UTI in the summer: Best 12 Tips to Prevent
Is UTI more likely in the summer? 12 ways for avoiding it
As the summer season begins, numerous women report urinary tract infections (UTIs). So, is it true that the risk of UTIs is most in the summer? Let us find out.
UTIs are more frequent in the warmer months. Image credit: Adobe Stock.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial illnesses in women, accounting for almost 25% of total infections. While men may have UTIs, they are more common among women. In reality, around 50-60% of women will suffer UTIs over their lives. It can affect any portion of the urinary system, such as the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. Despite being easily curable with medicine and home cures, many women see an upsurge in UTIs during the summer months. This might be due to a variety of circumstances, such as dehydration, excessive perspiration, and so on. Let’s find out what causes UTIs throughout the summer and how to avoid them.
What is a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any component of the urinary system, such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethral. UTIs are caused when bacteria from the digestive system enter the urinary tract via the urethra, resulting in symptoms such as discomfort or burning during urination and frequent urine.
Symptoms of UTI.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is likely to cause the following symptoms:
- Strong, persistent desire to urinate.
- Urinary burning feeling.
- Frequent urination
- Urine that is cloudy or has a strong scent
- Blood in the Urine
- Pelvic discomfort.
- Pain in your back or sides
- Fever and chills.
Urinary tract infections are often accompanied with frequent urination! Image credit: Adobe Stock.
Is UTI more likely in the summer?
The summer months, notably June, July, and August, have the hottest temperatures of the year. During this period, many people, including men and women, frequently get urinary tract infections (UTIs). According to the Office of Women’s Health, women are up to 30 times more likely than males to have UTIs. Furthermore, up to four out of every ten women who have a UTI will contract at least one other infection within six months.
Also Read; Ask the Experts: Are UTIs More Common in the Summer?
UTIs may be more likely in the summer owing to a variety of causes. According to obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Mansi Sharma, “During warmer months, people tend to sweat more, leading to dehydration and reduced urinary output, which can concentrate urine and promote bacterial growth.” Furthermore, when the temperature and humidity rise, bacteria thrive, increasing the risk of UTIs. Fortunately, most UTIs do not represent a major hazard and may be successfully treated with medicine.
Other causes of UTIs
UTIs are primarily caused by bacteria, most notably Escherichia coli (E. coli) from the gastrointestinal tract. These bacteria enter the urinary tract via the urethra and spread to infect your bladder. The infection can then spread upward and finally attack your kidneys. In addition, poor personal hygiene, retaining urine for extended periods of time, and inappropriate sexual behaviors can all lead to UTIs. Furthermore, some medical disorders, such as diabetes or kidney stones, enhance the risk of UTIs.
Tips to avoid UTI in the summer
If you battle with UTIs over the summer, here are 12 recommendations to keep in mind:
Also Read: Nutrients for Skin and Hair: Best 1 for Beauty Goals
1. Keep yourself hydrated.
Dehydration is frequent in the summer and might raise your risk of acquiring a UTI. Drink lots of water throughout the day to remove germs from your urinary tract system. Dr Sharma recommends aiming for at least 8 glasses of water every day.
Keep yourself hydrated. Image credit: Adobe Stock.
2. urinate regularly.
Never retain your pee for an extended amount of time, especially if you have a UTI. This may allow germs to proliferate in the bladder. So, urinate anytime you feel the need to avoid UTIs.
3. Wear breathable clothing.
Sweating is prevalent in the summer owing to high temperatures. Choose loose-fitting, cotton underwear and apparel to enable air to circulate. Breathable clothing helps to keep the genital region dry and inhibits bacterial development.
4. Wipe front-to-back.
After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back. This can help limit the transmission of bacteria from the anus to the urethra, lowering the risk of infection.
5. Have safe sex.
“To lower the risk of UTIs and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinate right after sex to wash out germs that might cause a UTI in summer or any other season. Furthermore, utilize protection throughout intercourse,” advises Dr Sharma.
6. Avoid irritants.
Avoid perfumed feminine hygiene products, strong soaps, and douches, since these can alter the vagina’s natural pH balance and raise the risk of UTIs.
7. Keep cool and dry.
Excessive sweating in hot conditions can provide a warm, damp environment that encourages bacterial development. Always replace damp garments soon.
8. Take a shower after swimming.
“Chlorine and bacteria in swimming pools can increase the risk of UTIs,” Dr. Sharma explains. Take a shower after swimming. This will assist to eradicate microorganisms from the skin and vaginal region.
Always shower after swimming. Image credit: Adobe Stock.
9. Apply heat.
If you have a UTI and are in pain or discomfort, you can use a heating pad, a warm washcloth, or a hot water bottle to relieve pain and calm the symptoms.
10. Drink cranberry juice.
According to a research published in Elsevier Clinics, cranberry juice may help lessen UTI symptoms by inhibiting bacterial growth. Do not forget to get unsweetened cranberry juice.
11. Take probiotics.
“Probiotics, found in yoghurt and other fermented foods, can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and urinary tract, reducing the risk of UTIs,” according to the practitioner.
12. Avoid coffee and alcohol.
Caffeine and alcohol can both irritate the bladder and cause more frequent urine, thereby increasing the risk of UTI. Limit your intake of these beverages, particularly during hot weather.
So, implement these steps to avoid the danger of UTI!
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