8 Reasons Behind Frequent Urinary Tract Infections in Women
If you’ve ever experienced the painful burning feeling when you pee, you’re not alone. One of the most widespread health issues women are subjected to is UTIs (urinary Tract Infections). Nearly half of all women suffer from at least one UTI. But why then are some women always getting them again and again? The positive news is that, having known what, in fact, causes recurrent infections, women will be in a better position to care for themselves and avoid further issues like frequent UTI in women.
The following are some of the most prevalent causes of urinary tract infection in women, and why they sometimes continue to come back.
1. Your Anatomy Makes It Easier for Bacteria
This is the largest cause of women developing more UTIs than men. The urethra of women is shorter in length, the organ that carries urine outside the body. It is very near the anus and vagina. This implies that bacteria, particularly E. coli that inhabits the intestines, can be transported to the bladder with ease. This is one of the main causes of urinary tract infection in women that is purely biological.
2. Sexual Activity
Sexual intercourse may force bacteria of the genital region into the urethra. That is why doctors frequently refer to UTIs as honeymoon infections. The more actively you are sexually active, the higher the risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract. This risk can be mitigated by emptying your bladder prior to and following sex.
3. Wiping the Wrong Way
Wiping the anal region to the urethra introduces bacteria in the anal region straight into the urethra. Front to back is always the proper direction. Such a simple modification can drastically reduce the risk of a common UTI in women.
4. Retaining Your Urine for a Long Period of Time
Most women can hold their pee for hours, due to either a busy schedule or because of the uncleanliness of the public washrooms. By holding on to urine over time, bacteria within the bladder have more time to multiply. Frequent emptying sweeps away bacteria before they can be problematic. It is among the least considered causes of UTI in the female urinary tract.
5. Not Drinking Enough Water
Inadequate water intake results in concentrated urine and less frequent urination. As a result, this indicates that the bacteria are not being flushed out of the body. However, there is a rule of thumb to keep in mind: if your urine is dark yellow, you aren’t drinking enough water.
6. Use of Certain Birth Control Methods
Spermicides, diaphragms, and spermicide-coated condoms can interrupt the normal balance of good bacteria in the vagina. This allows harmful bacteria to grow.In case you see the development of UTIs when using a specific birth control method, discuss with your doctor the option to switch.
7. Hormonal Changes During Menopause
When women attain menopause, the body secretes less estrogen. Estrogen also maintains the health of the mucus of the urinary tract. When there is a lack of estrogen, tissues grow thinner, and it becomes easier to become infected by bacteria. It is one of the primary urinary tract infection causes in women over the age of 45.
8. Medical Conditions Like Diabetes
Women who are diabetic, particularly when the sugar level is not properly regulated, are at a greater risk of UTIs. Additional sugar in the urine serves as food to the bacteria. The immune system can also be weakened as a result of diabetes.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Although mild urinary tract infection causes can sometimes be treated with appropriate care and hydration, repeated or severe symptoms should never be overlooked. Women are to seek a physician in case they have:
- Pain during urination for a few days
- Often have to urinate, and little comes out
- Blood in urine
- Fever or chills
- Abdominal or back pain that is lower in the abdomen.
- Urine that is smelly or cloudy.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing symptoms such as burning sensation during urination, urgent need to urinate regardless of the small amount released, smelly or cloudy urine, or lower abdominal pains, then do not disregard these symptoms, as a simple infection in the bladder may develop into a major kidney problem.
Meher Hospital, Dehradun, takes into account the inconvenience that UTI patients have to face. At our facility, we do more than cure the infection. Our team will trace the causes and make sure that they don’t recur. Talk to us about your problems now!
With qualified medical professionals and advanced medical resources available here, you can get an accurate diagnosis and successful treatment. We aim not only at the immediate elimination of the problem but also long-term prevention.
Also Read: What Causes PCOD in Young Girls? Early Signs and Prevention Tips