Do you have a urinary tract infection? UTIs are common, especially for women. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than half of women will get at least one in their lifetimes.
So just what is a UTI?
A UTI occurs when there is an infection of some part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. But most urinary tract infections occur in the lower urinary tract, which includes the bladder and the urethra.
Not only can UTIs be painful, but they also can wreak havoc on one’s daily routine, causing the sufferer to urinate often, and painfully. The feeling is described as a burning sensation -- and often involves very little urine. The urine can look dark or cloudy and smell strong, and pelvic pain can be present.
Here are eight common causes of UTIs. And remember that if you do have a UTI, it’s important to seek medical help. Antibiotics are usually necessary.
1. Sex
Sex and UTIs go hand in hand. In fact, Everyday Health reports that nearly 80 percent of premenopausal who develop urinary tract infections have had sex within the past day.
Sex introduces foreign bacteria into the body when the urethra is exposed to bacteria from the vagina and anus. As a result, this bacteria can find its way into the urinary tract, which can cause a UTI.
We know what you’re thinking. That’s a real bummer…so to speak. But there are things you can do to help prevent UTIs associated with sex. The first is to go to the bathroom right before and after sex -- even if you don’t feel like you need to. This is the cardinal rule of sex when it comes to preventing UTIs. In addition, make it a point to consume a lot of water after intercourse to flush out bacteria.
2. Wiping Back to Front
When it comes to preventing a UTI, you’ve got to know how to wipe. This means wiping in a front-to-back motion.
According to Medscape, it’s also important to cleanse your backside after you go. You can do this in a front-to-back motion. And never use the same piece of toilet paper twice. Apply the front-to-back rule to cleansing in the shower, too.
3. The Wrong Kind of Underwear
Sure, those snug-fitting and anything-but-breathable panties may be cute. But they’re not a good choice when it comes to preventing UTIs. According to Medscape, the wrong kind of fabric can allow moisture to build up. This can lead to too much bacteria growing near the opening of the bladder. Yikes!
Instead, choose cotton panties. There are lots of fashion-friendly options on the market. These allow your undercarriage to breathe. Ahhhh.
4. Pregnancy
Just when you thought your list of pregnancy complications was complete, here's another one. A woman’s risk of UTI increases during pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, a woman’s risk of UTI increases in weeks six through 24.
But just why is this?
The answer lies in bodily changes that take place during pregnancy -- mainly changes to the urinary tract itself. Scientifically speaking, the uterus is located on top of the bladder. When it grows, it places weight on the urinary tract. According to the American Pregnancy Association, this can block urine from draining, which leads to infection.
Experts say there are some things you can do to prevent UTIs. The first involves hydration with water and unsweetened cranberry juice. Steer clear of excess sugar, and urinate as soon as you need to. Don’t wait -- and make sure your bladder is completely empty.
5. Anal to Vaginal Sex
We all want to spice up our sex lives. However, there are rules that should be followed in this process.
If you’re feeling the urge to experiment, there’s something you need to know. To put it bluntly, you should NEVER have vaginal sex after anal sex without having your partner shower or use a condom. This introduces bacteria that can cause a UTI. Remember this when the urge to try something new strikes.
6. Excess Sugar
Can sugar lead to a UTI? The answer is yes. And for good reason.
“If you eat tons of added sugars and get a real surge in your blood sugar, you may end up with some of that sugar in your urine,” Dr. Jane Minkin tells Greatist. UTI-provoking bacteria increases with excess sugar.
7. Diabetes
According to DiabetesSelfManagement.com, research shows that those with Type 2 diabetes might have a higher risk of UTIs. In fact, one study concluded that those with the disease demonstrated as much as a 60 percent higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection as opposed to those who do not have diabetes. This may be because those with diabetes have impaired circulation, which lowers the body’s ability to fight infections. High blood glucose elevates this risk.
8. Diaphragms
When it comes to pregnancy prevention, diaphragms are an old-time favorite. However, they have been shown to increase the risk of UTIs.
According to The New York Times, “The spring-rim of the diaphragm can bruise the area near the bladder, making it susceptible to bacteria.” Spermicide can increase this risk. This is particularly true when it comes to nonoxynol-9, which has been shown to elevate the risk of UTIs.
If you experience frequent UTIs and use a diaphragm, ask your doctor about alternative birth control options.