The Connection Between E. Coli and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

With UTIs, E. coli bacteria from your intestines is present in fecal matter. And trace amounts of said fecal matter make their way into your urinary tract through the urethra opening and begin to multiply.

Common ways in which this traveling or infection can happen include:

• Sexual Contact A woman’s urethra is located next to the vagina and anus. This makes it easy for bacteria to move into the urinary tract during sexual intercourse and sexual contact.

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• Improper Wiping For women, wiping from back to front after a bowel movement can drag E. coli directly into the urethra. Because of this, it’s best to wipe from front to back.

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• Holding Urine Frequent bathroom use lets your body continue to flush bacteria such as E. coli from your system. This is especially important before and after sex. To encourage frequent urination, drink plenty of water throughout the day.

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• Diabetes People with high blood sugar are not able to fight off germs and bacteria as well as others, making them more prone to UTIs.
• Spinal Cord Injuries This type of nerve damage prevents you from being able to empty your bladder completely, thereby allowing E. coli bacteria to multiply.
• Kidney Stones Having kidney stones or a condition that blocks the flow or urine, such as a tumor or an enlarged prostate, can trap urine in your bladder and contribute to a UTI or another infection.
• Catheter Use Medical tubes placed in your urethra and bladder to remove urine can also trigger a UTI.
• Recent Urinary Procedures If you’ve had urinary surgery or an exam of your urinary tract that involves medical instruments, you may be at an increased risk of getting a UTI.

Antibiotics are the first-line treatment for UTIs. But some strains of E. coli, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) E. coli, have become more resistant to many of these drugs.

“We used to think of a urinary tract infection as something that would be a bit of an annoyance,” says Jason Tetro, a microbiologist in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and author of The Germ Files and The Germ Code. “But if it’s antibiotic-resistant, then that means your standard regimen of antibiotics will not work, and then you have to start looking at going into much stronger antibiotics.”

Symptoms of a UTI can vary from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms at all. But for most, a UTI can be uncomfortable or even painful.

The only way to find out if the infection comes from E. coli in the urinary tract is through lab testing of a urine sample. Otherwise, symptoms of an E. coli UTI resemble those of infections with other causes, Tetro says.

“When you have a classic UTI, your symptoms can’t tell you what it is that’s causing it,” he says. “All it can tell you is that something’s not right and you want to go get that looked at.”

• Strong, persistent urge to urinate
• Painful and burning urination
• Passing only minimal amounts of urine
• Strong-smelling, cloudy urine
• Red or pink-tinged urine, which indicates blood is present
• Pain in the upper back and sides
• Fever and chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pelvic pressure

While you can’t always prevent a UTI, you can lower your risk of getting a UTI caused by E. coli in the urinary tract with a few lifestyle changes.

“The best way to prevent it is really just to have good hygiene practices,” Tetro says.

These habits can include:

• Drink plenty of fluids. Aim to drink six to eight glasses of water a day. Staying hydrated dilutes urine and helps flush bacteria from your urinary tract before an infection can take hold.

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• Practice good hygiene. If you’re a woman, try to always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from moving from your rectum to your urethra. During your period, change pads and tampons regularly.

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• Urinate often if you can. Pee frequently to help clear bacteria from your system. Empty your bladder right before and after sex, and drink a full glass of water to help flush out bacteria.

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• Consider trying cranberry products. While research is mixed, drinking cranberry juice or taking extract supplements may help some people reduce their UTI risk. These products are generally safe for most people, but it’s wise to talk to your doctor before turning to this option.

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• Avoid using certain birth control methods. Use of diaphragms, unlubricated condoms, and condoms with spermicide can increase the risk of infection.

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• Wear breathable clothing. Wearing tight-fitting pants or underwear can trap moisture and encourage bacterial growth. Opt for loose-fitting clothes and cotton underwear instead.

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• Talk to your doctor about medications. If you’re in postmenopause, you may benefit from vaginal estrogen cream, which helps rebalance vaginal pH. Your healthcare provider may also recommend probiotics or other supplements to support urinary health.

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Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for UTIs. Which one your doctor prescribes will be based on the type of bacteria found in your urine.

• E. coli is responsible for as much as 75 percent of all uncomplicated urinary tract infections and can enter the urinary tract via fecal matter, sexual activity, improper wiping, or other ways.
• The only way to tell if a UTI is from E. coli is from a urine sample, as symptoms may resemble infections from other bacteria.
• Although most uncomplicated UTIs can resolve within a few days with antibiotics, some UTIs are resistant to antibiotics — and complicated UTIs may require other treatments and more time to go away.
• Preventing E.coli-triggered UTIs focuses on hygiene and lifestyle habits. Aim to drink plenty of water, wipe from front to back, urinate before and after sex, and avoid certain birth-control methods.