Do oral contraceptives lead to recurrent UTIs?

Weight gain isn't the only side effect of consuming oral contraceptive, UTI is also a major concern. Here's what you can do.

By: Debjani Arora | | Updated: March 8, 2016 6:05 pm

Oral contraceptives can keep you safe from an unwanted pregnancy, but they sure have garnered a lot of bad rep due to some of their so-called side effects. While most believe that weight gain is an obvious side effect of prolonged use of oral contraceptives, recurrent UTI or urinary tract infection could also be one of them. However, oral contraceptives are not the only one to be blamed. The other form of contraceptives like the vaginal ring, IUDs (like Copper T) and vaginal tablets can also contribute towards this problem. Since the oral contraceptives are most widely used, chances of suffering from UTIs due to prolonged use of the same is greater. Here are five myths and facts about birth control pills you ought to know. Also Read - Urinary tract infections? Treat it without antibiotics using these home remedies

Also Read - Do estrogen levels increase the risk of breast cancer? Gynaecologist explains

Oral contraceptives sometimes lower estrogen level, a hormone that is important for maintaining healthy vaginal tissues and the bacterial balance down there. Imbalance of bacteria and dryness, that sets in due to prolonged use of oral contraceptives sets the stage for UTI and other yeast infections. In fact, a study done in 2005 and published in journal European Urology stated that there is a link between prolonged use of oral contraceptive and recurrent UTIs. However, local application of estrogen gels helped recover from symptoms of UTI or avert it all together [1]. Application of estrogen gels also helps restore blood circulation in the area and makes intercourse less painful. Here are seven simple natural remedies for UTIs that works. Also Read - Painful intercourse or dyspareunia can be stressful: Know all about this condition

Here are a few things you can do to prevent UTI while on oral contraception:

Clean up after sex: The best way to avoid UTI is to clean your entire pubic area from front to back after the act. Remember, bacteria from the anal area can reach the urethra and cause burning sensation, irritation or other symptoms of UTI, so clean your bottom too. Use lukewarm water if possible. But stay away from vaginal douching. Here are seven ways to keep your vagina healthy.

Use the washroom: Urinating before and after the act is a wise move. Never hold on to your urine before you get into the act, this can increase the chances of bacterial infection and relieving yourself after the act would mean flushing out bad bacteria if any remains looming over there.

Change your birth control pill: If all these precautions still make you prone to recurrent UTIs, it is better you consult your doctor and change your medication.

Reference

1: Pinggera GM, Feuchtner G, Frauscher F, Rehder P, Strasser H, Bartsch G, Herwig R. Effects of local estrogen therapy on recurrent urinary tract infections in young females under oral contraceptives. Eur Urol. 2005 Feb;47(2):243-9. PubMed PMID: 15661421.

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Published : February 11, 2016 4:51 pm | Updated:March 8, 2016 6:05 pm

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