In addition, the external urethral meatus in women is mostly mucosa, moist tissue lining the inside of the vagina. This skin is thinner and more sensitive than most of the skin on the body, unlike in male counterparts. As a result, the female urethra is easier to traumatize and irritate. The irritated skin creates an environment for bacteria to potentially live and grow before climbing the short distance up the urethra to the bladder. All of this is compounded by the fact the female urethra is located closer to the rectum, which carries waste and bacteria such as E.
The number one cause of bladder infections is E. The anatomy of women also makes them prone to getting UTIs after sex. Sexual contact can allow bacteria near the vagina to get into the urethra.
Using spermicide or a diaphragm for birth control can also cause more frequent UTIs. Spermicide may cause vaginal irritation that can create an environment for bacteria to grow. Diaphragms are used with spermicide and can contribute to UTIs because they push against the urethra, making it more difficult to completely empty your bladder.
The urine that remains is more likely to grow bacteria that can cause infection. Higher susceptibility to UTIs also comes with going through menopause. As you age, and especially as estrogen levels drop during this time, your vaginal tissue becomes thinner and more prone to infection. Treatment with an estrogen cream or pills is being studied as a way to prevent UTIs in menopausal and postmenopausal women. Keep the genital area clean and dry.
Girls should change their tampons and pads regularly during their periods. Bubble baths can irritate the vaginal area, so girls should take showers or plain baths.
Avoid long exposure to moisture in the genital area by not wearing nylon underwear or wet swimsuits. Wearing underwear with cotton crotches is also helpful. Skip using feminine hygiene sprays or douches, as these can irritate the urethra. If you are sexually active, go to the bathroom both before and within 15 minutes after sex. After sex, gently wash the genital area to remove any bacteria. Avoid sexual positions that irritate or hurt the urethra or bladder. Couples who use lubrication during sex should use a water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly.
UTIs are uncomfortable and often painful, but they're common and easily treated. The sooner you contact your doctor, the sooner you'll be able to get rid of the problem.
Reviewed by: T. Ernesto Figueroa, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is a Urinary Tract Infection? What Causes Urinary Tract Infections? UTIs can cause such signs as: pain, burning, or a stinging sensation when peeing an increased urge or more frequent need to pee though only a very small amount of pee may be passed fever waking up at night a lot to go to the bathroom belly pain in the area of the bladder generally below the belly button foul-smelling pee that may look cloudy or contain blood If you have any symptoms of a UTI, you'll need to go to a doctor right away.
Men can get recurrent UTIs too, but it is not as common and is often due to some type of urinary tract blockage. There are many reasons why women may have recurring urinary infections, but we will focus on four common reasons. Women are more prone to UTIs mostly because of their anatomy. Once bacteria is in the urethra, it only has a short distance to travel to the bladder and cause an infection. Additionally, some women have cells that are naturally more receptive to bacteria, meaning the bacteria are less likely to be flushed out by your natural body functions.
In a study of more than 1, women who experience recurrent UTIs and kidney infections, researchers determined that a genetic variation in these cell receptors is associated with an increased risk of bladder and kidney infections. This lessens the risk of any fecal matter or bacteria being moved from the anus into the urethra.
Use a diaphragm for birth control or use spermicides creams that kill sperm with a diaphragm or with condoms. Spermicides can kill good bacteria that protect you from UTIs. Are pregnant. Pregnancy hormones can change the bacteria in the urinary tract, making UTIs more likely.
Also, many pregnant women have trouble completely emptying the bladder, because the uterus womb with the developing baby sits on top of the bladder during pregnancy. Leftover urine with bacteria in it can cause a UTI. Have gone through menopause. After menopause, loss of the hormone estrogen causes vaginal tissue to become thin and dry. This can make it easier for harmful bacteria to grow and cause a UTI.
Have diabetes, which can lower your immune defense system and cause nerve damage that makes it hard to completely empty your bladder Have any condition, like a kidney stone, that may block the flow of urine between your kidneys and bladder Have or recently had a catheter in place.
A catheter is a thin tube put through the urethra into the bladder. Catheters drain urine when you cannot pass urine on your own, such as during surgery. What are the symptoms of a UTI? If you have a UTI, you may have some or all of these symptoms: 6 , 7 Pain or burning when urinating An urge to urinate often, but not much comes out when you go Pressure in your lower abdomen Urine that smells bad or looks milky or cloudy Blood in the urine.
This is more common in younger women. If you see blood in your urine, tell a doctor or nurse right away. Feeling tired, shaky, confused, or weak. This is more common in older women. Having a fever, which may mean the infection has reached your kidneys. What causes UTIs? How is a UTI diagnosed? These tests may include: A cystogram. This is a special type of x-ray of your urinary tract. These x-rays can show any problems, including swelling or kidney stones. A cystoscopic exam. The cystoscope is a small tube the doctor puts into the urethra to see inside of the urethra and bladder for any problems.
How is a UTI treated? What can happen if a UTI is not treated? Sometimes the infection can get in the bloodstream. This is rare but life-threatening. How do UTIs affect pregnancy? How can I prevent UTIs?
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