What do we know about the correlation between bowel dysfunction and UTIs?

Treatment of neurogenic bowel dysfunction in terms of faecal incontinence and constipation showed more than a three-fold reduction in UTI incidence rates.^1,2

The reason for this UTI reduction is unknown.³

How do we believe this is connected?

Fewer episodes of faecal incontinence may cause less bacterial contamination.³

The natural microbial balance of the urinary tract might be influenced by microbes from the gut. The microbes from the gut might be different than the microbes in the urinary tract given the role of the kidneys and bladder in filtration and storage of waste, respectively.³

Further, rectal impaction has been suggested to cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) by mechanically to impede bladder emptying⁴

What do we need to consider?

An optimal bowel treatment of constipation and incontinence should go hand in hand with bladder management.⁵