How women can reduce their odds of getting a urinary tract infection

Any woman who has had a urinary tract infection (UTI) knows very well how painful and frustrating they can be, especially if they keep coming back. The usual treatment of prescribing an antibiotic generally does clear up a UTI within a few days.  But, to keep them from coming back, there are certain precautions women can do from getting another one anytime soon.

What are urinary tract infections?

A UTI happens when bacteria in the urethra, bladder, or kidneys multiply in the urine.  If left untreated, a UTI can lead to acute or chronic kidney infections, which could permanently damage these vital organs possibly leading to kidney failure.  These common infections are also a leading cause of sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the bloodstream.

 Why are women more susceptible to UTIs?

UTIs are common - they are responsible for around 8.1 million doctor visits each year.  However women make up the bulk of those doctor visits with a UTI as they are four times more likely to get them than men. In women, the urethra is fairly short and straight – the urethra is a tube leading from the bladder for the removal of urine from the body. Because of this anatomical feature in women, it makes it easier for germs to travel into the bladder.

For some women, UTIs relate to changes in their hormonal levels. Some are more likely to get an infection during certain times in their menstrual cycles, such as just before a period. Pregnancy is another susceptible time for women to develop a UTI as the drainage system from the kidney to the bladder widens, so urine does not drain as quickly. This makes it easier to get an infection and sometimes germs can move from the bladder to the kidney, causing a kidney infection. UTIs during pregnancy can result in increased blood pressure and a premature birth, so it is very important to have the infection treated promptly.

In older women, the tissues of the urethra and bladder become thinner and drier with age, as well as after menopause or a hysterectomy which both can increase UTIs.

Symptoms of UTIs

The typical symptoms of a UTI are the following:

·      Bloody urine

·      Strong or foul-smelling urine

·      Frequent or urgent need to urinate

·      Pain or burning during urination

·      Feelings of pressure in the lower pelvis

·      Low-grade fever

·      Night sweats, shaking or chills

 Tips for women on how to prevent UTIs

To keep UTIs at bay and to say goodbye to burning, frequent urination and other unpleasant symptoms, here are changes to make today.  The trick is to keep bacteria out of the urinary system helping to keep it UTI free:

·      Drink plenty of water and go to the bathroom often

The best and easiest way to prevent a UTI is to flush bacteria out of the bladder and urinary tract before it sets in.  By drinking lots of fluid, especially water, this makes it much tougher for bacteria to establish residency in the urinary system.  The more a woman consumes water throughout the day, the more she will need to urinate helping flush bacteria out even more.  

·      Wipe from front to back

The anus is an area bacteria like to hang around. Women need to be very mindful when they use toilet paper after urinating but especially after a bowel movement to wipe from front to back.  This will make it less likely bacteria will be able to reach the urethra.

·      Wash before sex and urinate after sex

Before engaging in sex, use soap and water to clean the vaginal area. This keeps bacteria away from the urethra.  After sexual intercourse, women should urinate afterwards to flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract.

·      Do not use feminine products

Women should skip douches, deodorant sprays, scented powders, and other potentially irritating feminine products.

·      Take a second look at your birth control

There are certain birth control methods that can increase the likelihood of a woman developing a UTI.  Diaphragms, spermicides, or spermicide-lubricated condoms can cause UTIs as they all can contribute to bacterial growth. Any woman using one of these birth control methods and frequently gets UTIs, should consider switching to a water-based lubricant for vaginal dryness and to consider other birth control methods available.

·      Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing

It is often advised that women can reduce their incidence of developing a UTI by wearing cotton underwear and to avoid tight clothing as it can trap bacteria near the urethra.