If you’ve suffered through a urinary tract infection in the past, you know exactly how painful and uncomfortable the condition can become. Women are far more prone to UTIs than men, and some women even more than others. If you count yourself among the millions of women who are plagued by UTIs, the following information will help you seek a solution.
What Are UTIs?
Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria gets trapped in the urinary tract. Since the urinary tract comprises of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra, there is plenty of space for bacteria to hide. The bladder and the urethra are the most common places for bacteria to live, and this creates infection as the bacteria irritates the body.
Why Are Women More Vulnerable Than Men?
It is simple anatomy that causes women to experience UTIs more frequently than men. Women have shorter urethras than men, so bacteria only has to travel a small distance to reach its destination. Also, since a woman’s urethra is located near her rectum, there is more bacteria in that area to potentially reach the urethra.
Sexual intercourse also places women at increased risk of UTIs since bacteria can easily be pushed up the urethra during sex. Going to the bathroom afterward is important to try and flush germs out, and women who neglect that step often suffer in the following days.
The Dangers of Repeated UTIs
Having a UTI every so often is unfortunate, but not dangerous. However, if you suffer from more than three infections per year, it’s time to get tested and visit a urologist. Frequent infections could indicate a larger underlying problem.
There are a few home remedies that can help you prevent UTIs, like drinking pure cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements. There are also antibiotics available to stave off infections, but using those antibiotics for chronic UTIs could lead to your body building up a resistance to the antibiotic, and you don’t want that!
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