Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Users on Reddit report varied experiences regarding Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) while on GLP-1 medications, with several noting an increase in UTIs or new onset, often linked to dehydration, while a few have had different outcomes. The primary remedy and prevention strategy discussed is maintaining adequate hydration, with some users resorting to stopping the medication.
Experiences with UTIs and Bladder Issues:
Some experiences have been severe or recurrent. One user mentioned, "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. I stopped the Monjouro 4 weeks ago hoping I can get the UTI cleared up. No success yet! "[4] Another reported a bad UTI that "went embedded and I've been on antibiotics for 9 months". [10]
A user who started semaglutide two months prior said, "I had symptoms of UTI as of 2 days ago. Yesterday hurt so bad and went to the doctor today. I definitely have a UTI. "[8]
In contrast, one user with a history of chronic UTIs found relief: "I actually had chronic UTIs my whole life but they stopped for me since being on semaglutide. "[6] This user later confirmed, "Yes! So far, still haven’t had not one UTI. "[7]
Users with Interstitial Cystitis (IC) also reported issues. One user experienced "nonstop flares" and found that "the GLP-1 medication suppressed my thirst an extreme amount. As a result, I’ve been severely dehydrated over the past few weeks, and no amount of water seemed sufficient. After stopping the medication earlier this week, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my symptoms. "[12] Another Mounjaro user noted, "I’ve also had much worse bladder pain since starting the mounjaro. "[14]
Potential Causes Mentioned by Users:
A user who developed a UTI was told by their doctor it was because "I haven’t been drinking enough water". [8] Another linked their UTI to increased dosage and decreased water intake, stating, "it’s def because my dosage went up but my water intake went down". [9]
The significant dehydration experienced by some is highlighted by a user on a GLP-1 for over a year: "I have SEVERE dehydration... I have a 32 oz water bottle that I fill between 10-12 times a day and probably 2-3 times a night. I also take electrolytes to try to help... In the am, my urine is yellow but by noon it’s crystal clear. "[15]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Stopping Medication: Some users felt the need to discontinue their GLP-1 medication due to persistent UTIs or bladder flares. [4, 5, 12] One user stated, "I stopped the Monjouro 4 weeks ago hoping I can get the UTI cleared up. "[4] Another said, "I’m struggling with the same thing I stopped the injection 2 weeks ago because of multiple utis since starting. "[5]
Electrolytes: While not a direct UTI remedy, users experiencing severe dehydration mentioned using electrolytes, which could support overall hydration efforts.
Experiences with UTIs and Bladder Issues:
- Several users reported an increase in UTIs.
Potential Causes Mentioned by Users:
- Dehydration: This is the most commonly cited reason for increased UTIs or bladder issues.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Increased Hydration: The most emphasized prevention and remedy is drinking more water.