Urinary tract infections are a common problem, especially among women. They happen when bacteria enter the urethra and cause an infection in any part of the urinary tract, including the bladder and kidneys.
Some women are more prone to a urinary tract infection than others, depending on various factors, including their anatomy.
UTIs aren't usually life-threatening unless they are left untreated. However, they do lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including burning with urination and pelvic pain.
The Collaborative Women's Care team in Miami, Florida, understands the female reproductive system and how it may lead to problems like a UTI.
Dr. Eduardo Valdes is our expert OB/GYN who offers customized treatments for various issues, including urinary tract infections.
The urinary system is complex and includes the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters. The system filters blood and removes wastes from the body through urine.
When bacteria enter the urinary system through the genitals and urethra, it can lead to a urinary tract infection. A UTI is an infection in one part of the urinary system. However, the urethra and bladder are the most common.
The kidneys can also become infected through bacteria in the urethra, but who is at risk for a UTI? Women are more prone to UTIs because of their anatomy, with the urethra near the rectum.
However, men and women can suffer from a urinary tract infection for various reasons. Some of the risk factors for urinary tract infections include the following:
Young children are more at risk for a UTI, especially when potty training due to improper wiping and inability to provide themselves with good hygiene.
If you're at risk for a UTI or have had one in the past, there are several steps you can take to avoid another one in the future. Some of the tips Dr. Valdes offers for UTI prevention include the following:
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps to keep the urinary tract clean of harmful bacteria. Aim to drink about eight glasses of water daily, although you can switch it up and drink other healthy liquids.
Staying hydrated flushes the urinary system of harmful bacteria, which can build up and lead to an infection.
Wiping after going to the bathroom is essential, especially for women. Ensure you're wiping from front to back so you don't bring bacteria into your urethra.
Teaching girls this early on is essential to avoid UTIs at a young age.
Sexual activity increases the risk of bacteria in the urethra, especially for women. The best practice is to urinate before and after sex to eliminate any excess bacteria around the urethra.
You may want to wash the genitals gently before sex to remove lingering bacteria on the skin.
Getting to the restroom can be challenging, especially when busy, but holding in urine is bad. Not emptying your bladder regularly harbors bacteria, which can lead to a urinary tract infection.
It's especially vital to empty your bladder throughout the day when you're pregnant because of the already increased risk of an infection.
Although scented products may be tempting, they harm the good bacteria in the vagina. More than fifty types of good bacteria keep the vagina healthy and the PH balanced.
Scented products like powders, douches, and tampons harm the fragile balance of vaginal flora in the vagina.
Taking a probiotic daily may help reduce harmful bacteria in the urinary tract if you're especially prone to infections. Probiotics are good forms of live bacteria that you take as a pill or liquid to enhance gut health and prevent harmful bacteria from taking over.
Call our office today at 305-200-3878 to request a urinary tract infection treatment appointment or schedule a consultation with Dr. Valdes online.
