3 Reasons You Keep Getting UTIs

If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know how uncomfortable it can be — and how quickly you want relief.

“Urinary tract infections are very common, but there are lesser-known factors that can raise your risk,” says Syed Hussain, MD, medical director at Hartford HealthCare Urgent Care.

Here are three surprising UTI causes that may make you more prone to infections than you realize.

1. Long hours on the road.

Road trip? Be mindful of your bladder. Sitting for long periods in a car — especially if you’re not stopping for bathroom breaks — can create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

When urine stays in the bladder too long, bacteria have more time to multiply. Add in dehydration from not drinking enough water while traveling, and the risk increases even more.

Plan ahead by making bathroom stops part of your route. Keep a water bottle with you and sip regularly — staying hydrated helps flush out bacteria before it causes an infection.

2. Skipping that last bathroom trip before bed.

Not emptying your bladder before sleeping allows bacteria to linger and multiply overnight. It might not seem like a big deal, but that one small habit can make a real difference.

Try setting a reminder in the evening or pairing it with another bedtime routine, like brushing your teeth.

And if you tend to wake up frequently, skip caffeine and alcohol before bed — both can irritate the bladder and make symptoms worse.

> Related: 4 Ways for Older Adults to Protect Themselves From UTIs

3. Holding it at work.

Busy day? Ignoring your body’s cues and waiting too long to urinate can also increase the risk of infection.

Over time, holding urine regularly can even affect how well your bladder functions.

Try to take short breaks every few hours, even during busy shifts or meetings. It’s a simple form of self-care that keeps your bladder — and your workday — running more smoothly.

Lifestyle habits that add to your risk.

Your everyday choices can also make a big difference when it comes to your risk of UTIs.

• Not drinking enough water means fewer trips to the bathroom — and fewer chances for bacteria to be flushed out.
• Poor personal or gynecologic hygiene can also play a role, especially for women, since the urethra is shorter and closer to bacteria from the skin or rectum.
• Chronic illnesses like diabetes, when they aren’t well-managed, can make infections more likely.

> Related: Does Sex Cause UTIs in Women? 

Prevention tips beyond cranberry juice.

Cranberry juice gets a lot of attention when it comes to UTIs — and while it may help, it’s not a magic fix. Staying hydrated is still the most effective way to keep your urinary system healthy.

You can also lower your risk with a few simple habits, explains Dr. Hussain:

• Drink plenty of water. Aim for clear or light-yellow urine throughout the day — it’s a sign you’re flushing bacteria out effectively.
• Don’t hold your urine. Go when you feel the urge instead of waiting until it’s urgent.
• Empty your bladder before and after sex. This helps wash away bacteria that could cause infection.
• Practice good hygiene. Wipe from front to back, and avoid harsh soaps or douches that can irritate sensitive areas.
• Wear breathable fabrics. Cotton underwear and loose clothing help reduce moisture, making it harder for bacteria to grow.

If symptoms like burning, frequent urination or pain don’t go away after a few days, don’t wait it out. The sooner you get treated, the less likely it is for the infection to spread or return.

> Related: Can Cranberry Juice Prevent UTIs? 

Don’t wait it out.

A UTI that doesn’t improve or keeps coming back isn’t something to ignore. Fever, chills, or pain in your sides or back could mean the infection has reached your kidneys and needs immediate care.

In older adults, confusion or sudden changes in mental status can also signal a UTI, even without typical symptoms like burning or urgency. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to subtle signs.

“Don’t ignore your symptoms,” Dr. Hussain says. “The earlier we treat a UTI, the better the outcome.”

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