Urinary Tract Infections in Women: Symptoms, Causes, Myths and Treatment Tips

Introduction

UTIs might seem like a minor inconvenience, but they can impact your health in serious ways if left untreated. Curious about what causes them, common myths, and how to prevent them? Read on to learn more.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a very common type of infection that occurs in the urinary system, including in the urethra, ureters, bladder, and kidneys. However, most of the infections can be seen commonly in the lower urinary tract, such as the bladder and urethra.

Women are at increased risk for a UTI due to the shorter urethra than in men, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder, and UTIs are more frequent in postmenopausal women because of low estrogen levels that alter the vaginal and urethral tissue to raise the risk of infection.

What causes UTIs

Microorganisms – usually bacteria (mostly UTIs can be caused by the bacteria from the large intestine, such as E. coli)– cause urinary tract infections, typically enter through the urethra and may infect the bladder. Other bacteria include Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella.

This infection can also travel up from your bladder through the ureters and eventually infect the kidneys.

Risk factors:

Some women have a higher risk of developing UTIs, and the risk factors include:

• Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause or pregnancy)
• Poor hygiene practices
• Medical conditions such as urinary tract obstructions or diabetes
• Being female (female anatomy – shorter urethra)
• Being sexually active (sex can trigger the bacteria to move inside the vagina)
• Age (children and the elderly are more likely to get UTIs)
• A previous UTI

Symptoms and complications

Infection in the urinary system causes inflammation in the lining of the urinary tract. The inflammation may cause the following problems:

• Frequent urination
• Urge incontinence
• Cloudy, foul-smelling pee
• Pressure in the lower part of the pelvis
• Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or flank area
• Lower back pain
• Dysuria (pain when you pee)
• Haematuria (blood in the pee)

Myths (e.g., hygiene habits)

Myth: Sex is the only way you can get a UTI.

Fact: No, sex is not the cause of UTI, but it triggers a UTI, as it can move bacteria into the vagina.

Myth: Drinking cranberry juice will cure a UTI.

Fact: There is not enough evidence to support this statement. Most studies don’t support drinking cranberry juice for UTI prevention because it does not contain a high enough concentration of proanthocyanidins (PAC), the substance found in cranberry juice linked to urinary tract health.

Myth: Cleaning inside the vagina with soap will prevent a UTI.

Fact: Keeping the vaginal area clean is essential for preventing infection, but over washing this sensitive area can be damaging and actually increase the risk of infection.

Myth: Only women can get a UTI.

Fact: Men also can get UTIs, but women have a higher chance of developing UTIs than men due to the shorter urethra, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.

Myth: UTIs will clear up on their own.

Fact: No, not all UTIs can clear up on their own; only minor UTIs (especially a small percentage of uncomplicated UTIs) might sometimes resolve on their own. Many UTIs require treatment.

Treatment of UTIs

Simple UTI: It can be treated with a short course of antibiotic meds.

Complicated UTI: A longer course of antibiotics is given to treat this. Sometimes antibiotic therapy can be started intravenously (IV) in the hospital.

Preventive practices (hydration, hygiene, probiotics)

The risk of developing a UTI can be reduced in different simple ways, such as:

• Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help to keep your bladder tissue hydrated and healthy.
• Emptying your bladder often ensures the urine is not sitting in the bladder for long periods of time.
• Urinating soon after sex removes some of the bacteria before they can cause an infection.
• Engaging in pelvic floor exercises can strengthen the muscles that support the urethra and bladder.
• Some studies suggest that limiting alcohol, soda, and other caffeinated drinks can promote bladder health.
• Eating foods such as bananas, pears, green beans, whole grains, nuts, potatoes, and eggs can have cleansing properties that promote healthy urinary tract function and reduce bacterial growth.

Conclusion

Urinary tract infections are common but often preventable with good hygiene, hydration, and healthy lifestyle habits. While most UTIs can be treated successfully, untreated infections may lead to serious complications. Always consult a gynecologist or urologist for proper diagnosis and treatment to protect your urinary health.