Those who have catheters for other medical reasons are also at an increased risk, because the catheter itself can introduce new bacteria to sensitive areas. Postmenopausal women often have lower estrogen levels, which can harm the good bacteria that should remain in the vaginal flora. Finally, those with physical irregularities that lead to voiding dysfunction or an incomplete release of urine are also at risk, since this can keep bacteria from getting flushed out during trips to the bathroom.
With this in mind, most preventative measures are fairly intuitive. Things that are more likely to introduce bacteria into the urinary tract are risk factors. This includes sex more than three times a week, having multiple partners, using spermicides and diaphragms, or skin allergens like bubble bath, oils, deodorants, or sprays.
Good hygiene is important to prevention though less proven in medical data. This includes wearing cotton underwear, avoiding tight pants, and always peeing after sex. Evidence is mixed about the value of drinking cranberry juice , but doctors agree there is little risk, so go at it. Do RUTIs have anything to do with superbugs? Each time the bacteria in your system survive a round of antibiotics, it means that bacteria is resistant to that drug. But they escalate to the second and third tiers and for longer regimens as the infection persists.
Last year, a woman in the U. They also disproportionately affect women— whose pain we tend to not take as seriously. The female urethra is near the anus, which makes it easy for bacteria from the stool to get into the urethra. To prevent this, always wipe from front to back after going to the toilet. Bacteria do not have as far to travel to infect the bladder because a female has a shorter urethra than a male.
Because of this, bladder infections can happen more easily. Having kidney stones , a weakened immune system, or being pregnant makes it more likely a person will get a UTI. A review linked the following factors with RUTIs in otherwise healthy women:. Some specific ways of having sex make getting a UTI more likely.
If people have anal sex, it is essential they wash their genitals before engaging in other sexual activities to reduce the spread of bacteria. Males rarely get UTIs.
If they do, it may be because they have an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate may mean the bladder cannot empty fully, leaving bacteria to multiply. A doctor may carry out the following tests to reach a diagnosis and understand why a UTI is recurring:. Doctors normally treat chronic UTIs with antibiotics. They may suggest either:. Drinking cranberry juice is a popular home remedy for UTIs. But there is little scientific evidence to suggest it is effective. However, a sugar found in cranberries called D-mannose shows promise as a home remedy to treat a UTI.
More research is needed to confirm these findings. If a bladder infection remains untreated, it can spread to the kidneys, which is more dangerous.
If a person has a kidney infection , they may need treatment in the hospital. Additionally, some women have cells that are naturally more receptive to bacteria, meaning the bacteria are less likely to be flushed out by your natural body functions. In a study of more than 1, women who experience recurrent UTIs and kidney infections, researchers determined that a genetic variation in these cell receptors is associated with an increased risk of bladder and kidney infections.
This lessens the risk of any fecal matter or bacteria being moved from the anus into the urethra. Any fecal matter or bacteria can land on the underwear and spread as the underwear moves as you walk, sit, exercise, etc. Such activity in that intimate area can also spread your own bacteria from your vagina or anus into your urethra.
Practicing good hygiene before and after sexual activity is also helpful. Wash your intimate area as well as your hands and fingers before and after sex. Clean sex toys before and after using as well. Diaphragms, spermicides and condoms may increase your risk for UTI if you are prone to recurrent infections. However, talk to your doctor about solutions.
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