infections and look after your vaginal health in general:

• Practice good hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after inserting a tampon (or before inserting anything in your vagina, for that matter). 
• Change tampons regularly: Don’t keep a tampon in for more than eight hours. Ideally, changing tampons every four to six hours helps prevent bacterial buildup.
• Choose the right absorbency: Using a tampon with a higher absorbency than you need can dry out and irritate the vaginal area, which might increase discomfort and the chance of bacteria entering nearby. Use the lowest absorbency necessary for your flow.
• Stay away from scented products: Scented feminine hygiene products (such as douches, washes, or tampons) can cause vaginal irritation, which can affect your vaginal pH, allowing bacteria to flourish. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and all you need to clean your vulva is warm water.
• Stay hydrated and urinate regularly: Drink plenty of water and pee regularly to help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. 
• Practice safe sex: You have an increased risk of developing a UTI if you're sexually active. Using a barrier methods such as condoms can reduce your risk of a UTI. Just be sure to avoid flavored or spermicide-lubricated condoms, as these can irritate the vaginal mucosa and promote bacterial growth.

When to see a healthcare provider

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a UTI — like a burning sensation when you pee, frequent trips to the bathroom, lower abdominal pain, or cloudy urine — it’s essential to see a healthcare provider. UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics, and it’s best to get treatment quickly to avoid the infection spreading to other parts of the urinary system. Without treatment, a mild UTI could turn into a kidney infection.

If you’re experiencing recurring infections and notice a connection with tampon use, it’s worth discussing this with your healthcare provider. They might recommend switching to sanitary pads, menstrual cups, or period underwear to see if that reduces your UTI frequency. While tampons aren’t generally to blame, everyone’s body is unique, and sometimes changing products can make a difference.

FAQ

Why do I keep getting a UTI after my period?

Getting a UTI after your period might happen for a few reasons. During your menstrual cycle, hormonal changes can alter the environment in your vagina and urinary tract, which can sometimes disrupt the balance of good bacteria and make you more prone to infections. Plus, menstrual blood can create a perfect spot for bacteria to grow, especially if you're not changing tampons often enough. Using scented tampons and pads might also irritate the vaginal area, which could increase the chances of getting a UTI.

What infections can tampons cause?

Tampons don't directly cause infections. That said, improper use of tampons — such as using a higher absorbency than needed, or keeping your tampon in for too long — can increase your risk of certain infections. Leaving a tampon in for too long may put you at risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vaginal yeast infections. Tampon use is also linked to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a very rare but potentially life-threatening infection. That said, the chances of getting TSS from tampons are incredibly low. Tampons should be changed regularly to prevent bacterial growth.