When It’s Not a UTI: Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and UTI-Like Symptoms
Have you ever felt like you were getting a UTI—burning, urgency, frequent trips to the bathroom—but your test results came back clear? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people experience UTI-like symptoms that persist even when no infection is present. One possible cause? Pelvic floor dysfunction.
What Are UTI-Like Symptoms?
Common UTI-like symptoms include:
A constant urge to urinate, even when the bladder isn’t full
Burning or stinging with urination
Pelvic pressure or discomfort
Frequent urination, day and night
The feeling of not fully emptying your bladder
If you’ve been tested for a UTI and it came back negative—but your symptoms linger—there may be another explanation.
Enter: The Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of your pelvis that support your organs. What is the pelvic floor? Read this blog- the pelvic floor.
One of the key roles of the pelvic floor is controlling urination and bowel movements. When these muscles are not working properly—either because they’re too tight, too weak, or uncoordinated—you may experience symptoms that mimic a UTI.
This is called pelvic floor dysfunction, and it’s more common than you might think.
How Does the Pelvic Floor Cause UTI-Like Symptoms?
When pelvic floor muscles are overactive (too tight or in spasm), they can irritate the bladder and surrounding nerves. This irritation can lead to:
Increased urgency and frequency
Pain with urination
A sense of pressure or fullness in the bladder
Even pain during sex
The problem is, because these symptoms feel just like a UTI, they’re often misdiagnosed. People may go through multiple rounds of antibiotics—which won’t help if there’s no infection—without relief.
What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
There are many possible contributors, including:
Chronic stress or anxiety (which often shows up as tension in the body)
Pregnancy and/or Postpartum recovery
Trauma
Prolonged sitting
History of recurrent UTIs or bladder infections
Overuse of abdominal muscles or frequent “sucking in” the belly
Overuse or gripping of the butt
What Can You Do?
If you’ve been struggling with UTI-like symptoms and the usual treatments aren’t working, it may be time to look deeper.
A pelvic health therapist can assess your pelvic floor muscles and help determine whether they’re contributing to your symptoms. Treatment often involves:
Gentle manual therapy
Breath work and nervous system regulation
Pelvic floor muscle retraining
Postural and movement education
Lifestyle adjustments
You’re Not Broken, and You’re Not Alone
Living with bladder symptoms that don’t have a clear answer can feel frustrating and isolating. But there is help, and there is hope. Understanding the connection between your pelvic floor and bladder symptoms is a powerful step toward healing.
Interested in learning more or working with a pelvic health specialist?
I offer 1 on 1 treatment in Columbus, Ohio
Schedule your free 15min phone consultation!
Let’s reconnect you to your body—without fear, urgency, or discomfort.
In health,
Emma Lengerich PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, PCES, Birth Doula Foundations PelvicPhysio, LLC Orthopedic & Pelvic Health Physical Therapist & Birth Doula Instagram: @emma_pelvichealth Subscribe to my newsletter: Click Here!
