Preventing urinary tract infections in people with incontinence often starts with understanding how daily habits, hygiene routines, and the right incontinence supplies work together to protect urinary health. Because incontinence can increase exposure to moisture and bacteria, proactive prevention is essential to reducing discomfort, complications, and recurring infections. Here, we'll provide some essential tips on preventing UTIs in people with bladder control challenges.
Quick Overview: How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections in People With Incontinence
- People with incontinence have a higher risk of UTIs due to prolonged moisture exposure, skin irritation, incomplete bladder emptying, and hygiene challenges.
- Recognizing early UTI symptoms, such as burning with urination, changes in urine appearance, fever, confusion, or increased leakage, helps prevent infections from becoming more serious.
- Consistent hygiene practices like proper perineal cleaning, frequent product changes, and skin protection are essential for reducing bacterial growth.
- Supportive lifestyle habits, including staying hydrated, avoiding bladder irritants, maintaining regular bowel habits, and practicing timed voiding, can lower UTI risk.
- Choosing the right incontinence products that fit well and manage moisture effectively plays a key role in preventing infections and supporting long-term bladder health.
Understanding the Link Between Incontinence and Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common complications affecting people with urinary incontinence. While incontinence itself is not an infection, it can significantly increase the risk of bacteria entering and multiplying within the urinary tract. Here is more information on how the two are related.
What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection is an infection caused by bacteria (typically Escherichia coli (E. coli)) entering the urinary system. UTIs can affect different parts of the urinary tract, including:
- The urethra, which carries urine out of the body
- The bladder, where urine is stored
- The kidneys, which filter waste from the blood and produce urine
Most UTIs begin in the lower urinary tract, particularly the bladder, but untreated infections can spread upward to the kidneys and become more serious.
UTIs in individuals with incontinence can sometimes be harder to recognize, especially when urinary changes are already part of daily life. Because of this, infections may go unnoticed until symptoms worsen, increasing the risk of complications.
Symptoms of a UTI
Recognizing the early signs of a UTI is one of the best ways to help catch signs early and prevent bacteria from traveling further up the urinary tract. Symptoms may vary depending on the individual, age, and severity of the infection, but the most common signs include:
- Burning or pain during urination, even if urine output is small
- Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine, which may indicate bacterial growth
- Fever, chills, or sudden confusion, particularly in older adults
- Increased incontinence episodes, such as more frequent leaks or urgency
In older adults, UTIs may present with fewer classic urinary symptoms and more generalized changes, such as fatigue, confusion, or sudden changes in continence patterns. Any noticeable change from a person’s normal bathroom habits should be taken seriously.
How Incontinence Increases UTI Risk
While bladder control doesn't directly cause UTIs, the two have several interconnected mechanisms, particularly when an individual may not be managing incontinence effectively. Some of the most common ways that urinary incontinence can lead to a higher risk of infection include the following.
Prolonged Moisture and Bacterial Growth
Frequent exposure to urine creates a warm, moist environment that allows bacteria to multiply more easily. When moisture in the genital area remains in contact with the skin or urinary opening for extended periods, the likelihood of infection increases.
Skin Irritation and Breakdown
Chronic moisture can also irritate the skin and weaken its protective barrier. Broken or inflamed skin makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. When left untreated, skin infections caused by irritation can also increase the spread of bacteria and, ultimately, the risk for UTIs.
Incomplete Bladder Emptying
If you have incontinence, you may also find that it can sometimes be difficult to fully empty your bladder (urinary retention). When urine remains in the bladder after voiding, it provides a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
Cross-Contamination From Improper Hygiene and Anatomical Differences
Improper cleaning techniques, infrequent product changes, or contamination from stool can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. This is especially relevant for individuals who rely on caregivers for hygiene assistance.
Proper hygiene is also important for women, who are more at risk for both incontinence and UTIs. Since females have a shorter urethra that's closer to the anus, there is a higher risk of UTIs. Additionally, urinary incontinence affects women more often than men. So, when the two are combined, it can become an even bigger risk. To help, always wipe front to back and keep the vaginal area clean after using the bathroom or experiencing any incontinence-related accidents.
