t infections than men?

Urinary tract infections, which is often referred to as UTIs, are among the most common bacterial infections in the world. They affect millions of people each year, but research has shown that they affect women more than the affect men.  Studies have shown that close to 60% of women will have one UTI in their lifetime, while only around 10% of men will have UTI in their own lifetime.

This difference in the amount of women to men ratio likely to have UTI raises an important question of: Why are women more prone to having UTI than men- Well, the answer to this questions  lies in anatomy, physiology, and certain lifestyle factors that are different in both genders. To better understand this lets look at some basic factors:

What Is a UTI?

As a board certified Family nurse practitioner I would define UTI as any infection that can occur anywhere along the urinary system; not only in the urethra but also in the kidneys, bladder, and ureters. Yes, while the majority of UTIs will involve the lower urinary tract of the urinary system, specifically the bladder and the urethra infection can happen in any part of the urinary tract system.

The most common cause of UTI is a bacterial infection, and the most common bacteria involved is called Escherichia coli popularly known as E.coli. This bacterial normally lives in the intestines but can sometimes spread to the urinary tract where it doesn’t belong, which then leads to an infection.

Why women experience more UTIs than men:

1. Shorter Urethra in Women

The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. In women, the urethra is only about one to two inches long, compared to that of a man that are sometimes nine to ten inches long. Due to this shorter length in women, when bacteria reaches the urethral opening, they will have a much shorter path to travel to cause infection in the bladder in a woman.

2. Proximity to the Anus

The female urethral opening is also located close to the anus. Since the most common cause of UTIs are E.coli, a bacterial that resides in the guts tract, this close proximity makes it easier for bacteria to spread to the urinary tract, and especially if hygiene practices are not carefully followed.

3. Proximity to the Vaginal Opening

The female urethra is also closely located near the vaginal opening, so during sexual activities, bacteria may be easily introduced into the urethra more, and this is why many women experience what is called “honeymoon cystitis” a UTI that is caused by increased sexual activity.

4. Pregnancy and Childbirth

Lastly, pregnant women have an increased risk for UTIs due to hormonal changes and pressure on the bladder. It has actually been documented that UTIs are one of the most common reoccurring medical conditions during pregnancy and must be treated promptly to avoid complications to the pregnancy.

To simply put, the anatomical layout of the female urinary and reproductive organs, combined with certain lifestyles and activity and or additional related factors can explains why women are much more likely to have urinary tract infections compared to men.

So, what are the symptoms of UTI:

While not every UTI causes symptoms or are same, many women report:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Frequent urge to urinate, even when little comes out
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort
• In more severe cases, fever, back pain, or nausea (which may indicate kidney involvement)

What are some things a woman can do to prevent UTI?

While no method is 100% guaranteed or effective, there are a number of practical steps a woman can take to reduce their risk of urinary tract infections, below are some of this steps:

1. Practice good hygiene

This is also the number one step, practicing good hygiene, make sure to always wipe front to back after using the restroom and if possible, rinse and wash with water. This reduces the chance of bacteria spreading from the anus to the urethra.

2. Staying hydrated

Drinking plenty of water will help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract before they can take hold. Plan for at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

3. Urinate after sexual activity

While this might sound like an old mom doctrine or believe, it does work wonders, make sure to urinate and emptying the bladder after intercourse, this can help flush out bacteria introduced during sexual activity.

4. Change underwear regularly

Wear clean, breathable cotton underwear and change it frequently, especially during menstruation. This helps maintain a healthy environment and reduces bacterial growth, this also is key to prevention.

5. Support Vaginal and urinary ph.-balance

A healthy diet, probiotics, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics can support good bacteria in the vaginal and urinary tract that naturally help fight off infection. Als eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can help strengthen the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections.

What should you do if you think you have UTI

If you think you have a urinary tract infection, it’s important to do the following to begin your treatment for UTI:

1. Start drinking water immediately – Increasing fluid intake can help to start to flush out some bacteria and prevent it from taking a hold.
2. Call your primary care provider – Only a medical professional can properly diagnose a UTI and prescribe the correct treatment. Blood and or urine test might be needed for proper diagnosis.
3. Follow your prescribed treatment fully – If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take the full course exactly as directed, even if you start to feel better continue to take as prescribed until complete. Stopping treatment too soon can cause the infection to return and may contribute to antibiotic resistance, which will make treatment and cure even more difficult.
4. Follow up if symptoms persist – If your symptoms don’t improve or if you develop fever, chills, or back pain, contact your provider immediately as this may indicate a kidney infection, which is something you want addressed right away.

While UTI occurrence in men is not as prevalent, when UTI occurs with men it should not be ignored:

Although not as common in men, UTIs in men tend to be more complicated to treat compared to UTI in women. When a man develops a UTI, there is often an underlying health issue that leads to this conditions such as enlarged prostrate, kidney stones, or urinary tract obstruction. Men who develop or have UTI symptoms should always seek medical attention immediately from their doctor or medical provider.

Here are some Key take away:

• We can conclude that women are more prone to UTIs because of their shorter urethra and the close proximity of the urethral opening to the anus and vaginal opening.
• Other factors such as sexual activity, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopause further increase the risk of UTI in women.
• Good hygiene practice, staying hydrated, safe sexual practices, and regular checkups can help reduce the possibilities of a urinary tract infection.
• If you feel you are coming down with a UTI, prompt medical care is crucial to resolve UTIs, Symptoms of UIT should never be ignored, as they can progress to more serious infections if left untreated.

In conclusion:

UTIs are common health issue with women’s, with up to 60% of women experiencing UTI at least once during their lifetime. While the layout of the female urinary and reproductive anatomy is largely the reasons for women being more susceptible to UTI, there are way to prevent UITs and treating it early when the symptoms arise can make a significant difference in its outcome. The practice of good hygiene, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle does go a long way.  If signs of UTI are noted, immediately seek medical attention, this will help promote a healthier urinary and reproductive health system.