glp1sideeffects.com

Users on Reddit have reported various urinary issues while on GLP-1 medications, primarily focusing on increased Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and frequent urination, which can contribute to a sense of difficulty holding urine. Dehydration is frequently cited as a primary cause for these symptoms.

Experiences with Urinary Issues:

Increased UTIs: Several users report an increase in UTIs after starting GLP-1 medications. One user mentioned, "Huh… Now that you mention it……. I’ve had three this year and I was wondering why I’ve been getting uti’s……. "[2] Another stated, "Wait this is a thing? I never had UTIs and now I’ve had 3 since starting ozempic! "[9] Some experiences are more severe, with one user sharing, "Me!!! Since starting GLP-1s I have had several UTIs and am now fighting to get rid of same bacteria, enterococcus. As soon as I go off antibiotics, it comes back with 4 days. "[5] Another reported a UTI that "went embedded and I've been on antibiotics for 9 months. "[8]

Dehydration as a Cause: Dehydration is a commonly suggested reason for the increase in UTIs and other urinary problems. One user explained, "i think if there is an increase it will come from dehydration. As the GLP1 reduces appetite, it also reduces thirst. A lot of the side effects of GLP1s are purely dehydration. "[1] This is echoed by others: "I had symptoms of UTI... It’s because they said I haven’t been drinking enough water"[6] and "I too ended up on this 4mo old thread because I woke up with a uti and it’s def because my dosage went up but my water intake went down 😩 sucks". [7] Someone with Interstitial Cystitis (IC) noted, "For me, the GLP-1 medication suppressed my thirst an extreme amount. As a result, I’ve been severely dehydrated over the past few weeks... After stopping the medication earlier this week, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my symptoms. "[10]

Frequent Urination / Difficulty Holding Urine: Some users describe experiencing severe dehydration leading to frequent urination. One user shared, "Maybe TMI, but I’m voiding (urinating) about every 20 minutes or so but it slows down at night. "[12] Another described a similar experience: "It’s super odd, I’m voiding (urinating) every 20 minutes. I’m exploding at 20 minutes. All day long, bc I’m drinking so much water. "[13] These experiences suggest an urgency and difficulty in holding urine.

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Flares: Users with IC have reported that GLP-1 medications flared their condition, often linking it to dehydration or constipation. [10, 11]

Contrasting Experience: It's worth noting that not all experiences are negative. One user mentioned, "I actually had chronic UTIs my whole life but they stopped for me since being on semaglutide. "[4]

Remedies and Preventions Recommended:

Hydration: The most frequently recommended prevention and remedy is maintaining adequate hydration. This is highlighted by users who linked their UTIs or IC flares to not drinking enough water. [1, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13] One user with POTS who experienced dehydration mentioned, "I sometimes struggle to drink the bazillions of water I need for POTS, and I may have to choose water/electrolytes over a snack if my tummy is just saying no. "[14]

Electrolytes: In cases of severe dehydration or for individuals with conditions like POTS, taking electrolytes alongside water is suggested. [12, 14]

Stopping Medication: Some users decided to stop their GLP-1 medication in an attempt to resolve persistent UTIs or IC flares. [5, 10]

Medical Treatment for UTIs: For active UTIs, users reported seeking medical attention and using antibiotics, although sometimes infections recurred.