The sudden rush to the bathroom, the sense of impending doom (no one likes wet panties), and the incredible burning pain as the stream begins are all indications of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Most women know these symptoms all too well, 90% of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. There will be close to 7 million office visits to get diagnosed and treated this year. UTIs are a common problem to say the least.
Causes of urinary tract infection (UTI)
The majority (75%) of UTIs are caused by the bacteria, E. coli. These are bacteria that are found in the digestive tract. They cause UTI by just being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Our back end (rectum) and urethra (urine output) are in close proximity to each other especially in women. In fact, there is only 2-3 inches separating the two; one can contaminate the other easily. In addition, the female urethra is very short, about an inch long, from the outside of the body to the opening into the bladder. The E. coli gets on the outside urethra and easily travels to the bladder which is a dark, moist, happy place for bacteria. Presto, a UTI is born.
The urgency, leaking, and frequency (going way too often) are indications that the bladder and urethra are inflamed. The irritated and swollen urethra is the source of the painful burning on urination and bleeding can occur. Considered a lower urinary tract infection by medical providers, it is confined to the bladder and the urethra. It does not involve the kidneys or urinary tubes (ureters). The simple UTI is usually easily diagnosed (urine test) and easily treated with antibiotics. The presence of back pain, fever, nausea, or extreme pain is cause for a medical visit.
How to avoid UTIs?
Since the mechanism of infection is the presence of E. coli in the area there are some tricks to decrease the odds. One, for women, always wipe after toilet activities, front to back. This moves any E. coli away from the urethra. Clean up after heavy exercise or sexual activity because the sweat and activity can push E. coli forward into the urethra. Don’t hold your urine. Women are famous for not going when they need to. This is an invitation to that warm, dark, happy place for E. coli. Regular urination and urination after sexual activity mechanically washes the E. coli down and out. Finally, there is evidence that the old home remedy of drinking cranberry juice does work. The increased acidity may decrease the E. coli count and allow the bladder and urethra to clear the infection without antibiotics. Seek care if symptoms not gone in 24-48 hours.
Other things that might predispose someone to a UTI are bubble baths, frequent hot baths, and excessive washing in the area. The body does have normal “clean up” mechanisms. When that protection is washed away by too much soap, the protection is weakened. This seems to be particularly true in girls.
Urinary tract infections will occur in most women and some men. The mechanics of the rectum and urethra cannot be changed so it is up to each individual to maintain good hygiene in the area to minimize the likelihood of infection. Recurrent infections are not normal; they need to be investigated by a provider. While, men can have “plain” UTIs, they are so rare, it merits more investigation too. Overall, this common problem is easily dealt with by the team of you and your medical provider. Be well and be safe.
