Question:
CAN PROTEIN DRINKS CAUSE UTI (URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS)

I was wondering because I have tried twice to start drinking protein drinks and both times I gotten a UTI, I assumed it came from protein drinks and am afraid to drink them.    — deniece M. (posted on February 5, 2004)

February 4, 2004
No protein drinks don't cause UTI's... I use to get them chronicly, but since had bladder surgery.. Drink plenty of water.. And finish your medications that they perscribed to you..
   — baybekmbrly

February 4, 2004
The protein shakes won't cause the UTI, but not drinking enough water will. If your body contains too much protein your urine will get very concentrated and may begin to burn and have a very strong odor. I had the problem at about 3 months. My physician said to make sure I was getting in all of the 64 oz. of water a day with the amount of protein I was consuming. This should help to alleviate the UTI problem. If not, please see your surgeon, she/he can tell you what your best line of defense is.
   — Suzann G.

February 4, 2004
I am four months out and have had THREE UTIs since surgery. I asked the doctor about the protein and he said that the specimen does not have protein in it so the UTIs aren't being caused by the extra protein. He thinks maybe it is a result of the catheter during surgery and infection may be deep in the bladder and the antibiotics are just not getting rid of it. He is sending me to a urologist. I had not had a UTI in over 30 years until November of 2003.
   —  SCbabe B.

February 5, 2004
Protein won't pose a problem, but lack of water and of course, having a catheter will. Very common after surgeries. My surgeon gave me a dose of Cipro and all was good in a couple days. Good Luck!
   — Hazel S.

February 5, 2004
If you want your urinary tract to keep running like it should, drink plenty of water and take a couple cranberry pills with your vitamins daily.
   — Patty.W

February 9, 2004
No, they can not give you UTI's. But the water part is very important AND going pee after sex is important. Your track gets all kinds of germs that travel after sex. I am a RN and have seen this many times. So drink water and pee after sex! Ann R
   — Ann M.