Why Does It Feel Like I Have a UTI, If I Don't Actually Have One?

The discomfort, frequent urges to pee, and burning sensations – it feels like a urinary tract infection (UTI), but what if there's no bacterial infection? 

Hi guys, 👋🏼 It's me, Dr. Kelly, Double Board Certified Pelvic Physio, and YOUR go-to pelvic health expert on the internet, talking about a 🔥HOT 🥵TOPIC: Why does it feel like I have a UTI, if I don't actually have a UTI??  

Surprisingly, your pelvic floor muscles might be the culprits for chronic UTI & UTI-like symptoms. Read on for more juicy deets!

The Pain-Spasm Cycle: The Root of SO MANY Problems

The Pain-Spasm Cycle is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs whenever we have pain.  The pain that we have (anywhere in the body), triggers the brain to ‘overreact’ and tighten/overuse certain muscle groups…while at the same time “underreact’ and underuse (or ignore/ reduce proripception, if you're a super geek like Dr. Kelly), other muscle groups.  

In the knee, injury & pain commonly leads to reduced strength and control (underuse) of the quads (front thigh muscles) and tightening (overuse) of the hamstrings (back thigh muscles).  

In the hip, injury & pain result in underuse of the deep abs and gluteus medius, and overuse of the piriformis, obturator interns and pelvis floor muscles.

In the pelvis, hips and low back, dysfunction commonly triggers the deep muscles of the stomach and back to “turn down”, while at the same time causing the pelvic floor muscles to go into a protective spasm. 

That pelvic "pain-inhibition and pain-spasm cycle" is in fact THE SAME as the hip, or the low back...or that would occur after an actual UTI for that matter...

And it is this spasm, common after a UTI or other pelvic traumas, or regional pain, that can lead to those pesky sensations that mimic UTI symptoms.

How Pelvic Floor Spasm/Tightness Mimics UTI Symptoms

Before we move forward...where are the pelvic muscles, again?

Hey, no problem!  In individuals with both female and male anatomy, the pelvic floor muscles act like a hammock, connecting our pubic bone to our tailbone, as well as the underside of our two hip bones (like where our Speedo or bikini bottoms would rest–and YES, you would ROCK a Speedo, you!)! This blog post talks more about them.  Here’s the traditional two sets of pelvic anatomy:

This is the traditional anatomy of someone with a vagina.

And here’s the traditional anatomy of someone with a penis.  Yes, I said penis.  Ha! 

Understanding Pelvic Floor Spasm

The pelvic floor muscles, in anatomy with either a penis or a vagina, can experience bilateral (both sides) or unilateral (one-sided) spasms. 

When they spasm, they compress the urethra, as well as irritate the muscle and sensory nerves in the sensitive pelvic region, intensifying all sensory signals.  This "sensory intensification" makes ALL signals worse--all urgency, all pain--it all just seems more "urgent" because the nerves and muscles are angry!

And over time, this irritation itself causes even more muscle stiffness/tightness, which can result in EVEN MORE pelvic pain, incontinence, urgency, and symptoms akin to a UTI…even if there is no actual UTI present. Which is super frustrating, and why "just rest" won't work.

Antibiotics Won't Cut It.

If your symptoms aren't caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics won't provide relief. So, what's the solution?

Pelvic PT Magic

Enter the experts: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists. These specialists can identify and treat musculoskeletal causes of pelvic pain, including UTI-like symptoms without bacterial infection. With targeted behavioral training and muscle reeducation to muscles in the pelvis, as well as globally in the entire body AND attention to your nutrition and hydration habits, you can experience significant relief in as little as a couple of weeks, sometimes as soon as the day of your first visit! Schedule an appointment with me (in person or online) HERE, or find a Pelvic PT near you to move forward!

When in Doubt, Check It Out

If you genuinely suspect a UTI, there are at-home UTI tests that are cheap and easy to detect the presence of red blood cells, protein or white blood cells in the urine.  You pee on a stick, and if it turns up positive, get your cute butt to the docs for antibiotics, stat.  If the home test is negative, though, and you still feel crummy, it's crucial to consult your primary care provider for a urine culture.

(Like the idea of home test kits? Me too! Here's a link to ALL of my favorite pelvic tricks & gadgets!)

But, if ALL of the tests come back negative, don't overlook the power of pelvic PT for a swift resolution.

Reclaiming Comfort and Confidence

Pelvic floor issues masquerading as UTI symptoms can be swiftly addressed with the right expertise. Don't let discomfort linger – consider Pelvic Physical Therapy in person or online, for a more comfortable, confident you.

Intrigued, but can’t/won’t go to a Pelvic PT?  No problem!  Dr. Kelly’s streamable online pelvic wellness courses teach you loads about your amazing body, from the comfort and privacy of your own home, for a fraction of the price of in person or online PT!  Those of you with a Vag, start out with Dr. Kelly’s Vag Lab, a condensed 2 hour course in lifetime care for ‘down there’, which includes self Pelvic Floor Muscle assessments, so you could really see if pelvic muscle tightness is contributing to your frequent UTIs, UTI-like symptoms, or other pelvic probs.  

And if you tried Vag Lab and are hungry for more Pelvic Wellness, The Signature Series is a 12-week Streamable course, curated from Dr. Kelly’s favorite pelvic wellness interventions and suggestions, guaranteed to improve the way you relate to your core. 

 And remember, all Pelvic Floored online courses are seamlessly streamable from your computer AND from your phone or tablet, via the FREE Kajabi App (Blue K, wherever you get your Apps). This will hold your progress, and allow you to take Dr. Kelly with you on vacation, to the gym and in the car, so that ideal pelvic wellness is never more than a click away!

Thanks for reading! I'm so grateful you're here!

xoxo, Dr. Kelly

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