Why are Women So Prone to Urinary Tract Infections?

Global annual occurrences of approximately 150 million cases have been reported for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) till date, according to an article on Indian Journal of Public Health. The percentage of women prone to getting infected is much higher than that of men. 40% of women are likely to suffer from UTI while only 12% of men will affected in total.
Women are always at a greater risk of contracting UTR because of menstrual cycles and pregnancies. Metropolitans like Bangalore have a fast paced lifestyle, where sadly, women often ignore these complications.

Why UTI is More Frequent in Women

1. The primary cause of women getting more affected than men is nothing but the female anatomy. The urethra of a woman is much shorter than that of a male’s which enables the bacteria to travel to the bladder and the tract easily. Sexual activities, urination and bowel movement could enhance this process. A man’s urethra is far away from his urethral opening and therefore, chances of the bacteria travelling quickly are less.
2. Usage of contraceptive diaphragm can also be one of the causes of catching an infection. Spermicide inside the diaphragm kills the good bacteria living in the vagina. This eliminates the chances of fighting infections. Using diaphragms can prevent urine from completely flushing out of the bladder. Gynecologists say that this leftover urine can lead to infections.
3. Women who are sexually active with new partners every once in a while incur high chances of UTIs than women who don’t engage in frequent intercourse.
4. The decline in estrogen can cause adverse changes in the health of the vagina leading to infections.

How to Prevent UTI

When left untreated, UTI can cause severe issues like recurrent infections, permanent kidney damage, increased birth risk in pregnant women, sepsis and so on. Therefore, as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.

1. Increase the regular water intake. This helps you to not only to dilute the urine but also increase the frequency of urination. Bacteria flush out from your urinary tract eliminating the risk of potential infections.
2. Active ingredients in cranberry juice or pills can be helpful in protecting you from UTI.
3. Wipe your vagina from the front to the back every time you urinate or there is a bowel movement.
4. After intercourse, make sure to urinate and drink at least one glass of water to ensure the bacteria, if any, is flushed out of your body.
5. Try to avoid female hygiene products as much as possible. Powders and deodorants can cause irritation and dryness in the urethra.
6. It is best to avoid birth controls like unlubricated condoms as they increase the rate of urinary tract infections.

Discomforts like consistent urge to urinate, burning sensation while at it, passing only a little amount every time, discolored urine and so on are early symptoms of UTI. Other issues like pelvic pain, bleeding while urinating etc are major risk factors and should be addressed as soon as possible, say the best gynecologists of Bangalore.