UTI in Women - Preventive Measures

Introduction

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur most commonly in women rather than men. This is due to the presence of shorter urethra in women. This condition causes discomfort and, in certain cases, a burning sensation, smelly urine, and pain to the individual. The statement “prevention is better than cure: can be applied in the case of UTIs also. In this era, where every individual is aware of antibiotics prescribed by the healthcare professional, UTIs have been resistant to antibiotic therapy and are recurring. With such statistics of the condition, preventive strategies should be followed religiously to avoid UTIs.

What Are UTIs?

Bacterial infections that affect the bladder and urinary tract are urinary tract infections (UTIs). They can be categorized into two types: Complicated UTIs and non-complicated UTIs. Non-complicated UTIs present as discomfort or irritation in the vaginal areas but nearly 20 percent of them resolve on their own. Complicated UTIs do not subside easily and require antibiotic therapy, which reoccurs in certain cases, too. In medical conditions that have high chances of recurrence, prevention criteria play an important role.

How to Prevent UTIs?

Prevention of UTI involves basic lifestyle changes like maintenance of proper hygiene in intimate areas and avoiding agents that serve as a source of urinary tract infections. Following are the 10 ways of preventing UTIs.

1. Maintain Hygiene: Urethra is a tube connecting the bladder with the external body to pass out urine. Proper maintenance of hygiene in the area is necessary to prevent infection of bacteria in the region.

   1. Tea Tree Oil: Washing the area with water and tea tree oil has proven to reduce the chances of urinary infections by disinfecting the area.

   2. Frequently Wash and Dry: Drying the area after washing is important as moisture can habitat the bacteria.

   3. From Front to Back: The process of washing is done from the front region to the back of the vaginal area. As the residues of the urine can harbor bacteria, they should be cleanly washed.

2. Stay Hydrated: Certain individuals tend to consume less water for many reasons, though staying hydrated is essential for overall well-being. Water balances and regulates the body's temperature along with maintaining the body's functions. Drinking eight glasses of water is necessary every day. Prioritizing the maintenance of water levels ensures the proper functioning of the individual.

3. Urinate Adequately: Avoid the habit of delaying urination. Passing urine efficiently helps remove the toxins from the body, thereby aiding in cleaning up. Holding in urine for prolonged periods can lead to the overgrowth of bacteria along with complications. It is highly essential to respond swiftly to the body's signals by not delaying the use of the restroom when there is an increased urge to drink water. Regular urination supports building up a healthy urinary system by efficiently eliminating waste and maintaining the urinary functional system.

4. Avoid Over-treatment: Prescribed antibiotic doses should be used, and they need not be continued after the dosage. Infections are rapidly becoming resistant to antibiotics due to this, and UTIs do not subside completely. If the antibiotics are prescribed for five days, the medication has to be stopped after five days. Prolonging it may have no benefit; rather, it can be a great disadvantage.

5. Non Antibiotic Interventions:

   1. Cranberry Juice: Cranberries contain compounds that interfere with the ability of the bacteria to attach themselves to the urinary tract lining. When this attachment is hindered, it becomes difficult for the bacteria to infect. Cranberry juice serves as the best preventive measure after a healthy lifestyle. If one plans to incorporate cranberry juice into the diet, look for total sugar content and opt for low-sugar varieties. Not everyone can take cranberry juice. Avoid kidney stones.

   2. Citrus Fruits: Due to the acidic nature of the citrus fruits, urine gets acidified and this creates a less favorable environment for the growth of infections-causing bacteria.

   3. Probiotics: Good bacteria are often referred to as probiotics which can help in preventing UTIs. Not all the probiotics work adequately for every individual. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for the best probiotic.

6. Prevention of STI: Unprotected intercourse or intercourse with multiple partners is the most common way of spreading sexually transmitted infections (STI). Individuals must plan for safer intercourse to avoid complications such as UTIs.

7. Watch Out for the Material of Undergarments: Undergarments should be judiciously selected and used. As they stay in contact with the skin and secretions of the body for a longer time, choosing them should be wisely made. Cotton undergarments are comfortable and have a lower rate of infections. Undergarments made of other materials can also lead to friction that irritates the skin causing infections. It is not advisable to use tight undergarments.

8. Type of Toilet and Baths: Though the spread of UTIs by means of the type of toilet and baths is highly debatable, it has been identified that the transmission is higher in the case of individuals using western toilets and less in those using Indian toilets. Bathing in a shower can decrease the spread of UTIs rather than those taking regular baths.

9. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals: There are many brands launching products that can be used in the vaginal area either to clean or to eliminate unwanted hair. It is advised to note the composition of the creams or gels before using them to avoid allergies that might turn into infections.

10. Avoid Self-Treatments: Antibiotics are consumed by patients today, even without a proper prescription. Such usage can make an individual resistant to antibiotics. The other category is individuals relying on self-treatment, who keep trying every possible way except taking the medications for UTIs. In such cases, it is recommended not to opt for self-treatment and to consult a healthcare professional, as they can prescribe the necessary medication.

Conclusion

Following the preventive measures effectively, changing an unhealthy lifestyle, and regular consultations with a healthcare professional can control the occurrence of UTIs. Urinary health education and awareness are essential for women to be aware of urinary health and to take care of it. Simple steps can help women build a confident future with less prevalence of urinary tract infections and by prioritizing urinary health.