12/23/2022
UTI’s: Why Women Are Affected More?
Women are 30 times more likely than males to acquire UTIs. Also, as many as four in ten women who contract a UTI will develop another within six months.
Because a woman's urethra (the tube from the bladder to the point where urine exits the body) is shorter than a man's, causing women to be more prone to urinary tract infections and germs invading the bladder. A woman's urethral opening is also closer to her Va**na and A**s, two of the main sources of pathogens that cause UTIs, which make it easier for germs to enter.
You may be at greater risk when:
Sexually active, you should be tested. Germs that cause UTIs can spread from other areas of the body, such as the va**na, to the urethra during s*x.
Use a diaphragm for birth control or combine s***micides (creams that destroy s***m) with a diaphragm or condoms. Spermicides might wipe out beneficial bacteria that keep you from getting UTIs.
You are pregnant. Pregnancy hormones can alter the bacteria in the urinary tract, making UTIs more likely. Many expectant moms have difficulties completely emptying their bladders because their wombs (wombs) house the developing kid during pregnancy. Bacteria-infested urine that hasn't been fully eliminated can cause a UTI.
After menopause, the hormones estrogen and progesterone have largely vanished. Va**nal tissue becomes thin and dry after the loss of the hormone estrogen in menopause. This can allow infections to develop more easily and cause a UTI.
Diabetes. It is possible that your immune (defense) system and nerves are damaged, making it difficult to completely empty your bladder.
Suppose you experienced any kind of illness or condition, such as a kidney stone, which prevents urine from flowing between your kidneys and bladder.
You have or have recently had a catheter inserted. A catheter is a tiny tube that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. Catheters are used to drain urine when you are unable to do so on your own, such as during surgery.
UTI Prevention Tips
Even with excellent hygiene, women are more vulnerable to bladder infections than males, as demonstrated in the preceding section. However, there are some basic hygienic measures you may take to avoid UTIs.
It's been common knowledge for decades that cleaning back to front after going makes it more likely to develop a UTI because of germs like E. coli. Wiping front to back, on the other hand, spreads disease. Instead, try the blotting method. Using clean folded toilet paper (preferably unscented and undyed), softly blot the outer or top section of the va**na, also known as the urethra. Blotting, unlike wiping, prevents bacteria from entering the urethra by avoiding contact with the outside or top area of the va**na.
Bathing also receives blame for UTIs. While unclean and soapy bath water might induce a UTI, there are methods to avoid it from happening. To avoid irritation and subsequent infections, if you like soaking in the tub, rinse out in the shower after your bath to prevent problems.
Avoiding douching and utilizing other feminine hygiene options is important.
Use the bathroom after in*******se to help flush any bacteria away from the urethra.
Daily, use soap and water to wash the front and back.
Drink a lot of water, causing more frequent urination and keeping bacteria flushed out.
When you feel the need to urinate, empty your bladder as completely as possible.
Many women get UTIs at some point in their life. If you are one of them, speak with your doctor about the potential causes and treatment options.
