5 Surprising Facts About UTIs (That No One Talks About)
If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection—or ten—you know how frustrating and painful they can be. The urgency, the burning, the constant trips to the bathroom…
For many women, UTIs become a recurring nightmare.
And unfortunately, most are handed a prescription and sent on their way, without any conversation about why the infections keep coming back—or how to truly prevent them.
But there’s so much more to the story than just bacteria and antibiotics.
As a holistic health practitioner who works with women on chronic and recurring health concerns, I’m here to tell you: UTIs have root causes. And they’re often not where you think.
Here are 5 surprising (and actually helpful) facts about UTIs that most doctors won’t mention:
1. Bacteria love sugar 🍭
UTI-causing bacteria, especially E. coli, thrive in sugary environments. That doesn’t just mean candy—it includes:
Fruit (yes, even “healthy” sugar)
Wine
Processed carbs
Hidden sugars in condiments and dressings
If you’re struggling with recurrent infections, reducing sugar intake—especially during flare-ups—can make a huge difference. Struggling with recurring infections? Your microbiome might be the root cause. 👉 If you're looking to check for yeast or fungal issues like candida, I recommend the at-home lab Complete Candida, Metabolic, and Vitamins Test.
2. It might not be a UTI at all 🕵️♀️
Here’s something no one tells you: you can have UTI symptoms without an actual infection.
Things like:
Estrogen fluctuations
Vaginal microbiome imbalances
Interstitial cystitis (a bladder condition)
Even pelvic floor dysfunction
...can all mimic UTI symptoms. If your test comes back negative but you still feel like you have one—don’t ignore it. You’re not crazy. You just need a deeper look.
3. Your gut could be the real problem 🦠
This one’s a game changer: many recurrent UTIs start in your gut.
Gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in your intestinal bacteria) can lead to:
E. coli overgrowth
Leaky gut
Poor immune function
And guess what? That same bacteria often migrates to the urinary tract. So unless you heal the gut, you may be stuck in a cycle of chronic infections. Luckily, I incorporate gut health testing with my wellness clients to make sure your gut microbiome is supported!
4. Antibiotics can make it worse long-term 💊
Yes, antibiotics can save lives. But in chronic UTI cases, they’re often overused—and that comes with consequences:
They destroy protective flora in the gut and urinary tract
They lead to antibiotic resistance
And they often leave you more vulnerable over time
It’s like clearing out the good guys and hoping the bad guys don’t come back.
5. Natural tools do exist 🌿
The best part? You’re not powerless. There are natural ways to heal and prevent UTIs—especially when you address the root cause.
Some of my favorites include:
Castor oil packs over the pelvis
Targeted gut support with binders or antimicrobials
Immune modulation with herbs and nutrients
Vaginal microbiome support
And strategic hydration + minerals
What now?
If you’re done guessing and done with band-aid fixes—this is exactly the kind of thing I help with in my 1:1 health coaching programs.
Whether your symptoms are caused by an actual infection, gut imbalance, or hormonal shifts, we’ll work together to create a personalized plan that actually works for your body.
✨ No more shame. No more mystery. Just root-cause healing, with tools that make sense.
💙 Ready to feel confident in your health again?
Message me or visit my services page to get started.
