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Sjogren's syndrome: Can it cause recurrent UTIs?
By Mayo Clinic staff
- With Mayo Clinic rheumatologist
April Chang-Miller, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
April Chang-Miller, M.D.
April Chang-Miller, M.D.
Dr. April Chang-Miller is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and is a consultant in the Division of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
Dr. Chang-Miller's primary field is rheumatology with special interests in inflammatory joint diseases called seronegative spondyloarthropathies such as ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. She also cares for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica.
The New York City native is a graduate of the Yale University School of Medicine and had been with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., between 1991 and 2002 when she relocated to Mayo Clinic, Arizona. She is a fellow in the American College of Rheumatology and has been on the board of directors of the Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter.
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Question
Sjogren's syndrome: Can it cause recurrent UTIs?
Since being diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome last year, I've had three urinary tract infections. Is there any evidence that Sjogren's syndrome causes recurrent UTIs?
Answer
from April Chang-Miller, M.D.
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the moisture-secreting glands of the eyes and mouth became inflamed, producing fewer tears and less saliva. There's no evidence that Sjogren's syndrome causes urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, Sjogren's syndrome may be associated with other conditions that share similar symptoms.
For women, Sjogren's syndrome can cause vaginal dryness — which may result in discomfort during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) and an increase in the risk of bacterial and fungal vaginal infections. Painful urination, a common symptom of UTIs, also can occur with vaginal infections.
Also, several studies report a connection between Sjogren's syndrome and interstitial cystitis — a condition characterized by increased urinary frequency, urgency and discomfort. In fact, in one 2003 study, 28 percent of people who had interstitial cystitis also had Sjogren's syndrome. Treatment of interstitial cystitis varies, possibly including medication, nerve stimulation or, rarely, surgery.
