Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are largely avoidable if you know how to take precautions.
When issues arise, however, it helps to know where to turn. For women in New York City, Gabriela Olaru, MD, and our team at V Care OB/GYN are a trusted resource. Today, we delve into how to reduce your risk of one of these painful infections.
Urinary tract infections result from bacteria found in the rectum. Your body houses innumerable types of bacteria. Some are found in your mouth, others live in and on your skin. A vast array of bacteria live within your digestive tract, including your rectum.
Some bacteria are necessary for human life, while others can cause problems if they reach the wrong areas or multiply to certain levels. One of the primary causes of UTIs is Escherichia coli (E. coli).
When this type of bacteria travels from your anus to your urethra, it can rapidly multiply, creating a urinary tract infection. That infection can spread to your bladder, ureters, and even your kidneys. From there, it can enter your bloodstream and cause numerous problems.
Women are far more likely than men to develop UTIs. That makes sense when you consider human anatomy. A woman’s anus is close to her urethra, so bacteria have far less distance to travel than they would for a man.
The best way to prevent urinary tract infections is to avoid transfer of bacteria from the anus to the urethra. That’s why women and girls are advised to always wipe from front to back after urinating or defecating. Wiping in the other direction would dramatically increase the risk of spreading bacteria toward the urethra.
You can also take steps to reduce the transfer of bacteria after sex. Because there’s contact and friction during sex, it stands to reason that bacteria can easily move to different areas of a woman’s genital and anal region.
Women can reduce their risk of developing a UTI by urinating shortly after sex. The flow of urine can flush out any bacteria that might’ve made their way into or near the urethra.
Good hygiene also helps; washing the body helps reduce bacteria counts. Avoid products marketed as feminine hygiene, including douches, powders, or sprays. Your body’s natural processes and showering are enough. Some of these products may cause health issues.
Some women experience recurring urinary tract infections, even if they take the precautions above. If you’ve had multiple UTIs, you may need antibiotic therapy to control infection.
One option is to take a single dose of antibiotics when you have sex. Another option is to take antibiotics for a day or two if you notice symptoms. For some women, taking a low dose of antibiotics every day for six months or more is the best way to avoid a urinary tract infection.
UTIs create a clear set of symptoms that include burning sensations while urinating, pelvic pain, abnormally strong urine odor, and a severe urge to urinate even if only a small amount of urine comes out.
No matter if this is your first UTI or you’ve lived with recurring infections for years, the team at V Care OB/GYN is here to help. To schedule a visit, call our office on Manhattan’s Upper East Side or book your appointment online today.
