Key takeaways
- Fasting means less fluid for long stretches, and urine becomes more concentrated.
- Many people also hold their wee for longer at work, school or the mosque.
- Spreading water from iftar to suhoor and going when you need to are the simplest steps.
- If you get UTI symptoms, get advice promptly. Islam allows people who are ill not to fast.
In this guide
Why UTIs can be more likely when fasting
Urinating regularly helps flush bacteria out of the bladder. During a fast, you drink nothing for many hours, so you make less urine and go less often.
Add busy days, prayer times and not wanting to use unfamiliar toilets, and many people hold it in for longer than usual. Women are more prone to UTIs in general, as the NHS explains.
A hydration plan for Ramadan
| When | What to drink |
|---|---|
| Iftar | Water with your dates, then a glass with your meal |
| After Maghrib | A glass of water or a bowl of soup |
| After Taraweeh | A glass or two of water |
| Before bed | A small glass |
| Suhoor | Water plus water-rich foods such as fruit and yoghurt |
Check your colour: pale yellow urine by suhoor is a good sign you've had enough. Very dark urine means you need more fluid in your eating window.
Everyday habits that help
- Don't hold it in. Go when you need to, even during a busy day
- Go easy on salty iftar foods, which make you thirstier
- Limit strong tea and coffee late at night
- Wipe and wash from front to back after using the toilet
- Wee soon after sex (during non-fasting hours)
- Wear breathable cotton underwear
Our guide to cystitis after sex has more prevention tips.
If UTI symptoms start while you're fasting
- Get advice promptly from a pharmacist or your GP. In England, many pharmacies can treat UTIs in women aged 16 to 64 under Pharmacy First.
- Fever, back or side pain, or blood in your urine need medical help the same day.
- You may need to break your fast to drink fluids and take treatment. Islam allows people who are ill not to fast, and to make up the days later. Speak to your imam if you're unsure.
See UTI or thrush: how to tell for a symptom comparison.
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Questions people ask
Can fasting cause a UTI?
Fasting itself doesn't cause infection, but less fluid and holding urine for longer can make a UTI more likely.
How much water should I drink in Ramadan?
Enough that your urine is pale yellow by suhoor. Spread it across the evening.
Can I take antibiotics while fasting?
If you're unwell, Islam allows you not to fast. Speak to your GP or pharmacist about timing, and your imam about the ruling.
Does cranberry juice help in Ramadan?
Cranberry has no authorised health claim, and juice drinks are often high in sugar. Water is the best everyday choice.
Are UTIs more common in women during Ramadan?
Women are more prone to UTIs generally. Fasting habits can add to the risk, so the hydration tips matter most for women.
Sources: NHS: UTIs · NHS: cystitis · GB NHC register
This article is general information, not medical or religious advice. If you have symptoms of an infection, speak to a pharmacist, your GP or NHS 111. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
