Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy For UTI Relief: What You Need To Know
September 2024
Experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or persistent UTI-like symptoms can be frustrating and concerning. Many individuals find themselves trapped in a cycle of discomfort, frequent trips to the doctor, and rounds of antibiotics. However, what if the root cause isn't a persistent bacterial infection but rather something related to your pelvic floor?
If you feel like you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) but the test came back negative, you’re not fully feeling better after finishing your medication, or you’re experiencing UTIs that keep coming back, you might have pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. It’s always best to see your healthcare practitioner to rule out an actual infection, but if you don’t have a UTI your next best step is to see a pelvic floor physical therapist. Read Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for UTI Relief: What You Need to Know for more details!
Why Do I Feel Like I Have a UTI But the Test is Negative?
If you're experiencing symptoms like urinary urgency, frequency, burning sensations, pelvic pain, or incomplete emptying of your bladder and yet your tests for UTIs come back negative, it's time to consider an alternative cause. One often overlooked possibility is pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Tension and over-activity in the pelvic floor muscles can mimic UTI symptoms. Pain in the lower abdomen, urethral discomfort, and the urgent need to pee frequently can all be attributed to tight muscles in the pelvic floor. (You heard that right - pelvic floor muscle dysfunction can feel like a UTI!)
Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction can feel like a UTI!
Can a UTI Affect Pelvic Floor Muscles?
Yes! When a UTI occurs, it causes pain and inflammation in the genital area which can then create a very reactive pelvic floor that is tight and inflamed. But the opposite can also be true- tight pelvic floor muscles lead to poor blood flow which can impact the health of the urethral, vaginal, and rectal tissues and possibly make them more susceptible to infection. In general, muscles communicate with organs and vice versa. So this means that an infection in the urethra or bladder can irritate the pelvic floor muscles, but tightness and restrictions in the pelvic floor muscles can also lead to problems with the bladder and bowels.
Your pelvic floor muscles are the muscles that sit inside the pelvis, or “fill the bowl of your pelvis.” This red group of muscles (pictured above) acts like a “hammock” that goes through your vaginal canal, your rectal canal, and your urethra.
(Image used with permission from Pelvic Guru®, LLC as a member of the Global Pelvic Health Alliance Membership (GPHAM)
Can UTI Symptoms Linger After Infection is Gone?
UTI-like symptoms can persist or recur even in the absence of a UTI, because muscle tension and irritation can persist when left untreated. Because of the proximity of the muscles to your surrounding organs and tissue, if there is dysfunction to those pelvic floor muscles, it can potentially cause issues around other nearby structures such as your urethra and up near your bladder. This can cause symptoms that feel like it's coming from some type of infection, but it's actually not – it's actually tight muscles!
Should I Keep Taking Antibiotics for Recurrent UTIs?
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, burning sensations, or pelvic pain, and yet your tests for UTIs come back negative, antibiotics might not be the solution. This is because repeated use of antibiotics without addressing the underlying cause can lead to antibiotic resistance and may even disrupt the natural balance of your vaginal microbiome.
What Is a Healthy Vaginal pH Level?
You want your vaginal pH to be between 3.5-4.5. A vaginal pH more than 4.5 creates a perfect environment for infections to thrive. Even though it’s possible to have a normal pH when you have a yeast infection or UTI, supporting your vaginal defense system and protecting your vaginal pH can improve ALL recurrent infections. With that said, for all ACTIVE and CURRENT genitourinary infections, you need to be seen by a medical provider to confirm a diagnosis. You should not attempt to diagnose yourself.
How Can Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Offer UTI Symptom Relief?
If your doctor confirmed that you don’t have an active infection but you still feel like you have a UTI, pelvic floor physical therapy could help you! If you’re in the Atlanta area you can see a pelvic floor physical therapist at Renew Pelvic Health or you can find one closer to you who also understands the pelvic floor and how to treat it. It’s important to find a pelvic physical therapist who can get to the root cause, help you feel better now, and teach you healthy habits to reduce your chance of future infection.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can find and resolve the underlying “why” for lasting relief of UTI or UTI-like symptoms by:
Addressing muscle dysfunction: Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on identifying and resolving the underlying muscle tension that can cause UTI-like symptoms. Through targeted exercises and techniques, pelvic physical therapists can help you learn how to relax and retrain the pelvic floor muscles.
Enhancing vaginal health: Holistic pelvic physical therapy also aims to improve and support your vaginal pH and microbiome, which can be vital in preventing infections. Understanding disruptors to your vaginal microbiome and supporting healthy bacteria are key components of the holistic pelvic physical therapy we provide at Renew Pelvic Health.
Pain and irritation management: By decreasing pain and irritation with manual therapy and specific lymphatic and myofascial techniques to your abdomen, hips, pelvis, and pelvic floor, holistic pelvic physical therapy supports your recovery and healing.
Safe return to normal activities: Pelvic physical therapy can help to retrain your body to tolerate touch and stimulation, desensitize over-reactive nerves, and promote muscle relaxation techniques that you can use during your day and even during intercourse.
Preventing future issues: Learning healthy bladder, bowel, and lifestyle habits with pelvic physical therapy can significantly reduce your chance of future infections and pelvic floor dysfunction. You can also enjoy improved peace of mind knowing that you’re better able to take care of your long-term pelvic health.
Call 404-769-5544 to schedule with one of the expert, caring pelvic physical therapists at Renew Pelvic Health, or book your appointment online!