While bladder issues aren’t officially listed as common side effects, some patients taking Wegovy (semaglutide) report changes in urinary habits. These can include symptoms such as increased frequency, urgency, or discomfort when passing urine.
Although these effects can feel worrying, current evidence suggests they are usually indirect and temporary, rather than a sign of bladder damage. Below, we explore the possible links between Wegovy and UTIs, frequent urination, and general urinary symptoms, and when to seek medical advice.
Can Wegovy Cause UTIs?
As with any medication, some patients notice changes in how their body feels, occasionally including changes in bladder habits.
Many people using Wegovy ask whether it increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) with the most commonly reported side effects affecting the gastrointestinal system, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation.¹
While UTIs can still occur during treatment, they are more likely related to existing risk factors such as diabetes, reduced fluid intake, post-menopausal changes, or anatomical factors, rather than Wegovy itself.
Why Do Some Symptoms Feel Like a UTI?
Some patients experience symptoms that can mimic a UTI, even when no infection is present. These symptoms are often linked to:
Dehydration
Wegovy can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or reduced appetite, particularly when starting treatment or increasing the dose. These effects may lead to lower fluid intake or increased fluid loss, resulting in mild dehydration.¹
Even mild dehydration can affect bladder comfort and may increase the risk of urinary irritation, as reduced urine output means the urinary tract is flushed less frequently. This can allow bacteria more opportunity to multiply, particularly in people already prone to UTIs.³⁻⁴
More concentrated urine
When dehydrated, the kidneys produce smaller volumes of darker, more concentrated urine. Concentrated urine contains higher levels of salts and metabolic waste products, which can:
- Irritate the bladder lining
- Trigger urgency
- Cause stinging or burning sensations during urination
These symptoms can closely resemble a urinary tract infection, even in the absence of bacteria.⁴
This type of irritation is usually short-lived and often improves with improved hydration and time as the body adjusts to treatment.⁴
Because these symptoms can mimic a UTI, it’s important not to ignore them, especially if they persist or worsen.
What Are the Signs of a UTI?
It’s important to distinguish between temporary bladder irritation and a true urinary tract infection. Symptoms of a UTI may include:³
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Needing to urinate very frequently, even when little urine is passed
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Fever or chills
- Blood in the urine
If you experience these symptoms, you should contact a healthcare professional for assessment. UTIs are usually straightforward to treat with antibiotics, but early treatment helps reduce the risk of complications.
Does Wegovy Make You Pee More Often?
Some patients do notice increased urination while taking Wegovy. This is usually indirect and not due to a direct effect on the bladder itself.
Possible reasons include:
- Fluid shifts during weight loss - weight loss leads to the release of stored water from body tissues, particularly in the early stages, which can temporarily increase urine output.⁵
- Reduced salt intake - eating less overall or choosing lower-salt foods can reduce fluid retention, prompting the kidneys to excrete more water.⁴
- Increased water intake - many patients consciously increase fluid intake to help manage nausea, constipation, or headaches during treatment.
- Bladder sensitivity from dehydration - even if urine volume is reduced, a sensitive or irritated bladder may signal the need to urinate more often.⁴
- Changes in nervous system signalling - GLP-1 receptor agonists act on the gut–brain axis. Because bladder function is partly regulated by the autonomic nervous system, some people may experience subtle changes in bladder sensation or urgency.⁶
These changes are usually functional, temporary, and most noticeable during dose escalation.
Should I Be Worried About Bladder Side Effects?
For most people, bladder-related symptoms while taking Wegovy are mild and short-lived.
You should seek medical advice if symptoms:
- Last longer than 1–2 weeks
- Become painful or worsen
- Include blood in the urine
- Are associated with fever or back pain
- Cause a significant change in how often you urinate
- Include new or worsening urinary leakage
These signs may suggest an infection or another underlying condition rather than a medication side effect.
Top Tips for Supporting Bladder Health Whilst Wegovy
These steps can help support bladder health during weight loss:
- Stay well hydrated and sip water regularly throughout the day
- Limit bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks and acidic juices
- Avoid holding urine for long periods
- Increase fluids during episodes of nausea or diarrhoea
- Be aware that side effects are more common after dose increases
- Support pelvic floor health with gentle exercises, particularly during rapid weight loss
Most patients find that bladder symptoms improve as their body adapts to treatment.
Bladder changes while taking Wegovy can feel concerning, but in most cases they are not a sign of harm. Understanding what’s normal and when to seek advice can help you feel confident and supported throughout your weight loss journey.
If you have ongoing concerns, our clinical team are always here to help.
References
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). Wegovy® 2.4 mg solution for injection – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Novo Nordisk Ltd.
- Wilding JPH, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. STEP trials.
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS). Urinary tract infection (lower) – women / men.
- Abrams P, et al. The role of urine concentration and hydration in bladder symptoms. Neurourology and Urodynamics.
- Hall KD, et al. Mechanisms of weight loss–associated fluid shifts. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
- Nauck MA, Meier JJ. Incretin hormones and the autonomic nervous system. Diabetes Care.
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