Can Swimming Cause a Urinary Tract Infection?

If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection, you know all too well the burning sensation and urgent pressure to pee it can cause. These infections are common and although uncomfortable, they’re treatable with antibiotics.

“A urinary tract infection is defined as an infection of any part of the urinary tract including the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra in men and women and including the prostate, epididymis and testicles in men,” explains Lamia Gabal, a urologist and chief of the urology division with Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange County, California.

UTIs are usually caused by bacteria, such as E. coli, and can affect just one or multiple parts of the urinary tract.

That bacteria can come into contact with the urinary tract in a variety of ways, but one common way is via a contaminated water source. Pools and hot tubs can harbor bacteria if they’re not properly sanitized or maintained. Similarly, a host of bacterial species is nearly always present in open water, and while the vast majority of those won’t cause any health problems, if you are unfortunate enough to encounter a bacteria such as E. coli when swimming in your local lake or the ocean, it’s entirely possible to develop a UTI after that exposure.

If you’re a regular swimmer and you find that you seem to get UTIs often, it’s important to speak with your doctor and try to find the source of the issue. While it’s unlikely to be from pool water—provided the pool you usually swim in is adequately maintained—it is possible.

Women are more likely than men to develop a UTI because the urethra is shorter in females and sits closer to the rectum, where bacteria can originate. Other risk factors for developing frequent UTIs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include:

• Having previously had a UTI
• Sexual activity
• Poor hygiene (children who are toilet training tend to develop UTIs at a higher rate than older children and adults)
• Hormonal changes related to menopause and pregnancy
• Age (children and older adults are more likely to develop a UTI)
• Structural problems in the urinary tract, such as may occur with an enlarged prostate

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include:

• Pain or burning while urinating
• Frequent urination
• Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder
• Blood in the urine
• Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen

As a UTI progresses and develops into a bladder or kidney infection, you may develop additional symptoms including:

• Fever
• Chills
• Lower back or side pain
• Nausea or vomiting

Young children may struggle to explain what’s going on, so fever is one of the first signs of a UTI. In older adults, symptoms may be harder to detect, and in some cases, confusion, cognitive impairment, or signs that might be mistaken for dementia can be the first indication of a UTI. 

What to Do If You Have a UTI

If you think you might have a UTI, it’s best to seek medical attention as soon as you can. Gabal notes that while “some people are able to flush the infection with increased fluid intake and possibly intake of cranberry juice, usually these infections do need to be treated by antibiotics.”

If a UTI is left untreated, it can move into the bloodstream and cause sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Cranberry juice is often suggested as a home remedy for a UTI because these wonder fruits contain several compounds that may reduce the ability of E. coli to latch onto cells in the urinary tract. Some people swear by it, and some studies have found supplementation with cranberry products can provide a benefit in susceptible populations. However, if you’re drinking cranberry juice, be wary of the added sugar. Water is generally the preferred method for flushing out the urinary tract.

Preventing a UTI before it starts is always a better bet than getting an infection in the first place, so “make sure to use clean, properly maintained swimming pools and hot tubs with proper chlorination,” Gabal says. When the chemicals are in balance and used appropriately, they kill virtually all bacteria that could cause illnesses in humans.

To help prevent future urinary tract infections, Gabal recommends staying well hydrated. “Surprisingly, even swimmers can be dehydrated. Make sure to drink lots of water before and after exercise, as dehydration can increase the risk of UTI.”

She also recommends urinating after swimming to help flush out any bacteria that may have found its way into the urinary tract. Taking a shower after swimming can also remove any bacteria that might be on the skin and yet find its way into the urinary tract.