Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are a common health problem in women. Around half of all women will deal with at least one UTI in their lives. Men also get them but much less often. Only around one in 20 men experience UTIs.
Many women also report recurrent infections, which are multiple UTIs that happen over a short length of time.
Urine is a byproduct that is produced through the body’s blood-filtering process. It is waste that must be removed regularly. In a healthy person, urine moves through without contamination. Sometimes, bacteria can grow in the urinary tract and lead to an infection.
Most infections appear in the lower region of the urinary system. This area includes the urethra, bladder, kidneys, and ureters.
Women who experience discomfort or are concerned about their UTI risk should schedule a gynecologist appointment.
Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
A woman can have a UTI and not know it because they haven’t experienced noticeable symptoms. Others may feel discomfort in the urinary tract and pelvic region. Common UTI symptoms include:
- Urge to urinate that doesn’t seem to go away
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Urine that is bright pink, red, or dark in color
- Frequent urination that only produces small quantities
- Urine that has a strong odor
- Urine that appears cloudy
- Pain in the lower back or side of the back
- Pain in the pelvic region
Diagnosing a UTI in older women is sometimes more challenging because it’s often mistaken for other health conditions. In some cases, older women may experience other symptoms like behavior changes, confusion, and delirium. These changes often occur quickly and should be immediately evaluated by a medical professional.
UTI Risk Factors for Women
Women are more prone to UTIs because of their shorter urethras and the closer location to the rectum. This makes it easier for bacteria to get into the urinary system.
Other factors can also increase a person’s risk of a UTI, including:
- Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy
- Medications that suppress the immune system
- Kidney stones and other urinary tract abnormalities
- Sexual activity, especially with a new partner
- Birth control like spermicides and diaphragms
- Personal or family history of UTIs
- Medical conditions like diabetes
- Increased age
Your doctor can discuss your individual UTI risk factors and provide recommendations to manage them. Every woman should also know these 8 signs that you need to make a gynecologist appointment now if they haven’t had a check-up recently.
How to Treat a Urinary Tract Infection
Your doctor will ask about symptoms, perform a physical exam, and may order a urine test to determine if you have a UTI. Once diagnosed, you will most likely be prescribed antibiotics to fight the infection. Other medication may be prescribed to manage pain and discomfort if needed.
Always take medications as prescribed. Women should also be aware that antibiotics can cause nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and yeast infections. Stay in touch with your doctor if you notice changes or worsening symptoms.
Patients should also drink plenty of water during treatment. Fluids will help flush out the bacteria that is causing the infection.
How to Prevent a Urinary Tract Infection
Prevention is always the best course of action. There are several things that women can do to lower their UTI risk and avoid the discomfort that comes with an infection.
- Drink Plenty of Water Every Day
Make sure to get enough water every day. This will help keep bladder tissue hydrated. It also dilutes urine which reduces the concentration of bacteria in the body. Most women should drink around 1.5 to 2 liters per day or approximately six 8-ounce glasses.
- Urinate After Sexual Intercourse
Urination is a natural way for the body to rid itself of waste. Urinating soon after sexual intercourse will also help prevent a UTI. Doing so will flush out lingering bacteria that may have found its way in through the urethra.
- Frequently Empty Your Bladder
Frequent urination will also help flush out bacteria. This reduces your risk of UTI. Holding your urine for extended periods of time can increase risk because it allows bacteria to remain and grow.
- Wipe From Front to Back
Wiping from front to back when using the bathroom will also protect the urinary tract from infection. It prevents bacteria originating in the rectum from traveling to the urethra. E. coli lives in the intestines and can cause a UTI if it enters the urinary system.
- Practice Good Hygiene Habits
Practice good hygiene habits to keep the body clean and free of bacteria. Taking a shower instead of a bath will help prevent an infection. The genital area should be kept clean and should be cleaned before and after sexual activity.
Staying up to date on your medical care will also help prevent an infection. Learn more about health screenings that every woman over age 40 should schedule this year and talk to your doctor about your UTI risk. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to avoid an infection and other common gynecological problems.