UTI Concerns with an Ileostomy

Hi, I was in the hospital again for a UTI. Is it normal to get a UTI with an ileostomy? I keep having more complications from the surgery.

Make sure you are hydrating properly. That doesn't mean drinking more water. Hopefully, someone will pop in and give a good description of ileostomy hydration requirements. I don't have an ileostomy, so I hesitate to be more descriptive.

I'm in the same boat! For the past 2 years, I have consistently had UTIs! I get off the antibiotics, and a week later, I have another one. I had a colostomy 14 years ago. I have seen different urologists trying to find answers. The last one I thought had a good plan; she put me on a low dose of antibiotics daily, which kept the UTI at bay for a whole month. Now, I am taking double-strength antibiotics for 10 days, then I will be on a course of 90 days of regular-strength antibiotics. I have tried everything to be extremely cautious and sanitize everything concerning my hygiene. I bleach everything: my bathroom countertops, toilet daily, and hand soap that has alcohol in it. I wash my hands before and after using the toilet. I do have urinary retention, though, caused by my previous urethra cancer several years ago. I don't empty all the urine out; sometimes I need to catheterize, but I am extremely careful with that. In fact, my girlfriend says I'm a fanatic about germs! My new urologist also has me taking Vitamin C twice daily, which helps make the inside of my bladder more slick so urine comes out easier, as well as D-mannose and cranberry capsules. I was also wondering if anyone out here has had problems with UTIs? I was happy to see your post, that I wasn't alone!

Before my surgery, I kept on having UTIs, and now since my surgery, the UTIs stopped, but they came back now.

I found I was getting them a lot in the early days. I haven't had one for like 9 years. To avoid this, I always do urine function first, then empty the bag. If you have to empty the bag first (e.g., it's full), fully wash your hands first, then do your pee. :-), so basically for me, it was a process thing. Hope that helps.

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

I'm glad to see this too. I have an ileostomy and have had more UTIs lately. I wash my hands, wash off at night, and keep things clean, so I was actually going to ask my doctor about it. Maybe I will try cranberry capsules too. Just being aware of wiping and 'splash back' when emptying the pouch also comes to mind. Maybe personal wipes would help too.

Regarding hydration, I was advised to drink Gatorade as it provides electrolytes.

Hi Micky,

My wife has had an ileostomy since 2023, and UTIs are a recurring issue for her as well. We go on antibiotics for a week; it clears, and a week later we're back. Rinse and repeat. We are now on a longer-term, lower-dose antibiotic, which will hopefully keep it at bay for a while. I have no idea why they recur, but my best strategy is to stay hydrated while also using some electrolyte in her water for additional support. My reasoning is that the liquid output of an ileostomy might deplete them more than colostomy people. I am definitely no doctor, but I wonder if electrolyte depletion changes the pH of urine in a way that allows bacteria to flourish. I wish I could be more helpful, but that's what I got today. Good luck!

Absolutely correct! Dehydration can make you more susceptible to UTIs.