Can tampons or pads cause UTIs?
While tampons and pads do not directly cause UTIs, poor hygiene, infrequent changing, or introducing bacteria with insertion can increase infection risk.
Detailed Medical Explanation
Menstrual products themselves do not cause UTIs, but leaving them in too long, improper insertion, or touching the urethral area can introduce bacteria. Change tampons and pads regularly, wash hands before and after changing, and avoid scented products that may irritate. NHS: Menstrual hygiene and UTIs.
Clinical Context
Clinics advise on good hygiene for period products as part of UTI prevention, especially for women with recurrent infections.
Evidence-Based Approaches
NHS and NICE recommend regular changing and proper hygiene with all period products to lower infection risk.