Why Are Urinary Tract Infections Common In Women?

Urinary tract infections are more common in women than men. Have you ever wondered why? Before we tell you that, let us explain a urinary tract infection.

A urinary tract infection is a condition in which any part of your urinary tract gets infected. It can happen in the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. However, most infections occur in the lower part of the urinary tract involving the urethra and the urinary bladder.

To treat a urinary tract infection, your healthcare providers will prescribe antibiotics that help kill the bacteria. Please do not take the symptoms of a urinary tract infection lightly, as it can become life-threatening. Sometimes, when the infection is not diagnosed and treated earlier, it can lead to sepsis.

If you have any symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as burning in urine, pain in the pelvic region, and fever, consult a healthcare provider soon. Mostly, they get a urinary analysis done that can help make the diagnosis. For an expert opinion, you can visit the Best Urologist in Karachi.

If you have a recurrent complaint of urinary tract infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics for a long time. To get the best results drink plenty of water. So your urinary tract remains healthy. It can help flush out bacteria and toxins.

The urinary tract can occur in both men and women. But it is more common in women. Here in this article, we will tell you its reasons.

Why Are Women More Prone To Urinary Tract Infections Than Men?

Women are more prone to urinary tract infections than men due to the following reasons:

Length Of The Urethra

yen have a longer urethra compared to women. So, women have a shorter urethra that makes them susceptible to catching a urinary tract infection. The bacteria can enter their bodies with more ease. And the travelling distance is short, so it can enter your bladder, leading to a urinary tract infection.

Placement Of Urethra

The placement of the urethra leads to a difference in the occurrence of urinary tract infections in men and women. Females have their urethra close to the rectum- from where they defecate. Your stool contains the bacteria E.coli which is healthy for your digestive tract. But it is unhealthy for the urinary tract. So from that, it can travel to the urinary tract, eventually causing a urinary tract infection.

Women should also be told to wipe from front to back instead of back to front. In this way, contamination will not occur.

Sexually Active

Sexually active women are more prone to urinary tract infections. The female anatomy puts them at risk of developing a urinary tract infection after having sex. When you have sex, the penis pushes germs towards your urinary bladder. Eventually, it can cause a urinary tract infection.

Some Types Of Contraception

Some types of contraception, such as spermicide and diaphragm, can increase the risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Therefore you should consult your healthcare provider to get the appropriate contraception method. They can help you with it. If you use any contraception and have a complaint of recurrent urinary tract infections, you must consult with a healthcare provider.

Menopause

With menopause comes a drop in estrogen levels. It can increase the risk of getting a urinary tract infection because due to the low estrogen levels, your vaginal tissues become thin. The bacteria can reach your urinary tract with ease. Your healthcare provider may prescribe vaginal estrogen gels to prevent urinary tract infection in menopausal and premenopausal women.

Pregnancy

Urinary tract infections are common in pregnancy. Many women get it when pregnant. During pregnancy, your urinary bladder may not empty properly because of the child’s weight. The urine remains in the urinary tract for a long time and can become a medium for the bacteria to thrive.

The Bottom Line

Urinary tract infections can be painful. Sometimes they may occur recurrently. To treat it, your healthcare providers prescribe antibiotics. If you have any symptoms of a UTI, you must visit a healthcare professional. For an expert opinion, you can consult the Best Urologist in Rawalpindi.