Recurring UTIs are a real struggle for many people living with RA, and you're definitely not alone in dealing with this. Other myRAteam members have shared similar frustrations — one member mentioned being on methotrexate and feeling like they had a "never-ending UTI."
There are a few reasons why RA can make someone more Show Full Answer
Recurring UTIs are a real struggle for many people living with RA, and you're definitely not alone in dealing with this. Other myRAteam members have shared similar frustrations — one member mentioned being on methotrexate and feeling like they had a "never-ending UTI."
There are a few reasons why RA can make someone more prone to UTIs:
- RA affects the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off bacteria
- Common RA medications like methotrexate and corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) can weaken the immune system further, increasing infection risk
- Women with RA — who make up the majority of those diagnosed — already face higher UTI risk factors It's really important not to ignore UTI symptoms or wait too long to treat them. Untreated UTIs can lead to more serious kidney and bladder infections.
A few important things to keep in mind:
- Always let your rheumatologist know when you have a UTI, especially if you're on methotrexate or other DMARDs
- Your rheumatologist may temporarily pause your RA medication while you're being treated for the infection
- Make sure whoever prescribes your antibiotics knows about your RA medications, as there can be interactions
It's worth having an open conversation with your doctor about the frequency of your UTIs so they can help find the best management plan for you.
July 29
I was prescribed Methotrexate at the onset of diagnosis and within 6 months I had had 2 separate bouts with UTI’s
Rheumatologist discontinued and changed me to Hydroxychloroquine and it’s been 3 years with -0- infections
Hopefully you can get a change to meds
July 31
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