Could Toilet Paper
be Causing UTIs?

If you have a vagina, there are plenty of things to celebrate about your body, but an increased likelihood of UTIs is not one of them. According to the World Health Organization, 50% of women report having a UTI at some point in their lives—and that’s just reported cases. UTIs are pesky, painful, and have a way of popping up at the most inopportune times. However, if not immediately treated, these infections can turn into something severe. In fact, the beloved Tanya Roberts recently passed away from an untreated UTI that spread into her bloodstream. While this is a rare case, UTIs are extremely common and are the reason for over 8 million doctor visits per year. In order to prevent serious complications from UTIs, it’s important to understand the causes (including the role you can play) and best steps for treatment. Urinary tract health is crucial, and developing a self-care routine for down there (even down to the type of toilet paper you use) is the first step to living your best life, UTI free.

What causes a UTI?

A UTI is when unwanted bacteria enter the urinary tract creating a painful infection. There are several ways that bacteria can enter the urethra, the most common being from wiping back to front in the bathroom. However, UTIs can also emerge from severe dehydration, after sex, or from simply holding it too long. Other culprits can be toilet paper and other household products. Many personal hygiene products contain harmful chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions in the nether region, making the area overall more susceptible to bacterial infections. Check out Scary Things Hiding in Your Bathroom to learn more about toxic products. 

Here are some key symptoms of UTIs to watch out for:

Pain, burning, and discomfort when peeing

Constant urge to pee (ie. feeling like you need to pee, and then going and then

can’t)

Pressure on the bladder and lower stomach

Cloudy and smelly urine

If you experience these symptoms, it’s time to go to a doctor ASAP. Usually, UTIs are treated with an antibiotic, but they can worsen over time leading to bladder and kidney infections if not treated quickly. So don’t doubt your instincts.

Protecting your parts: How to prevent UTIs

While UTIs are common, everyone can take careful preventative steps to decrease their chances of getting one. Incorporating self-care for down there into your everyday routine will ensure that you can live without unnecessary discomfort.

Drink lots of water and stay hydrated! The more often you pee, the more

often bacteria will be flushed from the urinary tract before an infection can start. 

This helps prevent bacteria spread.

And have a glass of water! Fun in the bedroom can leave lingering bacteria in

unwanted places.

Let your parts breathe! Wear cotton or lose fitting undies to bed, and make sure

to change them frequently. Treat yourself like the queen you are! No need to

wipe or clean with chemicals that trigger inflammation or cause allergic

reactions. Avoid scented, bleached, and highly processed personal hygiene

products.

Bim Bam Boo toilet paper has your back (and behind)

From the get-go, we set out to level the playing field for vulva-owners. By creating a roll that works in harmony with your body’s natural biochemistry, you can help reduce or eliminate UTI’s.  The fact is, some types of toilet paper (*ahem* looking at you overpriced fluffy stuff) can actually increase your chances of getting a UTI. Many tree-based toilet papers are produced with harmful chemicals like chlorine bleach, formaldehyde, and irritating scents. There are hidden dangers of toilet paper, but not with Bim Bam Boo. Our bamboo toilet paper formula is 100% toxin-free, making it hypoallergenic and pH neutral. We want your wiping experience to have you feeling sparkly clean in all the right places. Want to try a wipe? Check out our trial rolls. Or head to our online store to secure your 24 pack of bamboo toilet paper rolls today.