Health · Public Health & Disease · 4 hrs ago
Women share the realities of chronic UTIs on social media
Women in the UK are sharing their experiences of chronic UTIs on social media to challenge stigma and help others feel less alone.
Adrianne, who lives in London, says a chronic infection disrupted her work, relationships and social life.
She waited two years for a diagnosis and was wrongly told she might have other conditions.
Laura, who lives in Kent, says symptoms affected her university studies and work.
Experts estimate chronic UTIs could affect up to 1.7 million women in the UK, although men and children can also be affected.
Sharing experiences may help people seek specialist care, but experts warn that online posts can also spread misinformation and dangerous advice.
Adrianne and Laura say their symptoms are improving, but recovery remains a long road.
Women with chronic urinary tract infections are sharing their experiences on social media to challenge stigma and help others feel less alone.
Adrianne, a 29-year-old digital marketing worker in London, says it took two years to get a chronic UTI diagnosis.
She says the condition has affected her work, relationships and social life.
Laura Von Müllen, 26, says her symptoms have affected her studies and work, and she has also experienced heart palpitations and panic attacks.
Experts warn that social media can spread misinformation and harmful advice, even as it helps people connect.
- Who
- Women including Adrianne and Laura Von Müllen are sharing their experiences. Experts also comment on the condition and online advice.
- What
- Women with chronic or recurrent UTIs are describing the effects of the condition on social media.
- When
- Adrianne says her first UTI began in 2022. The article was published on 21 October 2026.
- Where
- On TikTok and Instagram, among other platforms. Adrianne works in London, and Laura works remotely from Kent.
- Why
- They hope sharing their experiences will reduce stigma and help demystify the condition.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Adrianne says what began as one UTI developed into a debilitating cycle.
Adrianne was diagnosed with a chronic UTI after seeking private care.
The BBC published its report on women sharing their experiences of chronic UTIs on social media.
- Adrianne's age
- 29
- Laura Von Müllen's age
- 26
- Estimated number of women affected in the UK
- Up to 1.7 million
- Time to Adrianne's diagnosis
- Two years
- Social media platforms mentioned
- TikTok and Instagram
What people are saying
The impact goes far beyond what people understand - we're talking about pain, urgency, sleepless nights and missing out on your life
It has completely stripped me of everything: being able to work properly, my relationships, my friendships, going out, being able to have a normal social life
People don't understand, they think it's just a UTI and that it'll clear within three days, but I've still got mine two years later
I've seen women on social media sitting in baths of disinfectant, all because they were convinced that that they were dirty, and that's why they were getting infections. And actually, that just made things ten times worse