Did you know that more than half of women will experience at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their lives? UTIs are common, particularly in women, and are often caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract.
In this article, we'll explore some of the common signs of urinary infections, who's affected by them, and some self-care tips to reduce the risk of UTIs.
What are UTIs?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also called bladder infections or cystitis, and they can occur anywhere in the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. However, they are primarily triggered by bacteria entering the bladder.
While UTIs can affect anyone, they're significantly more common in women. In fact, women get UTIs up to 30 times more often than men do, and some women experience them regularly (called recurrent UTIs).
From anatomical differences to the stages of a woman's reproductive life cycle and hormonal changes, there are lots of reasons why women are more susceptible to UTIs. The biggest reason is the female anatomy – in women the urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body) is shorter than in men.
What increases the risks of UTIs?
There are various factors that can increase your risk for a UTI, for instance:
- Being sexually active: sexual activity can facilitate the movement of UTI-causing bacteria from other areas, like the vagina, to the urethra.
- Having diabetes: diabetes can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections, and it can also lead to nerve damage, making it challenging to completely empty your bladder.
- Being pregnant: pregnancy hormones can alter the bacterial balance in the urinary tract, increasing the likelihood of UTIs. Additionally, the pressure exerted by the uterus on the bladder during pregnancy can hinder complete bladder emptying, leaving behind urine with bacteria.
- Using spermicide or a diaphragm for birth control, which may cause more frequent UTIs. Spermicide can create vaginal irritation, providing an environment for bacteria to thrive.
- Going through menopause - As women age, especially during menopause when oestrogen levels decrease, the vaginal tissue becomes thinner and more prone to infection. Research is being conducted on the use of oestrogen creams or pills to prevent UTIs in menopausal and postmenopausal women.