Common UTI Risk Factors in People With Incontinence
People with urinary incontinence often face a higher risk of UTIs due to a combination of physical, cognitive, and care-related factors. Some of these risks include:
- Frequent exposure to urine or stool, which promotes bacterial growth
- Limited mobility or reliance on caregivers, leading to delayed hygiene or product changes
- Cognitive impairment, which may cause missed hygiene cues or delayed voiding
- Use of indwelling or intermittent catheters, which can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract
- Recurrent incontinence episodes, increasing ongoing moisture and irritation
Hygiene Best Practices to Prevent UTIs
Good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in people with incontinence. Because bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, consistent cleaning routines and proper incontinence care play a critical role in preventing infection and protecting skin health. Some tips to help with this include:
Proper Perineal Hygiene
Perineal hygiene refers to cleaning the genital area correctly and consistently. Improper cleaning can unintentionally cause bacteria to move toward the urethra, increasing the risk of infection. Best practices include:
- Always clean from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anal area from spreading to the urethra
- Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers designed for sensitive skin
- Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol-based wipes, or douching products, which can disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier
- Pat the area dry rather than rubbing, reducing irritation and microtears
For individuals who rely on caregivers, maintaining a consistent cleaning routine after each incontinence episode is especially important.
Changing Products Regularly
Leaving soiled or wet incontinence products on for too long also significantly increases UTI risk. Urine and stool trapped against the skin create ideal conditions for bacterial growth and skin breakdown. Therefore, it's important to:
- Change incontinence products as soon as they become wet or soiled
- Avoid “stretching” wear time, even with highly absorbent products
- Check products regularly, especially overnight or during long periods of sitting
- Use overnight-specific products when needed to maintain dryness while sleeping
Skin Care and Moisture Management
Healthy skin acts as a natural barrier against infection. When skin becomes irritated or broken due to prolonged moisture exposure, bacteria can more easily enter the body. Therefore, it's important to care for the skin and keep it clean throughout the day. Strategies to help with this include:
- Washing the skin with a mild soap and water after incontinence symptoms occur
- Applying moisture barrier creams or ointments to protect the skin from urine exposure
- Allowing the skin to air dry completely whenever possible between product changes
- Monitoring for redness, rashes, or open areas, which may signal early skin breakdown
- Avoiding powders that can clump when wet, potentially trapping moisture
Lifestyle Changes That Support UTI Prevention
Daily habits play an important role in reducing the risk of urinary tract infections for people with incontinence. Small, consistent lifestyle adjustments can help support bladder health, limit bacterial growth, and reduce strain on the urinary system.
- Stay adequately hydrated to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract, while timing fluids earlier in the day to manage leakage
- Practice timed voiding or bladder training to reduce urine retention and promote more complete bladder emptying by strengthening the bladder muscles
- Avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and highly acidic foods that may worsen urgency and leakage
- Make sure to prioritize hydration regardless of whether an incontinence accident has recently occurred
- Maintain regular bowel habits, as constipation can increase bladder pressure and raise UTI risk
- Change out of wet clothing promptly to minimize prolonged moisture exposure
- Engage in pelvic floor exercises, when appropriate, to support bladder control and urinary function
These simple lifestyle strategies can complement hygiene and product-based prevention efforts, helping lower the likelihood of recurring UTIs over time.
Choosing the Right Urinary Incontinence Products
Choosing the right urinary incontinence products is an essential part of preventing urinary tract infections. Products that fit properly, manage moisture effectively, and allow the skin to breathe can significantly reduce prolonged urine exposure, skin irritation, and bacterial growth; all key contributors to UTIs.
High-quality incontinence supplies are designed to keep skin dry and improve overall comfort, making it easier to maintain consistent care throughout the day and night. When products are changed regularly and matched to an individual’s level of incontinence, they become a powerful tool in reducing infection risk and supporting long-term bladder health.
For people living with incontinence, and for caregivers supporting them having access to reliable, medically trusted supplies makes daily care simpler and more effective. Byram Healthcare offers a wide selection of incontinence products delivered directly to your home, along with expert support to help you find options that meet your specific needs.
