Adult Briefs and UTIs

[Wet-Again]

Hi! I have been in adult briefs since the beginning of the month. Before that, I was in pullup style incontinence underwear. I normally change 3 to 4 times a day, especially if the incontinence product is leaking.

I was informed I have another UTI this afternoon. Other than using the incontinence products, I can't think of any reason why I would have a UTI.

I did some research on Google, and it suggests using incontinence pads of any type is a leading cause of UTIs. I am just wondering if this is a common issue I will be dealing with from now on, or if I just hit the UTI lottery?

 

[MichaelDahlke]

Hello Wet-Again,

There can be many reasons for UTIs. Among the most well-known are sexual activity and residual urine. The use of absorbent products is hardly a risk compared to it and, from my point of view, is only relevant if you are doubly incontinent. In this case, it can happen that intestinal bacteria spread into the urethra.

Anyway - it is important to change the aids regularly when they are wet. Waiting for them to leak out is probably not the best idea. In case of faecal incontinence, the aids should be changed as soon as possible after a fecal incontinence episode.

If - as with you - the continence has worsened to such an extent that it is necessary to switch to other aids, it is certainly a good idea to visit the urologist and ensure that there is not also a deterioration in the underlying disease.

The urologist can then also determine the residual urine and look for causes of the urinary tract infection.

The aids are usually rarely the problem.

 

[ChrisC]

I've only had 2 UTIs so far, and that's over several years. It was suggested to me to try AZOs concentrated cranberry. It increases the acidity of your urine, killing off bacteria. While taking AZOs, I had no issues. It helps all the way through, from the kidneys to the diaper. AZOs also has a number of products to detect UTIs, cure UTIs, and help with discomfort.

 

[UinCA]

All of my UTIs are related to catheters.

One thought: retention increases your chances of UTIs.

So it between a rock and a hard place: catheters to empty my bladder increase the risk of UTIs. But avoiding catheters and thus having continuous residual urine also increases the risk of UTIs.

Definitely always drink more.

My $0.02

Best of luck to you!

 

[Callahantr89]

I’m really sorry you’re dealing with this. UTIs are frustrating and exhausting, especially when you’re already adjusting to new incontinence products. It makes total sense that you’d start wondering if the briefs are to blame.

I personally haven’t had a UTI, but like you, I’ve had to accept that when you live with incontinence, there’s always this expectation that urinary tract issues might come along with it. In my case, what I deal with more often isn’t UTIs but skin issues, irritation and breakdown happen far more frequently for me than infections do. So bodies really do respond differently.

Using incontinence products can be one factor among many, but it’s usually not the only reason someone gets a UTI. Things like hydration, how your body empties, underlying medical conditions, and even stress. The fact that you’re changing regularly and being mindful of leaks tells me you’re already doing a lot right.

Be kind to yourself through this. You’re navigating something new, and you’re clearly paying attention to your health. You’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to ask these questions and share what you’re going through.

 

[Stonehouse]

UTI’s are quite complicated if you are concerned seek medical advice.

Wearing diapers is just as complicated it is important to keep hydrated the diaper will help, shaving the diaper area aids in hygiene and leak prevention, taking regular showers especially cleaning and moisturising the diaper area helps. If possible regular air out time I do this at home.